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Air Tightness Testing (ATT)

Air Tightness Testing (ATT) is a necessary requirement under the 2010 Building Regulations part L and is a key component in the Government’s objective to meet its carbon reduction targets.

Air testing buildings is a method used to establish the rate of a property’s air leakage. Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air into and out of a building through the myriad of gaps and cracks in the walls, roof and lowest floor; the higher the air leakage, the greater the carbon emissions.  Air leakage (or air permeability) should not be confused with ventilation.  It is very important to have adequate ventilation to remove moisture and stale air (from cooking, bathing and general activities) and also ensure a good level of ventilation to any combustion appliance (fires etc).  Ventilation should be controllable, i.e. one should be able to close windows securely and not be troubled by cold draughts.   This is why the phrase ‘build tight and ventilate right’ is often used in regards to a buildings air permeability rate.

As well as being uncomfortable, cold draughts will also mean that a property’s heating system will have to work much harder to heat all that extra cold air coming in, and the warmth from a building will also leak through the gaps in walls, roof and floor resulting in heat loss.  In short, air leakage results in energy inefficiency, higher fuel bills and higher carbon dioxide emissions.

Building Regulations (Part L 2010) currently sets an upper limit for air tightness in new homes at 10m³/hour/m² at 50 Pascals, however for a higher level of energy efficiency the Energy Savings Trust (EST) sets target figures for airtightness of new homes at about 3 m³/hour/m² at 50 Pascals. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to the environment and carbon reduction, we are now pleased to be able to include ATT as part of our growing portfolio of services, keeping everything under one roof for our Clients’ convenience.