Air tightness in Residential Buildings

We have experience in one off, medium and large residential developments.
Different approaches are required to the design and construction depending on the construction system being used, whether traditional masonry, timbre frame or concrete/ICF.

We have found from experience that some construction systems do have inherently better air tightness performance than others.

BET can provide full technical support on the design/detailing and construction stages of a project and offer a service which is built on experience and a rigorous quality management system.

Building Air tightness Testing
We prepare each unit for testing including sealing of drainage and ventilation systems and stay until the job is done. As part of our standard testing service we include an air leakage audit to identify leakage routes if the required air permeability isn’t achieved. Results from the test and air leakage audit are included in a comprehensive test report. Tests are regularly completed out of normal working hours to suit the pressures of modern building projects.

Air tightness tests are 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. Calibration certificates are available on request.

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 important 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 and envelope systems.

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. BET have completed commissions on all types of construction and envelope systems including steel, concrete and timbre frame, curtain walling, structural glazing, composite panel and traditional masonry.

Site Surveys
Ongoing site surveys can be carried during the construction to monitor the quality of the works critical to airtightness.

Prototype Tests
‘Prototype’ or pre-tests of a sample unit can provide invaluable feedback to the project team and results in much improved performance in subsequent tests.