Alba Air Tightness Testing
Alba Air Tightness Testing provides an independent, professional, competitively priced air tightness testing and advisory service throughout Scotland. Accredited through The Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme, the leading body for energy professionals.
Air Test Services Provided
- Air tightness testing for new build houses.
- Draught diagnosis in older houses
- Advisory service to achieve air tightness targets, pre and post testing.
- Air pressure testing to improve energy efficient and reduce heat loss.
- Smoke tests to locate air leaks.
- Houses, commercial buildings and Passivhaus.
- Very competitive prices, without VAT.
- Results and certificates provided promptly, mostly same day.
- Full report provided on request.
- Can also advise on acoustic testing, thermal imaging, SAP and SBEM calculations and Energy Performance Certificates.
What is an air tightness test?
Air tightness is a vital component of sustainable design. Draughty properties are expensive to heat not comfortable to live in. With the increase of efficiency in insulation materials, air infiltration is becoming more important. Modern building design aims for high energy efficiency and good indoor air quality. To ensure that energy efficiency is high and air quality is good – an air tightness test is now required on all new builds in Scotland .
A test depressurises the building using a fan and software measures the air flow at a range of pressure differentials. The test result expresses the airflow rate across the insulation envelope or internal surface area, in m³/(hr.m²)@50Pa. Air temperature and barometric pressure are taken into account. Smoke tests can identify the source of any leakage and we always offer advice if a building fails a test for being too air tight or too permeable.
The target airflow rate for a new building is described in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations, for domestic dwellings and the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) for commercial buildings.
Air Permeability Regulations
The Scottish Government’s increasing ambition to reduce emissions to net zero by 2045 in line with the Climate Change Act 2019, has meant that all new homes need an airtightness test. Details can be found in Section 6: energy, clause 6.2.5 of the Building Standards Technical Handbook, updated February 2023.
Air Tightness Testing can also be carried out on any building seeking to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
Air Testing Equipment
Calibrated Retrotec fans and software ensures accuracy of measurement.