Failed Air Tightness Test: The 10 Most Common Reasons

You can avoid a failed air tightness test (most of the time) by preparing properly. Here are ten reasons for air test failure and how to avoid them.

When a dwelling fails an air tightness test, our air tester will use diagnostic techniques to determine the main air leakage pathways so this can be recorded in the failure report. We have collated the main reasons for failure in all our tests over the last 6 months to find the 10 most common undesigned reasons for a failed air tightness test.

To prevent the majority of failures in air tightness tests, it is crucial to prepare the dwelling adequately before the arrival of the air tester. This entails thoroughly going through our air tightness checklist on-site and ensuring proper sealing of all unregulated air leakage pathways.

The worst offending air leakage pathways were as follows:

10 Most Common Failed Air Tightness Test Reasons

• In and around the skirting boards.
• The window and door surrounds.
• In and around the ceilings/suspended floors.
• Behind and around the baths, toilets, and sinks.
• Behind the kitchen cabinets.
• Bathroom and kitchen ventilation extracts.
• Riser and Services cupboards.
• Around and through Loft hatches.
• Around and through electrical fittings.
• Chimneys and fireplaces.

Air Tightness Testing

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What’s next?

Air tightness testing provides precise information about the level of airtightness in your building. This assessment is valuable for devising a decarbonisation plan, discovering energy-saving opportunities, and meeting regulatory standards. Our team of skilled air tightness engineers specialises in various areas, including new construction, residential buildings, commercial structures, and retrofit projects. They possess the expertise to offer the necessary assistance for accomplishing your objectives – and avoiding a failed air tightness test.

Contact us today to book your next air tightness test.