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Air Leakage Testing
Professional Air Tightness Testing for Residential and Commercial Developments
At Energy Counsel, we provide UKAS-accredited air tightness testing to support compliance with Building Regulations Part L, alongside our SAP Calculations, SBEM assessments and Dynamic Thermal Modelling services.
Whether you're constructing a single dwelling, a large residential development or a commercial building, our experienced engineers deliver accurate testing, practical advice and fast turnaround to help keep your project on programme.
What is Air Tightness Testing?
Air tightness (also referred to as air permeability) measures the amount of uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope.
Air can escape through small gaps and junctions within the building fabric, including:
- Service penetrations
- Window and door frames
- Wall and roof junctions
- Floor junctions
- Construction joints
Even small leaks can significantly affect a building's energy performance, increasing heat loss, energy consumption and carbon emissions.
A well-sealed building improves comfort, reduces heating costs and supports compliance with current Building Regulations.
Why is Air Tightness Important?
Effective air tightness helps to:
- Improve energy efficiency
- Reduce heating and cooling costs
- Lower carbon emissions
- Improve occupant comfort
- Achieve Building Regulations Part L compliance
- Support sustainability standards and low-energy building design
When combined with an appropriate ventilation strategy, good air tightness is a key component of delivering high-performing buildings.
Building Regulations Requirements
Air permeability testing is required under Approved Document Part L for most new developments.
For commercial buildings, testing is generally required on new buildings over the relevant floor area threshold.
For residential developments, a representative sample of dwellings is tested in accordance with current Building Regulations guidance. The measured air permeability values are then incorporated into the SAP calculations used to demonstrate compliance.
Design air permeability targets should always be agreed early in the design process, as they have a direct impact on the building's energy performance and compliance calculations.
Experienced Technical Support
Our expertise extends far beyond air testing.
Because we also undertake:
- SAP Calculations
- Energy Statements
- Dynamic Thermal Modelling
- Thermal Bridging Assessments
- Water Efficiency Calculations
- BREEAM Assessments
We understand how air permeability affects the wider compliance strategy.
Our consultants can identify potential issues before testing takes place and provide practical advice to maximise the likelihood of achieving your target air leakage rate.
We have extensive experience assisting developments requiring very low air permeability values, including high-performance and low-energy buildings.
Flexible Testing Around Your Programme
We understand the pressures of construction programmes.
Our team will:
- Arrange testing at a time that suits your build schedule
- Advise on preparing the property before testing
- Identify any issues during testing where possible
- Provide prompt feedback on site
- Issue certificates quickly to minimise delays
Our aim is to help you achieve compliance with minimal disruption.
Why Choose Energy Counsel?
- Over 30 years' experience in building energy compliance
- UKAS-accredited air tightness testing
- Experienced consultants and accredited testers
- Fast turnaround of results
- Nationwide coverage
- Complete compliance service from a single consultancy
Build Tight. Vent Right
A successful air tightness strategy begins long before testing. By considering airtightness during design and construction, developers can improve energy performance, reduce costly remedial work and achieve compliance more efficiently.
Need Air Tightness Testing?
Contact Energy Counsel today for a free, no-obligation quotation and expert advice on your project.
