Airtightness - Commercial Buildings

BET can provide support throughout the design and construction stages of a project to ensure that the airtightness targets for the building are achieved first time. Our range of services are based on experience and a rigorous quality management system.

Building Airtightness Testing
BET includes a pre-test site visit as a standard part of our testing service. We have found this to be essential in ensuring that the building performs at its best and is properly prepared and ready for testing.

We offer full technical support in preparing for the test and stay until the job is done. Tests are regularly completed out of normal working hours to suit the pressures of modern building projects.

Testing is carried out in accordance with the requirements and recommendations detailed within CIBSE TM23:2000‘Testing buildings for air leakage’, BS EN 13829:2001 ‘Determination of air permeability of buildings, fan pressurisation method’ and TS1 July 2007 ‘Measuring air permeability of building envelopes’. All instruments used are independently calibrated to INAB/UKAS national traceable standards.

BET are an accredited testing laboratory for airtighness testing of buildings in accordance with CIBSE TM23 and BS EN 13829

Airtightness Awareness Training
It is critical that all members of the team working on the design & construction of a building have good background knowledge of the principles underlying building airtightness and the approach to design, specification, construction and on site management that is necessary to successfully build airtight. The training material draws on our considerable experience in building airtightness on a wide variety of projects. We are a CIBSE approved CPD training provider and can issue certificates on completion of the course which will contribute to annual CPD requirements.

Our clients (design teams and contractors) find this an invaluable service, giving them the knowledge and expertise necessary to succeed first time round in what is a relatively new and unknown area of building design and construction

Airtightness Consultancy Services
Desktop reviews of specifications and drawings are conducted to ensure that the design of the building is consistent with the airtightness performance targets. Selecting an appropriate level of performance is often the first step in the design process. Ensuring that the external envelope is specified and designed to achieve airtightness is essential if the building is going to perform when completed.

We have completed consultancy commissions on buildings with all types of construction and envelope systems including steel, concrete and timber frame, curtain walling, structural glazing, composite panel and traditional masonry.

Site Surveys
Ongoing site surveys during construction monitor the progress and quality of the works critical to airtightness. This ensures that any areas of concern are identified, can be reviewed and rectified if necessary before they are covered up.
Depending on the size and complexity of the building a single survey may be all that is required. On larger or more complex projects, and those that require compliance via a third party assessment route, more regular inspections are required.

Prototype Tests
‘Prototype’ or pre-tests of selected parts of a building can provide invaluable feedback to the project team before the main building test. These tests always provide useful feedback to the project team. Typically they demonstrate the performance of critical envelope system interfaces, either confirming the effectiveness of the design and construction or allowing difficulties to be addressed before the main building test.

Air Leakage Audits
If the building fails to achieve the required targets a leak audit can be carried out to identify leakage routes through the building envelope.