Air Tightness Testing - On Construction New Build

New Build housing developers and on-construction homes and dwellings require Air Tightness Tests (also known as Pressure or Leakage Testing) as part of current building regulations in the UK.

There are many specialist contractors providing this service. Air testing contractors are usually bonded to a scheme known as British Institute of Non Destructive Testing (BINDT). Consultants registered under this scheme are qualified to undertake such tests.

The cost of an Air Pressure Test varies regionally around the country dependent on your location, typically for a local company to carry out an Air Permeability (Leakage Test) the price may be around £300-£400 for a reasonably sized dwelling. It is recommended to shop around and obtain a quotation from a number of companies locally to gain the best price.

The guidelines found in ATTMA Technical Standard 1, for the measurement of the air permeability of buildings based primarily around BS EN Standard 13829:2001, can be found on the ATTMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) BINDT website.

The test is designed primarily to demonstrate through measurement how "leaky" a building is, by sealing all doors and windows and pressurising the dwelling or building under test using induction fans. High leakage buildings are less energy efficient, having high natural ventilation levels may result in a greater heat loss during colder months due to excessive leakage.