Indoor Air Quality Testing for BREEAM
Indoor air quality testing for BREEAM is an essential aspect of new building design and construction. It is a crucial component of the BREEAM certification process, which is a widely recognized standard for sustainable building design and construction across the world. BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing aims to reduce the risk of health deterioration and building performance by testing the indoor air quality for the end-users.

As well as helping you to gain your initial (BREEAM) credit, by testing the indoor air quality our engineering team are then able to produce a bespoke indoor air quality plan. Our plans are able to provide you with the following benefits:

• Advice on removal of contaminant sources
• Dilution and control of contaminant sources
• Procedures for pre-occupancy flush-out
• Informative checklist to help you prepare for the third party testing
• Third party testing and analysis
• Advice on maintaining Indoor Air Quality In-Use

APT Sound Testing provides a wide range of air quality testing and advisory services to ensure that the air in and around your buildings is of optimum quality and meets regulatory and environmental requirements. Our test engineers have substantial training, skills, experience, and knowledge of testing a wide range of new build and refurbishment indoor environments.

We can undertake all your BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing requirements

Here at APT Sound Testing, we have significant experience in carrying out post-construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. We are familiar with the stringent methods that are specified under BREEAM Hea02, Home Quality Mark (HQM) and other compliance standards. Our team will always provide a firm quotation and helpful checklist to help you prepare for the testing, prior to us visiting site to carry out this work.

We will ensure that all post-construction testing is carried out to the relevant standard that you are looking to achieve as specifications do vary.

When undertaking Indoor Air Quality Testing for BREEAM, we will typically test for Formaldehyde and TVOC in the air but can easily include other pollutants if required. We will normally sample rooms which will be occupied for long periods of time, for instance offices, hospitals and offices. It is important to make sure that a sufficient number of these rooms are tested in order to gain the relevant credit.

Our tasked team will make sure that all post-construction air quality tests are carried out in accordance with the very exacting BREEAM Hea02 methods. Our expert team will also provide free advice and guidance to your project manager to help to create the correct environment for the air quality tests as we have found over this years this to be very important.

To help you prepare for your Post Construction Air quality testing, please download our Indoor Air Quality Checklist. Need to add a BREEAM Indoor Air Quality testing checklist

Call or email us today about Indoor Air Quality Testing. We are here to help!

Call us on 01525 303905 or email us on info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk about our Indoor Air Quality Testing services. We are here to help! Alternatively, please visit our contact page here.

APT Sound Testing has been carrying out professional BREEAM thermal imaging surveys to check for insulation continuity for over 10 years. We use the highest resolution thermal imaging camera equipment and all our surveyors are all certified level 2.

Thermographic surveys are now a feature of BREEAM – the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation.  BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment programs both recognise the benefit of a thermographic survey by awarding credits for a Level 2 certified thermographer carrying out a suitable thermal survey.

APT Carry Out Thermal Imaging Surveys in the following sectors:

• Data Centre thermal Surveys
• Building envelope thermal surveys
• Flat roof condition thermal surveys
• Thermal surveys on electrical and mechanical installations

Whether your building inspection is for insulation continuity in Part L2 (b) of building regulations, paths of air leakage, insulation checks or under floor heating inspections for either commercial or domestic projects, we have a survey to fit your requirements. Our integrity is guaranteed to bring you true results.

Our team of certified professional engineers are highly experienced in carrying out all types of thermal imaging surveys and have many years’ experience in all aspects of BREAAM, construction, engineering, maintenance and professional management thermal survey work.

Our thermal imaging equipment is the best and most accurate on the market, ensuring we pick up faults that other equipment may miss. Our reports are professionally generated and issued via email for quick access. We can normally turn around reports within 24 hours from the completion of the BREEAM survey. We endeavour to give our clients an ongoing proactive service, which is why we retain our clients year after year. We are passionate about what we do and gain great satisfaction from genuinely helping to make significant improvements to businesses and individuals.

Contact us today on 01525 303905 or visit our website If you require a Thermal Imaging Survey in London or anywhere in the UK, and our professional and certified Level 2 Thermographer’s will carry out your thermographic Inspections for BREEAM compliance in accordance with all necessary standards and current regulations.

All we need are a few details such as floor plans and elevation drawings and the building location to provide a quotation. We will also send across our informative checklist to help you prepare for the thermal survey.

Air tightness testing is a process that measures how much air leaks through the gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. It is also known as air testing, air pressure testing, or air leakage testing. Air tightness testing is required for all new buildings, both domestic and non-domestic, as part of the Building Regulations Part L in the UK. But why is air tightness testing important? Here are some of the benefits of having an airtight building:

• Building Energy efficiency: An airtight building reduces the amount of heated or cooled air that escapes through the building envelope, which means less energy is wasted and lower energy bills for the occupants.
• Environmental impact: An airtight building also reduces the carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling, which contributes to tackling climate change and meeting the UK’s net zero target by 2050. Recent studies have  estimated  that buildings account for 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, so improving their air tightness can make a huge difference.
• Comfort and health: An airtight building prevents uncomfortable draughts, cold spots, and noise from outside, creating a more pleasant and consistent indoor environment. It also avoids condensation problems that can lead to mould growth and poor indoor air quality, which can affect the health and well-being of the occupants.
• Quality assurance: An air tightness test verifies the quality of the materials and workmanship used in the construction of the building, ensuring that it meets the standards and specifications required by the Building Regulations. It also identifies any defects or areas that need improvement, which can be fixed before they cause further issues or damage.

How to achieve a good air tightness test result

The key to achieving a good air tightness test result is to plan and prepare from the early stages of the design and construction process and using an air tightness champion to monitor the ongoing works. Some of the factors that affect the air tightness of a building are:

• Design for Air Tightness: The design of the building should minimise the number and size of openings and penetrations in the building envelope, such as windows, doors, pipes, wires, vents, etc. The junctions between different elements and materials should also be well detailed and sealed to avoid gaps and cracks.
• Building Materials: The materials used for the building envelope should be durable, robust, and compatible with each other. They should also have appropriate properties and performance characteristics for their intended use and location. For example, some materials may expand or contract due to temperature or moisture changes, which can affect their air tightness.
• Workmanship: The workmanship involved in the installation and assembly of the materials and components should be of high quality and follow good practice guidelines. The workers should be trained and skilled in applying the appropriate techniques and methods for achieving air tightness. They should also check their work regularly and rectify any errors or defects as soon as possible.
• Testing for Air tightness: The testing of the building’s air tightness should be carried out by a qualified and accredited tester using approved equipment and procedures. The testing should be done at an appropriate stage of the construction process, when all the relevant elements of the building envelope are completed and sealed. The testing should also be repeated if any changes or modifications are made to the building envelope after the initial test.

By following these steps, you can maximise your chances of achieving a good air tightness test result on your property, which will bring you many benefits in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, comfort and health, and quality assurance.

APT can help with your Air Tightness Testing

APT Sound Testing we have large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.

Simply get in touch via our contact form or call us on 01525 303905 to discuss your specific requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable acoustic and air tightness consultants.

The best way to prepare for a sound insulation test is to ensure that you prepare all the essential details of soundproofing your building for the sound test visit.

This includes:

1. Checking there are no holes or gaps, such as service penetrations present around the dwelling allowing sound to escape through party walls and/or floors.
2. Ensuring the party walls are correctly sound insulated inline with the acoustic design.
3. Check the party ceiling/floor has also should have some form of sound insulation.
4. Ensure there are not too many sockets or fuses sitting back to back in the room and the faceplates are fully installed.
5. Check all internal/external doors and windows are fully installed.
6. Ensure 240v power is on throughout the project.
7. Check no noisy construction works are taking place at the time of the test.
8. Ensure operatives are not working in the vicinity of the testing.

Airborne and Impact Sound Testing

When we undertake sound testing, we usually carry out two forms of testing, both airborne and impact. Both of these types of noise require a different procedure and accounts for different type of noise. Airborne sound requires needs the room to be kept as well sealed as tightly as possible so as to not allow sounds to escape the room. The sound associated with airborne noise are TV and music from Sound Systems etc. Impact noise refers to sound from footsteps, or any kind of impact such as the dropping of a rubber ball, or moving a piece of furniture such as a chair on a wooden floor.

Airborne sound testing usually needs to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls and/or floors. Most sound tests are carried out between living rooms and bedrooms as these are classed as the two main habitable rooms; however, other rooms can be used if this is not possible such as studies, kitchens and dining rooms. Impact sound testing usually needs to be carried out between floors only.

How long does the sound test take?

The amount of time its takes to complete the sound testing varies on each project as no development is exactly the same; however, as a rule of thumb a set of 2 airborne wall tests on pair of semi-detached houses will take approx. 1-2 hours. A six pack of tests on a block of flats, will usually consist of a minimum of 6 sound tests (2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor and 2 impact floor tests) this will usually take approx. 2-3 hours.  The aforementioned test durations are dependent on our engineers having full free uninterrupted access between all the units/rooms under investigation, along with 240v power to each unit.

Contact us now for acoustic advice and sound testing

If you need help with your party wall and/or floor design we can help. We can undertake a full acoustic design for blocks of flats, or terraced dwellings and thereafter undertake sound insulation testing for compliance with Part E of Building Regulations.

For more information please contact APT Sound Testing on on 01525 303905 or email us at info@airpressuretesting.net. Alternatively please visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk

Pre completion Sound Insulation Testing Services
Pre completion sound testing under Part E of Building Regulations has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. We are a UKAS-accredited sound insulation testing laboratory providing our valued clients with a proactive sound testing service and reliable reportage to achieve building control sign off.

All new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested. Sound Testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors. Utilising our many years of acoustic design experience means that your project will be in safe hands from the initial design stage to the final pre-completion testing of the project.

Here is a concise introduction to sound insulation testing, and how APT can help you with your project.

Introducing Sound Insulation Testing
Sound Insulation Testing is measuring the airborne or impact noise coming through a partition. The partition is the floor, wall or ceiling and there will be different requirements for each. Part E Building Regulations, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is a set of regulations for both new build and conversion residential builds.

Approved Document E was introduced in 2003, as a way of protecting residents from noise between dwellings. The regulations apply to all new-build and conversion constructions with residences next to one another.

How many sound insulation tests are required?
Approved Document E, requires that various walls and floors are tested between adjoining dwellings. The exact number of walls requiring testing will vary depending on the overall size of the development and the amount of different types of wall or floor constructions.

On a typical small to medium development consisting of up to 10 dwellings with the same partition construction the project will usually require one single 6 pack. This consists of 2 airborne wall tests, 2 airborne floor tests and 2 impact floor tests. On a pair of semi-detached houses you may only require 2 airborne sound tests through the walls.

What levels do I need to achieve to pass my Sound Test?
To pass your sound insulation testing in compliance with Approved Document E, you will need to achieve the following sound insulation results:

For separating floors & walls on new build projects:

Separating Floor Between Flats Airborne Noise Reduction = 45dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or greater
Separating Floor Between Flats Impact Noise Reduction = 62dB Ln T,w or less
Airborne Wall Tests to achieve 45dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or more

For separating floors & walls on conversion projects:

Separating Floor Between Flats Airborne Noise Reduction = 43dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or greater
Separating Floor Between Flats Impact Noise Reduction = 64dB Ln T,w or less
Airborne Wall Tests to achieve 43dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or more

How do I prepare for a Sound Insulation Test?
In all cases the more complete a development, the more likely it is to pass the sound test and achieve the requirements of Approved Document E. When we send out our quotation we also forward a specific sound insulation checklist to help our client prepare for the testing.

Basically if you meet the following criteria will generally have a much better chance of passing the testing at the first attempt.

1. Site noise should be kept to a minimum with no power tools, generators, radios, fire alarms etc. operating
2. Walls, floors and ceilings must be completed
3. Windows & external doors must be fully fitted, glazed and closed
4. Any ventilation systems should be installed and closed
5. Internal doors should be hung and closed.
6. Skirting boards, electrical sockets and light switches should be fitted.
7. To test impact sound transmission, we can only test the fabric of the building, therefore there must be no additional final finish floorings fitted
8. Rooms in which testing is to be carried out should be empty and tidy with safe access.
9. No-one else should be working in the building during the test
10. Free access to the properties on both sides of the separating partition is required
11. 240v (50Hz) mains power is required within the property to run our test equipment

For more infomration call us today at 01525 303905. We offer a friendly and proactive design, consulting service for all your compliance and certification requirements.

Remember, we provide UKAS accredited sound testing for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. So you know you are in safe hands.

BREEAM Thermographic Inspection Services
APT undertakes BREEAM thermal imaging surveys specifically tailored to meet the requirements of BREEAM. The thermography surveys can contribute towards extra credits for overall BREEAM certification and provides visual evidence to the energy performance of a building.

The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) is a structured to analyse, rate and certify a building’s environmental and sustainability characteristics for both new build and refurbishment projects.

The standard that contains the requirements for a BREEAM thermal imaging survey is the SD5078 BREEAM UK New Construction standard. This was launched in 2014 and the section that deals with thermography is contained within thermal comfort for health and wellbeing. The aim of the BREEAM scheme is to mitigate environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of new buildings cost effective and robust manner.

The following text contains the necessary criteria set out within the BRE SD5076 scheme for gaining the extra credit/s for your project.

One Credit – Testing and Inspecting Building Fabric

The commissioning and testing schedule and responsibilities credit is achieved.
The integrity of the building fabric, including continuity of insulation, avoidance of thermal bridging and air leakage paths is quality assured through completion of post construction testing and inspection.

Dependent on building type or construction, this can be demonstrated through the completion of a thermographic survey as well as an airtightness test and inspection (see compliance notes 3 and CN3.4. The survey and testing is undertaken by a Suitably Qualified Professional (see Relevant definitions) in accordance with the appropriate standard.

Any defects identified in the thermographic survey or the airtightness testing reports are rectified prior to building handover and close out. Any remedial work must meet the required performance characteristics for the building/element.

Only Level 3 Thermographers are used for our thermal imaging surveys

The importance of using one of our Level 3 trained thermographers cannot be understated as they are trained to be write predictive maintenance and inspection practices and to develop test procedures and ascertain severity criteria. To try and help clients prepare for the BREEAM thermal imaging survey to their building, we have written the following article: How we carry our thermal Surveys on commercial buildings.

Here is some more information in regards to the new BREEAM Technical Standards as well as scoring extra BREEAM credits for your new development.

BREEAM provides extra points to projects that have a BREEAM Thermal survey undertaken. As not many clients are aware of BREEAM thermal surveys, we have included more information in our ‘What is a BREEAM thermal Imaging Survey’ article. Also to try and help clients prepare for their survey please download our Thermal Imaging Checklist.

Please contact us for more information

Contact us today If you require a Thermal Imaging Survey in London or anywhere in the UK, and our professional and certified Level 2 Thermographer’s will carry out your thermographic Inspections for BREEAM compliance in accordance with all necessary standards and current regulations.

All we need are a few details such as floor plans and elevation drawings and the building location to provide a quotation. We will also send across our informative checklist to help you prepare for the thermal survey.

Sound Insulation Testing – Questions & Answers
APT sound testing often get asked a similar bunch of questions in regards to sound insulation testing. Over the last couple of years we have collated these questions and answers and to help our valued clients we have shown these below.

What is sound testing for Part E
Sound Insulation Testing is a method of quantifying the sound insulation performance of  walls and/or floors. Sound testing can be carried out on party walls, party floors or facades of any building.

What is sound insulation?
Sound insulation is the property of a wall and /or dividing partition to resist the passage of noise.

Why do I need sound testing on my Project/Property?
The largest single reason for disputes between neighbours is noise complaints. Approved Document Part E – Resistance to the passage of sound describes minimum standards to be achieved by newly built domestic dwellings.

What building regulation do we work to?

Approved Document Part E, sets out minimum standards for sound insulation performance to be achieved by party wall and party floors. Building contractors may show compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations by two methods. One method is to register plots to be built with Robust Standard Details Limited and the other is to show as-built performance by Pre-Completion Sound Testing to Part E of Building Regulations.

When are Pre-Completion Sound Tests carried out?
Pre completion Sound testing is carried out when the construction of party walls and floors are largely complete. Windows should be in place with any vents closable. Internal and external doors should be in place, along with skirting, cornicing and plug sockets in place. Sound testing on floors must be carried out before any soft coverings are in place.

 Do detached properties require sound testing for Part E of Building Regulations?

No, only attached properties require sound tests, detached properties share no common partitions with any other properties.

Are internal walls/floor between rooms within a single dwelling sound tested?
No, Laboratory test based performance standards (Rw) exist for certain internal walls and floors, but they are not intended to be verified as-built by on site measurement and therefore sound insulation testing is not a requirement.

How many sound tests are needed on my Project?

Approved Document E states that one set of sound tests is required for every 10 units in a group or sub-group. A group or sub-group is defined where significant differences in construction or layout occur, for instance:

• For a pair of semi-detached Houses – a set of tests would usually comprise two airborne sound insulation tests of a separating wall.
  
• For Flats (up to 10 units) – a six pack would normally be required, this comprises of: two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests and two impact floor sound tests. The easiest way to work out the number of tests required is to multiply 1 x 6 packs for every 10 flats, i.e. if you have 22 flats you will require 3 x 6 packs which equals 18 sound tests in total.
  
• For Rooms for Residential Purposes (student accommodation, hotel rooms, care homes etc.) – a set of tests would usually comprise: one airborne sound insulation tests of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test of a separating floor; one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor.

How are plots selected for Sound Insulation Testing?
We will usually specify the sound insulation tests that are required. We first look at the plans then work a testing schedule taking into account testing through both the projects lounges & bedrooms where possible. We will also try and undertake testing across walls and floors in different areas of the building.

The building control officer, warranty provider or other concerned parties may require you to carry out sound testing in specific areas or plots. However where this has not been stipulated we can advise accordingly. When we have specified the sound testing schedule it should always be checked by building control and/or the client to seek their approval before the commencement of testing.

How do I Preparing my Site for Sound Insulation Testing?

APT always send out a checklist with our fee proposals to help you prepare for the sound testing, as we always want our clients to be fully prepared so they can pass their sound testing at the first attempt.

Will the sound insulation testing disrupt work on site? 
There should be minimal site disruption during the sound insulation testing. However, although high levels of noise are generated but in order to make accurate test measurements, relatively quiet conditions are needed to take accurate measurements. This means that anyone working in the testing area will have to leave temporarily and any noisy works in the vicinity of the test rooms will need to be halted i.e. using power tools.

How long will the Sound Insulation Testing take?

The time taken for London sound testing varies with site conditions, but generally a ‘6 pack’ set of tests on houses and flats takes about one to two hours. Obviously this depends on the site being fully prepared in line with our sound testing checklist.

How do I know if I’m ready for a sound insulation test?
The plots should be at least at second fix stage – for further details please refer to our checklist.

Do I need all internal and external doors and windows installed?
Yes, all internal and external doors must be fitted and operable prior to the sound testing. Trickle vents must also be installed where required.

 What if I only have 110 volt on site?

Unfortunately we cannot undertake the testing; we will need 240V to undertake the sound insulation testing.

Should I inform my neighbours of the impending sound testing?
If the building is attached in any way to occupied properties then you will need to inform the neighbours. To comply with Part E we need to gain access to the neighbouring properties to undertake the sound test. You will need to ensure that access is provided to the neighbouring properties throughout the sound testing.

Can you offer advice to help me to pass my sound insulation testing?
We offer an acoustic design service to help you design your buildings partitions to pass Part E sound testing. If you send through the relevant drawings such as sections and plans during the design stages of the project, we can check the design to see if there are any junctions or details where ‘noise flanking’ may occur. You can then change your design to lower the chance of a sound test failure.

Do you have a check-list to help us prepare for the sound testing?
Yes, we have an informative checklist to help prepare for the testing, please visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk to download the checklist.

Is it easy to upgrade the sound insulation in my Existing Home?.

Yes of course. If excess noise is causing you stress and anxiety, in comparison upgrading the walls/floors to your existing property can be a worthwhile process. its normally quite easy to upgrade walls and floors/ceilings to lower sound transmission. Sometimes it can be as easy as installing an acoustically (insulated) backed board against the offending partition. In all instances it is important not only that the right products are used to cause minimal disruption but they are also fitted correctly in-line with manufacturer’s guidelines. .

Rest Assured

We believe in working with our clients whether they are existing home owners suffering acoustic problems or large developers requiring a more expansive service to achieve sound testing compliance. We believe that by being involved at the beginning of a project we can often save our clients expensive and difficult remedial works at the completion stage of a project.

If you would like more information on our full range of services, including Sound Insulation Testing, please contact us now at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on 01525 303905.

Understanding Air Pressure Testing in the Property Sector
The property sector is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that constantly seeks innovation and technology-driven solutions to improve the quality of construction and reduce energy consumption.

One such innovation that has gained prominence in recent years is air pressure testing. This technique, also known as air infiltration testing or blower door testing, has become a game-changer for the property sector, helping to enhance building performance, energy efficiency, and overall sustainability.

What is Air Pressure Testing?

Air pressure testing is a diagnostic tool used to assess the air tightness of buildings. It involves the use of specialised equipment, such as a blower door, which is essentially a powerful fan that is temporarily installed in an exterior door frame. By manipulating air pressure inside the building, this test helps identify areas of air leakage and drafts, pinpointing weaknesses in the building envelope.

Why is Air Pressure Testing Important in the Property Sector?

Energy Efficiency: In an era of increasing energy costs and environmental concerns, property developers and owners are increasingly focused on constructing energy-efficient buildings. Air pressure testing helps identify areas of energy loss through leaks and gaps, enabling targeted improvements to enhance insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Regulatory Compliance: Many regions have established strict building codes and standards to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Air pressure testing is often a mandatory requirement to demonstrate compliance with these regulations. Failing the test may result in delays and costly modifications, making it crucial for property developers to get it right the first time.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Properly sealed buildings not only save energy but also provide better indoor air quality. Air pressure testing helps reduce the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and allergens, creating a healthier and more comfortable living or working environment for occupants.

Cost Savings: Identifying and addressing air leaks early in the construction process can lead to substantial cost savings over the life of the building. Reduced energy consumption, fewer maintenance issues, and extended equipment life all contribute to the long-term financial benefits of air pressure testing.

Sustainable Practices: As sustainability becomes a central focus in the property sector, air pressure testing aligns with the industry’s green goals. It aids in minimising a building’s carbon footprint by ensuring it operates efficiently and uses energy more responsibly.

Challenges and Considerations:

While air pressure testing offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider some challenges:

Expertise: Proper testing and interpretation of results require specialised knowledge and equipment. Property developers should collaborate with experienced professionals to ensure accurate assessments.

Integration: Incorporating air pressure testing into the construction process demands careful planning. Coordination with other construction activities is critical to avoid delays.

Cost: While air pressure testing can lead to long-term savings, there are upfront costs associated with equipment rental and testing services. However, these costs are often outweighed by the benefits in terms of energy savings and compliance.

Air pressure testing has emerged as a vital tool in the property sector, helping developers, builders, and owners improve energy efficiency, meet regulatory standards, and create more sustainable buildings. By focusing on building envelope integrity and identifying air leaks, the property sector can reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to a greener and healthier future.

Embracing air pressure testing is not just a choice; it’s a strategic move towards a more efficient and sustainable property sector.

APT Sound Testing provides Air Tightness Testing throughout the United Kingdom. We undertake air testing on all types of projects from single dwelling to the largest commercial buildings. We are one of the few companies that are UKAS accredited to undertake both Air & Sound testing in compliance to Building Regulations and Standards.

Air, Sound and Air Tightness Packages

This means we can undertake Air, Sound and Vent Testing Packages during the same visit which provides our clients with cost savings and improved on site co-ordination. Unlike many companies we do not subcontract our works.

Air testing to achieve satisfactory levels of air tightness became a legal requirement in 2006 in England and Wales, under Building Regulations Part L and is becoming increasingly important to help produce greener buildings, via reducing carbon emissions due to the fact that energy is not being needlessly lost from residences via large air leakage paths etc. Building Regulation Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. The general public recognise it as draughts.

When you lose energy through the building fabric this is known as the building emission rate. New projects/developments must meet specific requirements for air testing and emission rates. The usual target for a standard dwelling is 5.0m3/hr/m2; however for commercial buildings the target rate is often much lower – around 3.0m3/hr/m2

Wherever air infiltration occurs, there is usually exfiltration somewhere else in the building. During the summer, infiltration can bring humid, outdoor air into buildings. In winter, exfiltration can result in moist indoor air moving into cold wall cavities and may result in condensation and mould and/or rot which could result in serious damage to the property.

We undertake air tightness consultancy and design reviews to help support our clients from the design stage of the project through to the precompletion air testing to achieve building control signoff. If you need to undertake your testing on Saturdays or Sundays, we offer an ‘out of hours testing’ service to help reduce the impact of testing during working hours.

We also offer substantial cost savings for combined air and sound testing packages. This is due to our multi skilled engineers being UKAS accredited to carry out the Air & Sound Testing, in fact most of our clients now use our ‘3 step’ precompletion package as it negates the need to employ multiple companies.

On site co-ordination is also improved, with both tests being undertaken on the same day in a planned methodical manner. We can also provide out of hours testing (if required) to help reduce the impact of testing during working hours.

We provide a friendly expert advice for helping properties achieve required emission rates for air testing. Simply the use our contact form on this page, or call our offices, to chat about your specific air testing requirements with our knowledgeable team of air tightness consultants.

We can help with your Air Tightness Testing
APT Sound Testing we have large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.

Call us to day at 01525 303905 or visit our services contact page and we will get back to you as as as we can.

Noise Complaints in Existing Apartment Blocks
Over the last few years we are noticing a rise in noise complaints in existing apartment blocks. There may be many reasons for this. Noise problems range from airborne noise transmission from voices TVs and music to footfall impact noise caused by high heels on wooden/tiled floors – it is usually the impact noise that is noticed most by the residents if the unit above has changed their floor finish from carpet to wood.

In many cases even if the floor assembly has been designed and constructed to provide adequate airborne isolation, impact noise can still be a major problem.

One of the main problems is if works to the floor finish have been undertaken, changing it from carpet to timber. Even if it passes the sound test, the perceivable rise in impact noise often leads to complaints, as carpet and underlay normally provides a good degree of impact sound isolation.

Taking this into account it’s very important that impact isolation design, is taken into account before the installation of a hardwood and/or ceramic tile finish.

If you think you may have a problem with sound in your dwelling and/or you have encountered complaints from a neighbour due to changes you have made to the floor finish then please contact us now. Try to describe the noise problem in as much detail as possible. Describe the nature of the sounds, when and where you or your neighbour can hear it.

Is it impact noise or airborne noise or a combination of both? The more information you can provide us, the quicker we can try to determine the nature of the problem and find a solution. It may be as simple as the installation of an acoustic resilient membrane to the floor.

In our experience, if careful consideration is shown to the acoustic element of the floor upgrade, it should reduce the chance of complaints at a later stage, which will also avert costly legal battles at the end of the project and which often leads on to expensive remedial works.

We can come in prior to works commence and undertake a sample sound test of the existing floor partition, thereafter we can advise on the acoustic design of the floor. once the works have been completed we can then undertake a final precompletion sound test to show compliance with Building Regulations Part E.

If you are about to make changes to your apartment floor, and you require acoustic design advice, then please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or phone me directly on 01525 303905.