Air Tightness Testing for Historic Buildings

As the world shifts toward sustainable practices, the importance of energy-efficient buildings cannot be overstated, that’s where the Air Tightness Testing for Historic Buildings comes into its own. While new constructions are designed with energy efficiency in mind, older buildings often lag behind due to their inherent design and construction methods. One critical aspect that impacts energy performance is the buildings air tightness.

Unlocking Energy Efficiency using Air Tightness Testing

In this article, we delve into the significance of air tightness testing for historic buildings in London. Whether you’re a property owner, developer, or heritage professionals, understanding this process can lead to substantial benefits over the lifecycle of the building.

What Is Air Tightness Testing?

Air tightness testing, also known as air leakage or air permeability testing, measures the amount of air escaping or infiltrating a building. It quantifies the cubic meters of air leakage per hour per square meter of external area. The goal is to minimise unwanted drafts, heat loss, and energy wastage.

Why Air Test Old Buildings?

There are many good reasons to undertake testing in old existing buildings, here are just a few:

1. Energy Efficiency: Older buildings often have gaps, cracks, and poorly sealed openings. By assessing air tightness, we identify areas for improvement, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
2. Comfort: Drafts and cold spots compromise occupant comfort. Proper air sealing ensures a more pleasant indoor environment for the occupants.
3. Preservation: For historic buildings, maintaining their original character while enhancing energy efficiency is crucial, improving air tightness can help to strikes this balance.

The Process for air tightness testing

1. Preparation: Engage a certified air tightness assessor as your air leakage champion, we have helped many buildings to improve their air leakage rate, such as Leicester Cathedral one of the only commercial buildings built to Passivhaus standards. We will schedule a convenient time, even over the weekend, to perform the test to reduce the impact on the building operation.
2. Testing: We use the latest high powered fan systems to pressurise and depressurise the building. By measuring buildings air leakage rate, we can determine the overall air tightness.
3. Results and Recommendations: You’ll receive a detailed air test report with findings, as well as air leakage report carefully detailing all the air leakage paths identified during the combined smoke and thermal imaging leakage survey. This allows clients to undertake targeted remedial actions, such as sealing gaps, improving insulation, and upgrading windows and doors.

The Costs and Benefits of air testing old buildings

• Cost: Air tightness testing costs vary based on the building size and complexity. For an old commercial building in London, expect prices ranging from £795 to £2995. When you consider you can lower your energy bills by up to 20%, you could make this back during the first winter month.
• Benefits:
  • Energy Savings: Reduced heat loss translates to lower energy bills.
  • Comfort: Improved indoor conditions for occupants
  • Heritage Preservation: Enhance energy efficiency without compromising historical features.
  • Achieve BREEAM credits: extra BREEAM credits can be achieved by improving the air tightness.

Remember, investing in air tightness testing not only reduces your buildings energy efficiency but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable London.

Improve Energy Efficiency with our Air Testing Service

We have helped thousands of clients improve their air tightness testing using our following premium Certified Services:

• UKAS Accredited: UKAS accreditation elevates credibility, reliability. When you choose us, you’re assured of high-quality testing and compliance with building regulation standards.
• ATTMA Level 2 Certified: Our air tightness testing services are registered with the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA).
• London Specialists: As dedicated and accredited air leakage testing service providers in London, we offer assessments, consultancy, and air tightness testing whenever required across the capital.
• Rapid Testing Service: We provide a ‘last minute’ testing service to help clients attain building control signoff and negate delays to building handover.

For more information on our air tightness testing and air leakage diagnostic services, please contact Darren on 07775623464 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk