Scope of Air Testing:

Air tightness is a prerequisite of Approved Document L Parts 1 & 2 of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. Building Control will not issue a Completion Certificate to any development project without its compliance to Building Regulations. Air testing services include sound insulation testing and energy ratings (SAP/SBEM insulation testing and energy ratings. Planning Statements and Energy Statements are important to submit as a part of building regulations.

Level 5 Energy Assessment & Dynamic Simulation is performed to check if the building is complaint to the standards set in the building regulations. They are carried by fully accredited CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) for the production of LEVEL 3, 4 & 5 Energy Performance Certificates EPCs. The main aim is to improve the building’s energy performance rating.

Comprehensive Air Testing Services by Southern Assessors

Importance of Air Tightness Testing

The process of air tightness testing aims to gauge the efficiency with which a building hoards conditioned air. Uncontrolled amounts of air leakage in your buildings and establishments can be detected using this method. This testing procedure ensures that your newly built and refurbished properties perfectly conform to Part L1 of the Building Regulations.

This regulation particularly underlines some acceptable air permeability levels/standards that must be attained for all your buildings before they can be allowed on the market as business premises. Uncontrolled air leakage can have many damaging results; some such consequences are -

• High Capital Costs: These are the costs associated with damage after buildings deteriorate over time due to air leaks or other corroding components.
• Reduced Comfort: When there are serious temperature changes inside your building, occupants tend to feel uncomfortable too.
• Health Risks: When high levels of moisture get into a house through air leaks, it can also cause the growth of mould that can compromise indoor air quality and thus, human health as well.
• Environmental Impact: Excessive energy usage will also inevitably lead to increased carbon emissions and more damage to the planet.

The Testing Process

Southern Assessors uses highly sophisticated blower door systems and calibrated and accredited apparatus for conducting the tests. Here is the process for the tests.

• Preparation: At first, we seal up the vents; it is one of the pre-test conditions.
• Testing: Then, we create pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the building to find the leak paths.
• Diagnosis: Using diagnosing tools such as smoke pens and infrared cameras, we can identify where things are going wrong.
• Reporting: We then present you with the results of your site and proceed with providing you suggestions for rectifying the defaults in your establishments.

After the first tests, Southern Assessors will advise you for rectification of the identified problems and their causes. If repairs can be made during the assessment then retests can also be included in our services free of charge.

Compliance and Legal Obligations

We understand that your new buildings must meet air permeability standards and be approved by the UK Building Regulations. Everyone needs to be able to comply with all building requirements, and here, we can lend you our expertise.

We aim to free builders, developers and people who wish to have sustainable properties from possible penalties for non-compliance with the provisions or failure to meet any regulations. Also, our accurate airtightness measurements can lead to better energy performance certification (EPC) ratings and thus end up increasing the value of your property in the marketplace.

Professional Air Testing's Advantages

Engaging with professional air testing services like us can offer you a wealth of advantages, including:

• Energy Savings: We can diagnose and correct air leaks to avoid any possible loss in heating or cooling.
• Enhanced Air Quality: We can also aid you in keeping pollutants and allergens out of your building; this ensures a healthier indoor environment that can be enjoyed by all the occupants and is particularly important for you if you are a home/property owner.
• Rating Building Value: If your building is energy-efficient, it will definitely aid you in attracting both buyers and lessees.
• Sustainability Aims: Saving energy also benefits the environment big time.

If you also wish to make your buildings and structures energy-effective, you must contact us today to find out more about our services. We offer high-quality air testing services in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset and all other areas in the UK. Check out our website to know more.