Air Tightness Testing Northern Ireland & Ireland

Building Regulations now require Air Tightness Testing and certification to show compliance with current legislation.

CPL will test your building to ATTMA TS1 standards using UKAS calibrated equipment and if necessary assist you to identify any air leakage paths which may need to be sealed. CPL Services is BINDT registered and our engineers are fully accredited.

Building regulations from April 2006 require that new buildings comply with ‘Part L’. This means that a percentage of new houses need to undergo air tightness testing, air leakage testing and air permability testing.

 Air tightness testing is the procedure to trace any unwanted drafts and uncontrolled airflow through the house. Too much air leakage leads to heat loss resulting in higher C02 emissions. Reducing C02 emissions is the purpose of ‘Part L’ of the new building regulations through air tightness testing, air leakage testing and air permability testing

Possible Air Leakage Areas

The areas listed below are common causes of uncontrolled air leakage areas, we recommend you take care and attention in sealing these areas whilst in the process of construction;

Intermediate Floors- Use joist hangers where possible, if built into the walls seal with a flexible sealant.

Behind Skirting Boards-seal between floors and walls

Behind Coving-seal between wall and ceiling

Boxed in Pipes & Soil Stacks-seal when pipes/soil stacks go out through the ceiling into the roof space

Behind Bath Panels-seal all services and pipe work that penetrate the envelope of the building

Kitchen Units-seal all services and pipe work that penetrate the envelope of the building

All Other Surfaces-pipe work and services that enters the building ensure a good seal

Badly Installed Trickle Vents-the test only allows for trickle vents to be shut and not sealed

Windows and Doors-ensure a good seal behind plaster board as well as decorators finishing mastic

Recess Lights-ensure they are fire check fittings that are fitted correctly

Loft Hatch-poor quality loft hatches often leak

Any Remedial Work to Floorboards-make sure any holes in timber floorboards are refitted correctly and sealed

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions relating to the process of sealing any air leakage areas in preparation for the air tightness test.