|
| Search |
|---|
| New Part L air tightness test not difficult to pass |
|
This was the consensus view of delegates at a recent training event, ‘Air Leakage Testing Explained’, staged by Chiltern Dynamics on 21st March. Air tightness testing involves a pressure test, carried out in accordance with CIBSE TM 23 (now ATTMA TS1). To pass, buildings must achieve a minimum rating of 10m3h-1 per m2 of building envelope, at 50 Pascals. The training event included a practical demonstration in a two-storey house at the company’s headquarters near High Wycombe. Delegates were able to see that the very simple property was able to achieve a rating of 8.67m3h-1m2, but when conditions of poor workmanship were simulated around doors, windows and service pipes, the result worsened considerably to 11.52m3h-1m2. Engineer Mark Gannon who monitored the test said,’ There is nothing difficult in achieving air tightness. Attention to design and to detail throughout the project and good workmanship on site should ensure a pass for the vast majority of properties.’ He conceded however that for developers aiming to achieve an air tightness rating of 3 - 5m3h-1m2, as demanded by social housing providers and others, quality management on site would be paramount. The onus will be on Building Control bodies to check compliance but the responsibility for achieving compliance under Part L rests with ‘the person responsible for carrying out the work’. This would typically be the developer or main contractor, who would probably also arrange and pay for the test. For multiple dwellings it is recommended in Part L that tests are carried out on early completions in order to prevent errors in later projects. We run regular 'Air Tightness Testing Explained' training days. The programme for the day will cover:
The cost is £100 + VAT for TRADA members and £125 + VAT for non-members. Group discounts are offered. For further details or to check availability, please contact our training department on 01494 569620 or email . Click here for PDF. |
The compulsory air tightness test required under the revised Part L building regulations, which come into effect on April 6th 2006, will not be too onerous for builders and developers aiming to achieve the pass rate.