Prices are constantly reviewed and try to keep them as low as possible your quote is individually tailored to your circumstances according to the type of construction, the number of tests you require, the date and location. Flats are cheaper than houses, tests on several dwellings cost less than individual one. All our prices include an ATTMA approved test and a certificate. Call Mike now on (landline) 01792 424569; (mobile) 07986 099438 or email [email protected] for a competitive quote.
This depends upon the development and the rules are different under the latest 2010 regulations compared to the previous 2006 regulations. We are able to advise you and devise a test plan - the basis of a typical test regime is on this page under the latest regulations, a penalty of 2 points is applied to the test result if applied by the SAP assessor – to a dwelling of the same “type” that is not physically tested – this means in practice that unless all the units are tested then the target is lowered by 2 points which is much harder to achieve – the best strategy is often to test all the units – with a discount for multiple tests may not cost much extra.
Many dwellings pass first time but sometimes they initially fail. We will always try to locate the sources of leakage and offer remedial advice and usually a written report. If the problem can be fixed instantly then we will usually wait and re-test – at the tester’s discretion, provided he is still on the premises. Otherwise we offer our re-test guarantee packages. See below. We are also able to test with smoke pencils for a small fee.
If the dwelling fails the first test our engineer will attempt to locate leakage spots and advise you. If the problem cannot be fixed there and then we offer to return on one further occasion and re-test the property without further testing charges charge to you although mileage and time will be charged additionally. Subject to the following conditions:
From 1 to 3 hours depending upon the complexity of the buildings – we are required to carry out volume and area calculations first so a set of scaled drawings of the property(s) to be tested is required at least 2 days in advance.
Yes – normally as soon as the air leakage test has been completed we are able to provide advice on the result
We can perform several tests at the same site or a few per day the exact number depends upon the complexity of the dwellings.
Test certificates can normally be emailed the same day or emailed/posted next day.
Non-domestic/Commercial building air permeability quotes are available – although we are specialists in domestic dwellings e.g. flats houses bungalows etc. we can carry out testing to small scale commercial properties.
This is the value we are testing you to – you must achieve a test result lower than this in order to pass. This is set by your SAP assessor and forms part of the SAP calculations for energy loss at the design stage. The higher the leakage value set – the more heat is lost and so it becomes harder to pass the building regulations. Normally the highest target that is set is 10 – however if the SAP assessor has to make savings to make the dwelling pass then the value may be lower. It is unusual to see a target below about 4 because this is difficult to achieve in practice using conventional building techniques; although not unknown. The lower the target the more carefully you must build. However as the regulations become tighter, lower targets are becoming more common. We require the value of your design air permeability (the air leakage test target) from your SAP calculation. If you are not sure how to find this then please contact us.
Yes, in fact it is important that the SAP calculation is carried out well before the air test as the level of test result required is governed by the SAP result. If another assessor has carried out the SAP I can explain it to you or simply help you to understand the SAP calculation in relation to the air pressure test target.
Right now! – The earlier the better. It is best practice to consider air leakage at the design stage along with the thermal insulation. The next important phase is the second fix when service pipes and holes are being made -and can be sealed up again – before they are boxed in.
Yes – this is a common cause of failure – phone for advice now on how to avoid this problem.
Before the second fix is the best time to seal up problem leakage paths. Once expensive fittings etc. have been installed it becomes much harder to identify and seal leaks and it may become impossible to reach the target. We recommend that you contact us at this stage so that we can advise you and work out the best strategy to ensure success – we want you to pass - this is the best time to identify and fix leaks – so give us a call and we will provide you with free advice and a competitive quote.
If this is being assessed under L1B (Conservation of Fuel and Power – Changes to Existing Dwellings) then a test is not normally required – the same applies to house extensions.
People can work whilst the equipment is being set up but we ask that workmen leave the building for the half hour or so whilst the formal air pressure test is taking place.
No, not at all. The pressure used is very small and is hardly detectable and causes no damage to the building structure or health. It is equivalent to opening a door on a draughty day.
We provide air pressure tests throughout south west Wales and the West Country but will travel as far as the Birmingham area. If you require several tests then we are able to travel further afield.
We sometimes work with acoustic testers so I am sure we could recommend someone right for you! If the answer to my question is not on this page - Call (landline) 01792 424569; (mobile) 07986 099438 or email [email protected] We take the pressure – so you pass! Don’t leave it to late – plan for the air test now!
