Airtightness Testing & Pre-testing

Welcome to Strairt airtightness testing and pre-testing services, where we combine precision with the latest technology to ensure your building’s energy efficiency and comfort. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our use of the latest equipment and the most up-to-date methods available in the industry today.

Our services go beyond just testing. We offer a thorough pre-testing analysis to help you prepare and make any necessary adjustments before the official test, saving you time and potential costs. We use advanced smoke testing and thermographic cameras to provide a detailed and accurate assessment of your building’s airtightness.

We understand the importance of airtightness in building performance and are committed to helping you achieve your airtightness targets. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or property developer, our services are tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring your project succeeds.

Trust us to provide the expert analysis and testing you need to ensure your building is airtight, energy-efficient, and ready for the future.

Most upto Date Technology

The airtightness tester uses advanced software and technology to provide precise and reliable results. This system seamlessly integrates with the lodgement system, allowing real-time data transfer and analysis. Directly connecting airtightness results in the lodgement system, which enhances efficiency in construction and building management, leading to better decision-making and compliance with industry standards.

Pre-testing to Identify Problems Early

The airtightness tester performs important pre-tests to ensure that the contractor is on track by identifying potential air leakage early in the construction process. Using smoke and thermographic cameras, the tester highlights areas where air may escape, allowing for timely corrections. This proactive approach helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures that the builder meets airtightness targets during the final test. Identifying issues before completion not only saves money but also ensures the building performs efficiently, avoiding the repercussions of missing airtightness requirements in the final assessment.

Pro-active Apprioch to Problem Solving

The airtightness tester is crucial for meeting a building’s air leakage targets. A proactive tester not only conducts tests but also recommends solutions and collaborates with the contractor to improve the building’s performance. This approach enhances energy efficiency and overall quality, unlike a hands-off approach that misses valuable improvements.

What Happens During The Test.

An airtightness test, also known as a blower door test, measures the amount of air that leaks in or out of a building to determine its air permeability. This is crucial for ensuring energy efficiency, reducing heat loss, and meeting building regulations. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Preparation
Seal Ventilation Systems: Seal ventilation systems, such as chimneys and exhaust fans, to ensure that only the building envelope (walls, floors, roof) is being tested.
Close External Doors and Windows: Close all external doors and windows, while keeping internal doors open to allow air to move throughout the entire space.
Identify Temporary Openings: Temporarily seal other openings, such as keyholes and cat flaps.

2. Setting Up the Blower Door
Install a blower door (a frame with an adjustable canvas fitted with a fan) in an external doorway.
Set up pressure sensors inside and outside the building to measure the difference in air pressure.

3. Running the Test
The fan creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, usually by drawing air out of the building (depressurization).
The equipment measures how much air is being pulled into the building to replace the air being sucked out, indicating how much air is leaking through gaps in the building’s fabric.

4. Recording Results
Measure the rate of air leakage (air permeability), often expressed as m³/h/m² at 50 Pascals (Pa) of pressure. This tells you how many cubic meters of air escape per hour per square meter of building envelope at a specific pressure.
Compare the results to the target airtightness levels set in the building regulations (for example, Part L in the UK).

5. Locating Air Leaks
Use smoke pencils or thermal cameras to identify specific areas of leakage.
Common problem areas include door/window frames, gaps around plumbing, wiring, and wall-floor junctions.