Commercial AirLeakage TestingWhat is an air leakage test?

An�air�leakage�test�(also�commonly�referred�to�as�an�air�tightness�test�or�air�permeability�test)�is�a

test�to�determine�the�level�of�uncontrolled�air�flow�through�gaps�or�cracks�in�the�fabric�of�a�building.

Too�much�air�leakage�leads�to�unnecessary�heat�loss�and�can�lead�to�discomfort�to�the�occupants

through�cold�draughts.

Do I need an air leakage test?

If�you�have�constructed�a�new�commercial�building�with�a�total�useful�floor�area�of�over�500m2,�then

Part�L�of�the�Regulations�states�that,�with�few�exceptions,�you�must�now�have�an�air�leakage�test

performed�on�that�building.��An�air�leakage�test�is�used�to�calculate�an�air�permeability�rating.�It�is�this

rating�that�is�submitted�to�Building�Control�and�which�must�meet�the�latest�Building�Regulation

standards�for�conservation�of�fuel�and�power.

How long does an air leakage test take?

We�aim�to�complete�each�air�leakage�test�within�four�working�days�from�the�point�of�engagement.�It

will�be�necessary�for�one�of�our�experienced�energy�assessors�to�visit�the�site�in�order�to�conduct�the

test.�The�time�at�which�we�visit�the�site�will�be�at�your�convenience�and�the�length�of�each�site�visit

should�not�last�longer�than�four�hours,�depending�on�the�size�and�complexity�of�the�assessment.

How much does an air leakage test cost?

We�strive�to�ensure�each�quote�is�the�most�competitive�in�the�market,�offering�you�real�value�for�a

quality�service.�Factors�that�will�affect�the�cost�of�an�air�leakage�test�include�the�size�and�complexity

of�the�building.�Call�now�to�obtain�an�instant�quote�from�one�of�our�experienced�air�leakage

assessors.

What happens if my building fails the air leakage test?

Our�qualified�assessors�will�be�happy�to�provide�you�with�a�free�consultancy�service,�advising�you�on

all�necessary�remedial�works�to�ensure�a�PASS�EVERYTIME.�

How can I improve the air tightness of my building?

Ways to improve the air tightness of a building include:

• referring�to�the�Communities�and�Local�Government’s�accredited�construction�details�;

• sealing�any�gaps�around�windows�and�doors;

• filling�any�holes�in�the�external�walls;

• applying�draught�stripping�between�the�loft�hatch�and�the�frame;

• sealing�any�gaps�where�service�pipes�and�cables�pass�through�the�buildings�fabric;

• ensuring�there�is�a�good�seal�around�boiler�flue�pipes�where�they�pass�through�the�external�

wall/ceiling;�and

• sealing�around�the�edges�of�rooms�and�making�good�any�gaps�in�the�floor�around�service�pipes�(it

is�also�advisable�to�check�for�holes�behind�baths�and�under�shower�trays).

How can Energytest help me?

As�well�as�providing�a�fast�and�accurate�air�leakage�assessment�at�a�market�leading�price,�our

experienced�energy�assessors�will�be�happy�to�assist�you�with�free�advice�regarding�air�tight

construction�details.�We�can�also�offer�you�a�single�point�of�contact�to�serve�all�your�Part�L

requirements,�including�conducting�a�SAP�assessment�and�issuing�an�Energy�Performance

Certificate�on�completion�of�the�building.

What do I need to provide to the air leakage assessor?

• Details�of�the�type,�size�and�location�of�the�building�to�be�assessed;�and,�where�possible

• floor�plans,�including�building�elevations�and�sections.