Top ten tips for air tightness compliance
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We are going to present information on the following topics relating to Air Tightness Testing. What is Air Leakage –The common Air Leakage Paths - General Principles & the Air Line - Building Tight – Walls, Dry Lining & Ceilings - Harron Homes some specific detail - ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement - Temporary Sealing - Checklist The objective of this presentation is to provide you with an overview on what is Air Leakage / Air Tightness Testing, what the general principles are when it comes to achieving the required levels of Air Tightness for compliance with the Building Regs. We also provide some guidelines on how you can achieve it. We outline the changes to Air Tightness testing with the introduction of the ATTMA Competent persons scheme & Certificate Lodgement, along with what is and what isn’t acceptable regarding temporary sealing.
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Top ten tips for air tightness compliance
- 1. A BSRIA Presentation By Andy McGrath
- 2. 2 Making buildings better Presentation Topics 1. What is Air Leakage 2. Air Leakage Paths 3. General Principles & the Air Line 4. Building Tight – Walls, Dry Lining & Ceilings 5. Harron Homes 6. ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement 7. Temporary Sealing 8. Checklist
- 3. 3 Making buildings better What is air leakage? Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building (sometimes referred to as infiltration or draughts). This is not to be confused with ventilation, which is the controlled flow of air into and out of the building through purpose built ventilators that are required for the comfort and safety of the occupants. Air leakage commonly occurs at interfaces between construction elements. Typical locations include: • Wall to roof and wall to floor junctions • Window and door to wall joints • Service penetrations
- 4. 4 Making buildings better Air Leakage Paths Air leakage paths are quite often tortuous – air may travel some distance through the building fabric between the points of entry and exit. The key to ensuring good levels of airtightness is to ensure the air tightness line in a building is continuous
- 5. 5 Making buildings better General Principles of Design & Construction The basic principles of airtightness are: • Airtightness is not rocket science, but it doesn’t happen by chance • The airtightness strategy should be simple, robust and achievable • The building air line should be identified pre-construction and preferably at design stage • Responsibility should be given to a nominated individual or team • Communication of its importance and relevance is key • All parties in the process should be involved • Common details should be generated • It must be clear who is responsible for sealing each element • Protocols for checking detailing must be in place
- 6. 6 Making buildings better What is the air line? The air line is normally defined as the element(s) that are used to create the airtightness line. • The air line should be decided at design stage • It must be continuous around the building • It must be possible to slice through the building on any plane and see a continuous air line • The air line should be continuous with the thermal line The Air Line / Air Tightness Line - Think of a continuous RED line around the Building.
- 7. 7 Making buildings better Basic Principles
- 8. 8 Making buildings better Basic Principles
- 9. 9 Making buildings better Building Tight To ensure compliance with Building Regulations the developer needs to consider two air barriers, these being: 1) Internal block work face 2) Dry-lining Our investigations have shown that in the majority of cases a bare block work shell is capable of exceeding the requirements set out in Part L1A with scores as low as 3m³ (hr.m²) being achievable.
- 10. 10 Making buildings better The Build Elements – Walls
- 11. 11 Making buildings better The Build Elements – Walls
- 12. 12 Making buildings better The Build Elements - Walls These form the vertical elements of the envelope, some are structural, some not, but all are required to perform an effective barrier between the internal and external space. Best Practice • Blockwork used as the air line • Soft joint to all other components • All penetrations, such as windows, sealed to the airline element • Generally, walls should be sealed to the floor and ceiling Traditional Block and Brick Cavity It is the most common wall type, but can also deliver the most variation in airtightness performance. This is mainly as a result of workmanship and the airtightness performance of the block work.
- 13. 13 Making buildings better The Build Elements - Walls The block work must provide a continuous barrier: There should be no gaps in the coursing. Where the block work barrier is breached the penetrations should be sealed so that the integrity of the shell is restored. Examples of this will include joist penetrations and service penetrations The responsibility for these requirements should be delegated by the developer to the appropriate trades i.e. bricklayers, plumbers etc. In instances where the responsibility for performing these sealing works has not been clearly stipulated, failures often occur.
- 14. 14 Making buildings better The Build Elements - Walls The block work itself must also provide a square edge to the cavity closers, failure to do this will result in difficulty sealing the block work to the cavity closure, which should be sealed to prevent air entering the cavity. The block work stops short of the cavity closure, leaving a large void to fill The cavity closer has been sealed to the block work, lintel and window ensuring the air line is maintained.
- 15. 15 Making buildings better The Build Elements - Walls We would recommend that the dry-liner should be permitted to tack the top floor ceilings, (and 1st floor ceiling in 2.5 storey dwellings), to the trusses before any other trades commence work. This is to allow the shell envelope to be completed, as long as the developer ensures that the: Perimeter of the ceiling is sealed to the block work The gap between the wall and ceiling will allow air leakage to occur if a continuous ribbon of adhesive is not present on the dry-lining A mechanical seal is present between the top floor ceiling and the external wall ensuring the air line is maintained.
- 16. 16 Making buildings better A gap is present between the window board and the block work, a cavity closer is not present allowing air leakage to occur A mechanical seal prevents air leakage occurring Building Tight To ensure that the air line is maintained, all penetrations through it must be sealed Ensure products that have their own means of sealing to the air line are effective and that there is no additional sealing required Ensure products that have their own means of sealing to the air line, are effective and that there is no additional sealing required
- 17. 17 Making buildings better Building Tight To ensure that the air line is maintained all penetrations through it must be sealed There is no cap to the top of the SVP boxing, providing a significant air leakage path. A gap has been left at the penetration of the SVP through the ceiling The ventilation duct has not been sealed to the block work as it passes through it The boiler flue has not been sealed to the block work as it passes through
- 18. 18 Making buildings better Building Tight at an Early Stage At this stage the developer should be able to inspect the dwelling and see that the shell integrity is satisfactory. This must be done prior to any internal finishes being installed. At this point the only air leakage present in the dwelling will be through the block work itself. The Blockwork can be used as the air line, if the Blockwork envelope is sealed, this is a good start to achieving Air Tightness.
- 19. 19 Making buildings better Failure to ensure the integrity of block work and dry-lining will result in multiple egress points When dry-lining takes place it is imperative that the requirement to ensure a continuous solid dab is adhered to. This will significantly reduce the volume of air that can reach the internal block work face and will therefore aid in preventing leakage through the block work itself, it should be noted that the dry-wall adhesive is not an impermeable product. Continuous solid dabs must also be present around all electrical outlets and any other such penetrations. Building Tight Dry-Lining The lack of a continuous ribbon of adhesive will allow air leakage to occur through penetrations to the plasterboard Another example of “dabs” rather than continuous ribbons being used.
- 20. 20 Making buildings better The Build Elements - Walls Common Pitfalls • Blockwork sealed to steel beams/lintels, but beams not sealed • Blockwork hidden behind internal finishes before penetrations are cut, making access to seal the blockwork difficult • Expanding foam used for filling gaps, but this is often performed ineffectively. If used it should be used appropriately and sparingly • Mortar seal between wall and beam joint – incorrectly assumed appropriate, mastic seal should be present.
- 21. 21 Making buildings better Elements – Ceilings/Roofs Plasterboard Plasterboard will commonly form the airline. This may be horizontal, or contain multiple elements for warm roof constructions The more complex the design the more consideration must be given to the continuity on the air line Buildings that have a full storey on the top floor are potentially the simplest to design an air seal line for. However they can have significantly more breaks in the line than you might first think. Best Practice • The ceiling should be continuous • It should be mechanically sealed to the vertical air line • All penetrations, such as loft hatches, sealed to the airline element
- 22. 22 Making buildings better Elements – Ceilings/Roofs
- 23. 23 Making buildings better Elements – Ceilings/Roofs
- 24. 24 Making buildings better Elements – Ceilings/Roofs Common Pitfalls • Significant number of breaks in the airline that are not visible and therefore often not sealed • Service penetrations inside internal walls • Service penetrations behind boxings • Ceiling line often broken at internal walls
- 25. 25 Making buildings better Elements – Ceilings/Roofs Air Barrier Continuity – Bed the wall plate on a continuous mortar bed. Fix ceiling first and seal all gaps between the ceiling and the masonry wall with either plaster, adhesive or flexible sealant. Seal all penetrations through air barrier using a flexible sealant. Install a double, full length nogging between the floor joists and seal between the nogging, ceiling and upper stud wall with a flexible sealant. The dotted blue line depicts the continuity of the air barrier through the noggings..
- 26. 26 Making buildings better Checklist Detail Outcome Block work Must have no gaps in the coursing Joist penetrations Must be sealed to the block work Windows/ Cavity closers Must be sealed to each other and block work Service penetrations Must be sealed at both block work and plasterboard penetrations Dry-Lining Must have a continuous ribbon around the perimeter and around electrical outlets, etc.
- 27. 27 Making buildings better In respect of conducting Air Tightness Testing, it should be noted there have been some changes that have been applied in respect of the implementation of a Competent persons scheme by ATTMA (Air Tightness Test and Measurement Association). This has been implemented along with changes to the Certification scheme , with a certification lodgement scheme being applied and an automatic check regarding any deviations on the test. ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement Scheme
- 28. 28 Making buildings better Air Tightness Test Worksheets & Certificate of Air Permeability Test As part of the ATTMA Scheme, it will be a requirement to lodge tests and a link can be sent to the developer to download the certificate. The BCO can also verify the certificate. The worksheet and associated test file are submitted to ATTMA, this is reviewed and if compliant, an ATTMA certificate is issued & Lodged.
- 29. 29 Making buildings better Implementation of ATTMA Competent Person Scheme Air Tightness Testing Competent Persons Scheme The DCLG wished to see the underlying assessment of competence for air tightness testers, to be strengthened with a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS), wanting it to be compliant with the latest Conditions of Authorisation. It wanted it to be better controlled, regulated and observable. DCLG (Department for Communities & Local Government) have authorised ATTMA to run a competent persons scheme for Air Tightness Testing.
- 30. 30 Making buildings better Building Regulations 2013 - 43 (4) – explicitly allows a BCB to accept an air tightness “certificate” if it has been produced by someone who is registered by either BINDT or ATTMA The Building Regulations AD L1a and L2a documents state under 3.15, that the BCB should confirm that the person (offering the Certificate) has been appropriately trained and registered for the specific building type. If the Air Tightness Tester is registered with ATTMA the BCB are able to accept this without further qualification of their competence. BINDT have closed their list of accredited testers and will not be running a CPS The ATTMA scheme is therefore currently the only authorised scheme, although at least one other application has been made to DCLG ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement Scheme
- 31. 31 Making buildings better All BSRIA Compliance Test Engineers are registered with the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme for Air Tightness Testers In order to fulfil some elements of the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme, the Test Reports for the tests conducted by BSRIA Compliance are lodged with ATTMA and the certificates for the Airtightness Testing are thus generated by ATTMA and lodged on their scheme system. ATTMA have issued guidance on what is and what is not acceptable in respect of the Temporary Sealing applied to a plot for the Air Tightness Test. We are now going to see the ATTMA Guidelines on Temporary Sealing. ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement Scheme
- 32. 32 Making buildings better ATTMA Temporary Sealing Guidance
- 34. 34 Making buildings better Examples - Not Acceptable Temporary Sealing
- 35. 35 Making buildings better Examples - Not Acceptable Temporary Sealing
- 36. 36 Making buildings better Examples - Not Acceptable Temporary Sealing These Temporary Seals – WHY ? It can only be an attempt to CHEAT the test. There is no other objective. Will the tape be removed after the test. Will the fault be left as it is? There is No Respect to Quality or Consideration to future Occupiers. This is Not the Way – Build Right is the RIGHT Way.
- 37. 37 Making buildings better Air Tightness Test Worksheets If your Air Tightness Test Worksheet has the deviations Box filled, (bottom left), with Temporary Seals that have been applied, that should not have been, then there is a chance you will not receive the ATTMA Certificate or it will be marked as we can see.
- 38. 38 Making buildings better Refer to the BSRIA Checklist relating to elements of the build that should be finished/complete and checked/ready for Testing . Below are a few guidelines for the Site Managers in respect of preparing for the Air Tightness Tests. • Failed Tests and Plots not ready for testing, all increase costs for the Build • Ensure that you only Book Tests for the plots that you believe will be ready • Ensure that you check that each plot will be ready for the test, 24 hours before the test • Check the notification of testing received from BSRIA and inform BSRIA of All Cancelations/Changes to plots requiring testing, prior to the scheduled testing date It would be best if the site manager should check the day before the scheduled tests, that the plot is ready for testing, (please refer to the BSRIA Checklist), if the plot is not ready for testing, if you advise BSRIA the day before the test, then there will be no charge. Where a visit to site has been conducted to test a plot and it is not ready for the test, then a charge will still be made. Checks to be Made
- 39. 39 Making buildings better Make Sure the Plot is Ready for Testing. • Is there power available? • Are incoming services connected / sealed ie electric, gas, water, waste? • Plumbing complete & traps filled • Is plot at final fix stage? Mastic bead to sanitary ware, gaps sealed under bath/shower and around toilet. (Rockwool does not make an airtight seal) • All electrical sockets, lights (where appropriate) and switches should be in place – not sealed. • Windows, trickle vents, doors should be installed and windows should be operable. • Door Thresholds complete • Boiler Flue penetration sealed. • SVP penetration to boxing & ceiling, sealed. • Loft hatch fitted and perimeter of hatch sealed. • Wall / floor junction sealed. • Mastic for air seal line, complete SEE the BSRIA CHECKLIST
- 40. 40 Making buildings better Summary We hope that these presentations have provided you with an overview on Air Leakage / Air Tightness Testing. The first presentation afforded an understanding on Why Testing is required, What causes Air Leakage and a summary of the Part L building regulations that apply, along with an understanding on Testing Regimes. The second presentation gave guidelines on the Basic principles, confirmation on how important the Red AirLine is and how it must be continuous, unbroken. It also provided some tips on how Air Tightness can be achieved and information on the changes to Air Tightness Testing with the implementation of the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme, Certificate Lodgement and Temporary Sealing. We trust that this has been beneficial and of interest and hope that you take away an understanding of the Requirements for Air Tightness testing.
- 41. 41 Making buildings better BSRIA Compliance Services BSRIA Compliance Provides the Complete Building Regulations Compliance Testing Solution throughout the UK Sound Insulation Air Tightness Domestic Ventilation
Editor's Notes
- Good day to you all and welcome to this BSRIA presentation BSRIA is an acronym standing for the Building Services Research & Information Association. My name is Andy McGrath
- We are going to present information on the following topics relating to Air Tightness Testing. What is Air Leakage –The common Air Leakage Paths - General Principles & the Air Line - Building Tight – Walls, Dry Lining & Ceilings - Harron Homes some specific detail - ATTMA Competent persons Scheme & Certificate Lodgement - Temporary Sealing - Checklist The objective of this presentation is to provide you with an overview on what is Air Leakage / Air Tightness Testing, what the general principles are when it comes to achieving the required levels of Air Tightness for compliance with the Building Regs. We also provide some guidelines on how you can achieve it. We outline the changes to Air Tightness testing with the introduction of the ATTMA Competent persons scheme & Certificate Lodgement, along with what is and what isn’t acceptable regarding temporary sealing.
- Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building (sometimes referred to as infiltration or draughts). This is not to be confused with ventilation, which is the controlled flow of air into and out of the building through purpose built ventilators that are required for the comfort and safety of the occupants. There is a significant difference between the two. Ventilation is designed and allowed, air leakage is un-designed and it is this that the test is detecting. Air leakage commonly occurs at interfaces between construction elements. Typical locations include: Wall to roof and wall to floor junctions, Window and door to wall joints, Service penetrations
- Air leakage paths are quite often tortuous – air may travel some distance through the building fabric between the points of entry and exit. It may be difficult to locate the source. The key to ensuring good levels of airtightness is to ensure the air tightness line in a building is continuous, not broken anywhere.
- These are the General/Basic Principles of achieving air tightness. It is not Rocket Science but you do not achieve automatically or by luck. You have to work at it. The airtightness strategy should be simple, robust and achievable -The building air line should be identified pre-construction / design stage. Responsibility should be given to an individual or team to Champion Air Tightness on the site – Communication is very important and all parties concerned should be involved. Common details should be utilised and it must be clear who is responsible for sealing each element. Protocols/systems must be in place for checking.
- Relating to the airtightness line is essential, it is basically separating the inside of the building from the outside of the building. Think of a continuous Red Line around the Building. The air line is normally defined as the element(s) that are used to create the airtightness line. It should be defined at the design stage and must be continuous around the building. If you take a section through the building, the airtightness line should still be evident and intact. The air line should be continuous, very near / close to the thermal line, otherwise you will have air bypassing the thermal insulation.
- As an example, here we can see the air line / airtightness line, shown here in red. This is a very important principle, get this right and we are getting there in respect of achieving the required Air Tightness. Think of the Thick Red Line as a the Air Line barrier that should not be passed / broken through. If you do Break it or Pass through it, you do not pass Go and do not get £200, you get problems in the future.
- So think Red – Think Airtightness line. It’s not Follow the Yellow Brick Road IT’s follow the Red Air Line.
- To ensure compliance with Building Regulations the developer needs to consider two air barriers, these being: 1) Internal block work face 2) Dry-lining Our investigations have shown that in the majority of cases a bare block work shell is capable of exceeding the requirements set out in Part L1A with scores as low as 3m³ (hr.m²) being achievable. I think this diagram is a very good summary of how to achieve the required level of air tightness, (refer to diagram).
- Here’s the RED line again
- I know I might be getting on your nerves but I am making an important point. Think of the Air Line - Look at the RED line. Any penetrations to it must be sealed.
- Walls, These form the vertical elements of the envelope, some are structural, some not, but all are required to perform an effective barrier between the internal and external space. Traditional Block and Brick Cavity walls -It is the most common wall type, but can also deliver the most variation in airtightness performance. This is mainly as a result of workmanship and the airtightness performance of the block work. Best Practice - Blockwork used as the air line - Soft joint to all other components - All penetrations, such as windows, sealed to the airline element - Generally, walls should be sealed to the floor and ceiling
- These are the main rules applicable to the walls. The block work must provide a continuous barrier: There should be no gaps in the coursing. Where the block work barrier is breached the penetrations should be sealed so that the integrity of the shell is restored. Examples of this will include joist penetrations and service penetrations The responsibility for these requirements should be delegated by the developer to the appropriate trades i.e. bricklayers, plumbers etc. In instances where the responsibility for performing these sealing works has not been clearly stipulated, failures often occur.
- The block work itself must also provide a square edge to the cavity closers, failure to do this will result in difficulty sealing the block work to the cavity closure, which should be sealed to prevent air entering the cavity. Here we see a bad example where the block work stops short of the cavity closure, leaving a large void to fill . This is better, The cavity closer has been sealed to the block work, lintel and window ensuring the air line is maintained.
- We would recommend that the dry-liner should be permitted to tack the top floor ceilings, (and the 1st floor ceiling in 2.5 storey dwellings), sealing it to the trusses before any other trades commence work. This is to allow the shell envelope to be completed, as long as it is ensured that the: Perimeter of the ceiling is sealed to the block work Here we can see examples of Bad practice, where we can see that there is a gap between the ceiling and the wall, allowing air leakage if a continuous ribbon of adhesive is not applied. This example is good practice where a seal is present between the top floor ceiling and the wall, ensuring the air line is maintained. Hopefully you are beginning to see a theme, ensuring that the shell envelope is completley sealed, providing the first air barrier, the block work face.
- Here are some more examples. A gap is present between the window board and the block work, a cavity closer is not present allowing air leakage to occur As can be seen, A mechanical seal prevents air leakage occurring. Ensure/check that any products that have their own means of sealing to the air line are effective and that there is no additional sealing required. Penetrations from the loft space are often left unsealed and allow leakage to occur. They should be sealed where they pass through the air seal line
- Further examples of where problems occur. The ventilation duct has not been sealed to the block work as it passes through it. The boiler flue has not been sealed to the block work as it passes through There is no cap to the top of the SVP boxing, providing a significant air leakage path. A gap has been left at the penetration of the SVP through the ceiling
- At this point of the build, when the envelope is complete, the developer should be able to inspect the dwelling and see that the shell integrity is satisfactory. This must be done prior to any internal finishes being installed. At this stage the only air leakage that should be present in the dwelling will be through the block work itself. It is essential to get the air sealing correct at this stage as it is more costly and difficult at the later stages of the Build. Get it right, now at this stage. Relate back to a few slides ago : a bare block work shell is capable of exceeding the requirements set out in Part L1A with scores as low as 3m³ (hr.m²) being achievable
- Failure to ensure the integrity of block work and dry-lining will result in multiple egress points. As we have previously advised, it is best practice to consider 2 air barriers, firstly the Block work face and now the Dry Lining. When dry-lining takes place it is imperative that the requirement to ensure a continuous solid dab is adhered to. The lack of a continuous ribbon of adhesive will allow air leakage to occur through penetrations to the plasterboard This will significantly reduce the volume of air that can reach the internal block work face and will therefore aid in preventing leakage through the block work itself, it should be noted that the dry-wall adhesive is not an impermeable product. Continuous solid dabs must also be present around all electrical outlets and any other such penetrations.
- Here are some more common pitfalls if you do not adopt Good practice as we showed on the earlier slides when it comes to the Walls. Blockwork sealed to steel beams/lintels, but beams not sealed Blockwork hidden behind internal finishes before penetrations are cut, making access to seal the blockwork difficult Expanding foam used for filling gaps, but this is often performed ineffectively. If used it should be used appropriately and sparingly Mortar seal between wall and beam joint – incorrectly assumed appropriate, mastic seal should be present. Individually not sealing elements such as this correctly may not be significant but they all add up and are examples of good practice.
- Plasterboard will commonly form the airline. This may be horizontal, or contain multiple elements for warm roof constructions The more complex the design the more consideration must be given to the continuity on the air line Buildings that have a full storey on the top floor are potentially the simplest to design an air seal line for. However they can have significantly more breaks in the line that you might first think. Best Practice - The ceiling should be continuous - It should be mechanically sealed to the vertical air line - All penetrations, such as loft hatches, sealed to the airline element
- I’m still going on about the Red Air Line, now we move onto ceilings and roofs.
- First however, this is a little exercise in ensuring that the Red Air Line is continuous. First it could be this way, anyone see anything wrong. as can be seen, it is not continuous. Lets try it a different way, is this ok, can we see the problem areas, this is still not continuous. Lets have one last go, third time lucky, this is fine, can you see how important it is to get this right.
- Just a few more examples of Common Pitfalls Significant number of breaks in the airline that are not visible and therefore often not sealed Service penetrations inside internal walls Service penetrations behind boxings Ceiling line often broken at internal walls
- Here we see the detail at a joint and its instances like this where particular attention should be paid. Unfortunately, in this drawing the Air Line is in Blue, however it is still applicable. The more complex the design the more consideration must be given to the continuity of the air line Air Barrier Continuity – Bed the wall plate on a continuous mortar bed. Fix ceiling first and seal all gaps between the ceiling and the masonry wall with either plaster, adhesive or flexible sealant. Seal all penetrations trough air barrier using a flexible sealant. Install a double, full length nogging between the floor joists and seal between the nogging, ceiling and upper stud wall with a flexible sealant. The dotted blue line depicts the continuity of the air barrier through the noggings. As can be seen, it is important to get the detail right to ensure continuity of the Air Line, even though in this instance it is blue.
- Here is a Handy Checklist Block work - Must have no gaps in the coursing Joist penetrations - Must be sealed to the block work Windows / Cavity Closers – Must be sealed to each other and block work Service Penetrations – Must be sealed at both block work and plasterboard Dry-Lining – Must have a continuous ribbon of seal around the perimeter and the electrical sockets.
- In respect of conducting Air Tightness Testing, it should be noted there have been some changes that have been applied in respect of the implementation of a Competent persons scheme by ATTMA (Air Tightness Test and Measurement Association). This has been implemented along with changes to the Certification scheme , with a certification lodgement scheme being applied and an automatic check regarding any deviations on the test.
- As part of the ATTMA Scheme, it will be a requirement to lodge tests and a link can then be sent to the developer to download the certificate. The BCO can also verify the certificate. The worksheet and associated test file are submitted to ATTMA, this is reviewed and if compliant, an ATTMA certificate is issued & Lodged.
- Implementation of ATTMA Competent Person Scheme The DCLG wished to see the underlying assessment of competence for air tightness testers, to be strengthened / improved with a Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) compliant with the latest Conditions of Authorisation. It wanted it to be better controlled, regulated and observable. DCLG (Department for Communities & Local Government) have authorised ATTMA to run a competent persons scheme for Air Tightness Testing.
- Building Regulations 2013 - 43 (4) – explicitly allows a BCB to accept an air tightness “certificate” if it has been produced by someone who is registered by either BINDT or ATTMA. Here we see the extract from the regulations. As can be seen, it refers to BINDT and ATTMA, BINDT have now closed their register of testers and will not be running a CPS. The ATTMA scheme is therefore currently the only authorised scheme, although at least one other application has been made to DCLG but is not up and running fully yet. The Building Regs state under 3.15, that the BCB should confirm that the person (offering the Certificate) has been appropriately trained and registered . If the Air Tightness Tester is registered with ATTMA the BCB are able to accept this without further qualification of their competence. If they are not, their competence has to be verified.
- All BSRIA Compliance Test Engineers are registered with the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme for Air Tightness Testers In order to fulfil some elements of the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme, the Test Reports for the tests conducted by BSRIA Compliance are lodged with ATTMA and the certificates for the Airtightness Testing are thus generated by ATTMA and lodged on their scheme system. ATTMA have issued guidance on what is and what is not acceptable in respect of the Temporary Sealing that can be applied to a plot for the Air Tightness Test and for your consideration we provide some information on this.
- Here are the ATTMA Guidance Notes on Temporary sealing. Copies are available. It is a double sided sheet. On this side, there is some information on ATTMA and the competent persons scheme for Air Tightness testers. There are only three times addional temporary sealing (sealing over and above what is described in the test standard) may be carried out. · To seal a building component that is either missing or broken · To prove/disprove the overall impact on air leakage of a single component · Research when testing a building at an early stage. Temporary sealing a broken or missing component should be done only as an exception only where it is not possible to fix or install in the broken or missing component. The later two points will instantly mean the test is invalid and shall not be accepted as evidence of a compliant test.
- On the second side it provides what is acceptable and what is not acceptable for Temporary sealing. It also states the consequences if deviations are not reported. Testers - All Temporary sealing must be declared on the report and lodged on the ATTMA Lodgement scheme. Builders / Contractors – Temporary sealing items that are not approved, will be declared on the ATTMA Lodgement and will therefore result in the test certificate being rejected. Building Control – If a Test Certificate contains any temporary sealing that fall outside of the ATTMA guidance, the certificate shall not be accepted as evidence of compliance.
- Here we can see some classic examples of Temporary Sealing, which are not acceptable. Bath panels, Patio doors, floors/skirting boards, windows, more patio doors, windows.
- Here are some more. A window all sealed up, some downlights sealed, a ventilation duct sealed, a light fitting. We seen them all, been there, got the T shirt, even had people try to seal off rooms while we are testing, hoping we will not notice. This is not acceptable. The test has to be conducted on the property when it is more or less representative of what it will be like when it is occupied. It would be difficult to occupy this property as you would not be able to use the bathroom as the door to it has just been sealed up.
- In relation to some of the Temporary Sealing that we see people apply, I have a question – WHY It can only be to CHEAT the test. There is or cannot be any other objective. Will the tape be removed after the test. Will the fault be left as it is? If there is a problems with the windows, the bath, the shower tray, the cupboard, these should be sorted out prior to the test, not temporarily sealed to get through the test & then what. There is No Respect to Quality or Consideration to future Occupiers. This is Not the Way – Build Right is the RIGHT Way. If these elements are being sealed up, it suggests that it is known that there is a fault with them. If this is the case, the correct thing to do is rectify the fault, do not try to hide and hope that it goes away.
- If your Air Tightness Test Worksheet has the deviations Box filled in , (bottom left), with Temporary Seals that have been applied, that should not have been, then there is a chance you will not receive the ATTMA Certificate.
- Refer to the BSRIA Checklist relating to elements of the build that should be finished/complete and checked/ready for Testing . Below are a few guidelines for the Site Managers in respect of preparing for the Air Tightness Tests. Failed Tests and Plots not ready for testing, all increase costs for the Build Ensure that you only Book Tests for the plots that you believe will be ready Ensure that you check that each plot will be ready for the test, 24 hours before the test Check the notification of testing received from BSRIA and inform BSRIA of All Cancelations/Changes to plots requiring testing, prior to the scheduled testing date. It would be best if the site manager should check the day before the scheduled tests, that the plot is ready for testing, (please refer to the BSRIA Checklist), if the plot is not ready for testing, if you advise BSRIA the day before the test, then there will be no charge. Where a visit to site has been conducted to test a plot and it is not ready for the test, then a charge will still be made.
- Make sure the plot is ready for testing. Here is the BSRIA Checklist to help you. Is there power available? Are incoming services connected / sealed ie electric, gas, water, waste? Plumbing complete & traps filled Is plot at final fix stage? Mastic bead to sanitary ware, gaps sealed under bath/shower and around toilet. (Rockwool does not make an airtight seal) All electrical sockets, lights (where appropriate) and switches should be in place – not sealed. Windows, trickle vents, doors should be installed and windows should be operable. Door Thresholds complete. Boiler Flue penetration sealed. SVP penetration to boxing & ceiling, sealed. Loft hatch fitted and perimeter of hatch sealed. Wall / floor junction sealed. Mastic for air seal line, complete See the BSRIA Checklist a handy guide to seeing if the plot is ready for Air Tightness testing.
- We hope that these presentations have provided you with an overview on Air Leakage / Air Tightness Testing. The first presentation afforded an understanding on Why Testing is required, What causes Air Leakage and a summary of the Part L building regulations that apply, along with an understanding on Testing Regimes. The second presentation gave guidelines on the Basic principles, confirmation on how important the Red AirLine is and how it must be continuous, unbroken. It provided some tips on how Air Tightness can be achieved and information on the changes to Air Tightness Testing with the implementation of the ATTMA Competent Persons Scheme, Certificate Lodgement and Temporary Sealing We trust that this has been beneficial and of interest and hope that you take away an understanding of the Requirements for Air Tightness testing.
- Thank you for your attention. I hope that you have found it beneficial.