ISSUE
02 December 2011
Information Tech-
TekTalk this issue Statutory requirements P.1 Typical air leakage paths P.2 The printed report P.3 Why is airtightness important? P.4
“The Building Regulations require that air tightness testing is carried out on all new buildings in accordance with the ATTMA TS1 testing procedure”.
WHAT IS AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING?
Air tightness testing is the procedure that quantifies the extent to which buildings ‘leak’ air through their envelopes. Air leakage is a vehicle for heat loss & energy wastage resulting in increased space heating & cooling loads by the constant uncontrolled flow of air through the building fabric. We possess the training, expertise & accreditation through BINDT to carry out the procedure and provide certified results acceptable to Building Control Authorities.
Reducing drafts & heat loss in dwellings...
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AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING IS NOW A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT...
TYPICAL AIR LEAKAGE PATHS...
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.
Other services: seal pipe work and services that enters the building ensure a good seal.
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
Recessed lights: ensure they are fire rated fittings that are fitted correctly.
Loft hatch: poor quality loft hatches often leak.
Floorboards: make sure any holes in timber floorboards are refitted correctly and sealed.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL...
SAMPLE AIR LEAKAGE GRAPH...
ATTMA TS1 TEST METHOD & STANDARD
PROPERTY ADDRESS
DATE OF CONSTRUCTION
ENVELOPE AREA
DOCUMENTATION OF PRESSURE & FLOW CALCULATIONS
STATUS OF BUILDING OPENINGS
DESCRIPTION OF TEMPORARY SEALS
TYPE OF HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING
ZERO FLOW PRESSURES
INSIDE & OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES
WIND SPEED & BAROMETRIC PRESSURES
TABLE OF BUILDING PRESSURES & FAN FLOW RATES
Cenv, CL n & r2
AIR PERMEABILITY RESULT
DATE OF TEST
TEST EQUIPMENT DETAILS & CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE
CONTENTS OF THE PRINTED REPORT...
Contacts: Michael Glanfield Better Energy 7 Heather Lane Douglas Isle of Man
S o u rce d a t a su p p l i e d b y t h e B u i l d i n g R e se a r ch E st a b l i sh me n t
IM2 7EF 01624 677278 07624 346826 info@betterenergy.biz www.betterenergy.biz
Marcus Boyd Thermco 2 Ennerdale Avenue Onchan 07624 304074
CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION...
thermco@manx.net
C e rt i f i e d re su l t s a c ce p t e d b y B u i l d i n g C o n t ro l A u t h o ri t i e s . O p e ra t i ve s t ra i n e d b y B S R I A & re g i st e re d w i t h B I N D T . T e st i n g p ro ce d u re s f u l l y me e t A T T MA T S 1 s t a n d a rd s. U K A S ca l i b ra t e d e q u i p m e n t .
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TekTalk Issue 02 December 2011