Brighouse - Air Testing - 01924 578 029
What Air Permeability Rating Do I Need?
A dwelling in Brighouse must receive an air permeability result of 10 m³/(h.m²) to successfully pass an air leakage test. However, in the design stage SAP, the APR will often produce a more accurate and realistic target. Should your air test fail, the dwelling may need re-testing following some potentially costly revisions - that's why it's always a good idea to seek advice early. To restore confidence with Brighouse Building Control, you may also need to test further properties in your group, where applicable.
Our air testing consultants offer constructive advice on the best way to reach your target rating.
Do I Need An Air Leakage Test?
Domestic properties and commercial buildings over a certain size must have a passing air leakage certificate before the property can be handed over following a sale. All new buildings in England and Wales have had this requirement since 2006 and in Scotland this has been mandatory since 2010.
On a large plot of new houses that are built to a similar specification, only a sample of the houses will need to be air tested. This was outlined in Part L of the aforementioned regulations.
We offer air leakage testing throughout Brighouse and the surrounding areas where our experienced assessors will be happy to offer advice on the best ways to gain your air permeability rating. Planning your test in advance will help us determine how many test you'll need ahead of time per property and we always ensure we agree with the Building Control air testing regime.
We provide air testing for Brighouse - stated on the table below are the number of air tests you may require.
We have expert consultants that will undertake an assessment of the efficiency of your air conditioning system, reviewing sizing / capacity and offering advice on any improvements or alternative solutions. These solutions, if implemented, can in many instances reduce costs and thus pays for the inspection in the first year. Our accredited consultants can help you comply with EPBD Article 9 and the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
No. of Dwelling Type Instances | No. of Tests Per Type |
4 or less | One test of each type |
Greater than 4, but equal or less than 40 | Two tests of each type |
More than 40 | At least 5% of each type, unless the first 5 units pass, when the frequency can be reduced to 2% |
It is a requirement under the Building Regulations 2006 Part L that new dwellings in Brighouse must pass an air test prior to occupation; this test certificate must be produced for the dwelling to be signed off by local Brighouse building control.
Envelope Area (m2) |
Leakage Rates (m3/hr at 50Pa) | |||||
5 | 7.5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | |
2000 | 0.51 | 0.76 | 1.01 | 1.52 | 2.03 | 2.54 |
5000 | 1.27 | 1.90 | 2.54 | 3.80 | 5.07 | 6.34 |
7500 | 90 | 2.85 | 3.80 | 5.71 | 7.61 | 9.51 |
10000 | 2.54 | 3.80 | 5.07 | 7.61 | 10.14 | 12.68 |
12500 | 3.17 | 4.75 | 6.34 | 9.51 | 12.68 | 15.85 |
15000 | 3.80 | 5.71 | 7.61 | 11.41 | 15.21 | 19.02 |
20000 | 5.07 | 7.61 | 10.14 | 15.21 | 20.29 | 25.36 |
To carry out such a test with accurate results, we need some general requirements to be made available at the time of the test:
- SAP Design air pressure test figure
- An electricity supply
- A water supply to enable traps to be filled
The report has all the details required by the regulations to indicate that a valid test has been performed.
We will seal all of the intentional leakage areas in the house prior to testing. These include:
- Fireplaces
- Extractor fans
- Exhaust fans
- Trickle vents
- The odd uninstalled component
Everything else will have to stay 'as is' in the property.
For a quote or for more information, call our Brighouse air tightness / pressure testing consultant on 01924 578 029 or email query@air-testing-wakefield.co.uk.