There are key points to check for air leakage in preparation for an air tightness test, as shown in this Residential Air Tightness Checklist.
Before we arrive on site please ensure you have sent us the specific design air permeability figure and been through the checklist below. This will greatly increase your chances of passing first time.
Air Leakage Pathway Checklist
Check for visible leaks in the following places:
- Windows: Check the seal beneath the sills and around the frames.
- Doors: Check the seal around all external door surrounds (especially French doors).
- Drainage traps: Check they are filled with water or sealed with tape.
- Skirting and coving: Check above and below all skirting and coving, then seal where necessary.
- Meter Boxes: Check all external supplies are sealed appropriately.
- Light Fittings: Check the seal around all light fittings and switches.
- Radiators / Fans / Heaters: Check the seal around all pipes and wires.
- Boilers: Check the seal around the boiler supply and flue.
- Extractor Fans: Check around the edge of the extracts, only the front of the grill can be sealed.
- Cooker Hoods: Check the seals around all penetrations.
- Soil pipes: Check the seal around all soil pipes and sink waste pipes especially those boxed in or behind kitchen cabinets.
- Bath Panels: Check all pipes behind bath panels are sealed properly.
- Hot water tank: Check the seal around all supply pipes.
- MVHR: Check seal around all terminals.
- Chimneys: Open fireplaces must be sealed prior to our arrival.
- Air Bricks: When the dwelling has air bricks these should be sealed for the test.
- Tumble drier extracts: Check the seal around the extract.
Please note only the controllable air flow pathways listed below can be temporarily sealed during the test, all the non-controllable leakage pathways above must be permanently sealed.
Temporary Sealing
The following should be temporarily sealed during the test:
- Trickle Vents: Should be closed and can be sealed.
- Extractor Fans / MVHR terminals: All extracts should be temporarily sealed (Please ensure these are off before sealing).
- Cooker Hoods: Should be sealed from the outside or inside.
- Chimneys Flues and Air Bricks: Should be temporarily sealed.
Our engineers will do the temporary sealing for you however if it is done prior to our arrival we are able to do more tests per visit.
What next?
It’s often easier to tick through a printed checklist, so here’s one we prepared earlier for you:
Residential Air Tightness Checklist Printout
We consistently provide exceptional service to help clients pass their air test on the first visit, offering our knowledge to help them find leaks in their buildings and rectify any issues. If your property is unlikely to pass, we will advise on how to fix this. Get in touch to book your next test in.