Smoke Shaft Testing & APT
Preparing Your Smoke Shaft for an Air Tightness Test
Elevate fire safety standards with comprehensive air tightness testing and remediation.
Accredited Air Pressure Testing (APT) solutions help you meet regulatory requirements, improve smoke control performance, and protect building occupants.
Ensuring the safety and compliance of smoke shafts is a critical component of any building’s fire safety strategy. Smoke shafts are designed to restrict the spread of smoke and heat during a fire, protecting escape routes and supporting effective evacuation.
To confirm they perform as intended, air tightness testing is essential. Proper preparation can significantly increase the likelihood of passing the test first time and avoiding costly remedial works.
Top 10 Ways to Prepare a Smoke Shaft for Air Tightness Testing
- Consult Smoke Shaft Testing Experts Early
Engage air tightness consultants who specialise in smoke shaft testing at an early stage. Their expertise can guide effective design decisions, detailing, and sealing strategies. - Set Clear Airtightness Targets
Establish the required airtightness performance—typically less than 3.8 m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa. Be aware that some smoke shafts may require different targets, so always confirm the specification in advance. - Use Robust Construction Materials
Construct the shaft using materials capable of forming an effective air barrier, such as in-situ concrete or high-density blockwork. - Seal Internal Finishes Thoroughly
Treat the internal surface of the smoke shaft as the primary air seal line. Finishes should be smooth and fully sealed at all joints and junctions, particularly where steelwork or other elements penetrate the shaft. - Seal All Service Penetrations
Ensure all service, structural, and cable penetrations through the shaft envelope are carefully sealed using appropriate fire- and air-rated products. - Seal Door Openings Effectively
All access doors within the smoke shaft should be fully sealed using robust, heavy-duty sealing systems to prevent air leakage. - Seal AOV Door Frames
The perimeter of Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) door frames must be fully mastic sealed to maintain continuity of the air barrier. - Seal the Base and Head of the Shaft
Pay close attention to the base and head of the shaft, ensuring both are fully sealed prior to testing. - Use Calibrated Testing Equipment
Testing should be carried out using a UKAS-calibrated blower door fan, capable of pressurising the smoke shaft and accurately measuring air leakage. - Address Any Test Failures Promptly
If the smoke shaft does not achieve the required performance, diagnostic methods such as smoke testing and thermal imaging should be used to locate leakage paths and guide targeted remedial works.
By following these steps, you can ensure your smoke shaft is properly prepared for air tightness testing, improving compliance with current building regulations and enhancing overall fire safety.
Why Choose APT for Smoke Shaft Air Tightness Testing?
APT has extensive experience supporting clients with smoke shaft testing across projects of all sizes. We also provide a dedicated diagnostic service for failed smoke shafts, using smoke testing and thermal imaging to accurately identify air leakage paths within the shaft envelope.
On many projects where smoke shafts initially failed, our engineers have rapidly located leakage points, enabling targeted remedial works and successful re-testing with minimal disruption.
Our UKAS-qualified and fully trained engineers are highly knowledgeable in current industry standards and testing methodologies. This expertise allows us to provide clear, actionable recommendations to improve the performance of your smoke shafts.
Air Pressure Testing is one of the few companies in the UK that is both UKAS-accredited and ATTMA Level 2 accredited for air tightness testing of buildings, smoke shafts, and floor plenums. This ensures all testing is carried out in line with regulatory requirements and recognised best practice, giving you complete confidence in the results.
