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.
Guest Lecture: "BIM & Sustainability" for the MSc. BIM & Integrated Design Summer School 2016. University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Covers:
1. Sustainable Design
2. BIM for Sustainable Design Decision Making
3. BIM for Sustainable Design Compliance (BREEAM example)
4. BIM for Sustainable Design Performance (Passivhaus example)
Prefabrication for improving Sustainability and Economics of Civil Engineerin...Ankit Singhai
Use of Prefabrication for improving Sustainability and Economics of Civil Engineering Projects
Studied the advantages of using prefabrication and modular construction over traditional construction practices.
Also, identified the hindrances in its application, and possible solution
A chilled beam is a type of convection HVAC system designed to heat or cool large buildings. Pipes of water are passed through a "beam" (a heat exchanger) either integrated into standard suspended ceiling systems or suspended a short distance from the ceiling of a room. As the beam chills the air around it, the air becomes denser and falls to the floor. It is replaced by warmer air moving up from below, causing a constant flow of convection and cooling the room. Heating works in much the same fashion, similar to a steam radiator. There are two types of chilled beams. Some passive types rely solely on convection whilst there is a "Radiant"/convective passive type which cools through a combination of radiant exchange (40%) and convection (60%) which can provide higher thermal comfort levels, while the active type (also called an "induction diffuser") uses ducts to push ("induce") air toward the unit (increasing its heating and cooling capacity).
The chilled beam is distinguishable from the chilled ceiling. The chilled ceiling uses water flowing through pipes like a chilled beam does; however, the pipes in a chilled ceiling lie behind metal ceiling plates, and the heated and cooled plates are the cause of convection and not the pipe unit itself. Chilled beams are about 85 percent more effective at convection than chilled ceilings.
This topic explains the importance of ventilation in a building. Identification on types of ventilation and air conditioning system, methods of installation of air conditioning system and its components.
Guest Lecture: "BIM & Sustainability" for the MSc. BIM & Integrated Design Summer School 2016. University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
Covers:
1. Sustainable Design
2. BIM for Sustainable Design Decision Making
3. BIM for Sustainable Design Compliance (BREEAM example)
4. BIM for Sustainable Design Performance (Passivhaus example)
Prefabrication for improving Sustainability and Economics of Civil Engineerin...Ankit Singhai
Use of Prefabrication for improving Sustainability and Economics of Civil Engineering Projects
Studied the advantages of using prefabrication and modular construction over traditional construction practices.
Also, identified the hindrances in its application, and possible solution
A chilled beam is a type of convection HVAC system designed to heat or cool large buildings. Pipes of water are passed through a "beam" (a heat exchanger) either integrated into standard suspended ceiling systems or suspended a short distance from the ceiling of a room. As the beam chills the air around it, the air becomes denser and falls to the floor. It is replaced by warmer air moving up from below, causing a constant flow of convection and cooling the room. Heating works in much the same fashion, similar to a steam radiator. There are two types of chilled beams. Some passive types rely solely on convection whilst there is a "Radiant"/convective passive type which cools through a combination of radiant exchange (40%) and convection (60%) which can provide higher thermal comfort levels, while the active type (also called an "induction diffuser") uses ducts to push ("induce") air toward the unit (increasing its heating and cooling capacity).
The chilled beam is distinguishable from the chilled ceiling. The chilled ceiling uses water flowing through pipes like a chilled beam does; however, the pipes in a chilled ceiling lie behind metal ceiling plates, and the heated and cooled plates are the cause of convection and not the pipe unit itself. Chilled beams are about 85 percent more effective at convection than chilled ceilings.
This topic explains the importance of ventilation in a building. Identification on types of ventilation and air conditioning system, methods of installation of air conditioning system and its components.
5 Steps of Generating Clash Report Using NavisworksUnited-BIM
Clash detection via Building Information Modeling (BIM) helps in speeding up projects by identifying clashes between several models during the design stage itself, helping architects and contractors eliminate chances of multi-level design changes which can result into budget overshoot and delay in project completion time.
In this slide, you will learn how the clash report is generated through Navisworks.
The presentation covers following areas:
- Typical Problems in Construction Industry
- What is BIM?
-BIM Process
- Influence of BIM on Industry Problems
- BIM Application
- BIM Advantages
- BIM Workflow
- BIM & Project Management
- BIM & Design Team Members
- BIM around the Globe
- Construction Industry with BIM
All work presented in the presentation is carried out by graduates of NUST, Islambad including Abdul Mughees Khan, Syed Kashif Ali Shah, Sharjeel Ahmad Tariq, Malik Awais Ahmad and Hamza Khan Shinwari.
Special credit of the work goes to Engr Tahir Shamshad, Vice President NESPAK and Engr Zia Ud Din, Asst Professor NUST under guidance and mentor ship the whole work was performed.
For more details feel free to contact: amugheeskhan@gmail.com
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM is a process of generating and managing building data during its complete
lifecycle, from conceptual design through operation of the building
Building information modeling(BIM) is an integrated
workflow that enables architects, engineers, and
builders to explore a project digitally before it is built.
BIM is Evolution not Revolution
The creation and use of coordinated,
internally consistent, computable
information about a building project in
BIM is a modern technology and associated set of
processes to produce, communicate, and analyze
‘building models’…..
• ‘Digital representations’ of the building components that follow
parametric rules, which can be manipulated in an intelligent
fashion
• Carry ‘computable graphic and non‐redundant data attributes’
which are consistent, coordinated which can be viewed
The building envelope is physical separator between the exterior and the interior of the building and fenestration systems.
Envelope design strongly affects the visual and thermal comfort of the occupants, as well as energy consumption in the building.
Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure in a factory or other manufacturing site, and transporting them to the construction site where the structure is to be located.
This Presentation would help you to explore Revit as a BIM tool and get you familiar with Revit features along with its usefulness & importance in the AEC industry. It is a brief presentation enlighting the important attributes of Revit software.
TSI's Nick Brown looks at the impact on our neighbours and wider environment from air quality. Particularly looks at why monitoring of dust particles is important and the methods of monitoring.
5 Steps of Generating Clash Report Using NavisworksUnited-BIM
Clash detection via Building Information Modeling (BIM) helps in speeding up projects by identifying clashes between several models during the design stage itself, helping architects and contractors eliminate chances of multi-level design changes which can result into budget overshoot and delay in project completion time.
In this slide, you will learn how the clash report is generated through Navisworks.
The presentation covers following areas:
- Typical Problems in Construction Industry
- What is BIM?
-BIM Process
- Influence of BIM on Industry Problems
- BIM Application
- BIM Advantages
- BIM Workflow
- BIM & Project Management
- BIM & Design Team Members
- BIM around the Globe
- Construction Industry with BIM
All work presented in the presentation is carried out by graduates of NUST, Islambad including Abdul Mughees Khan, Syed Kashif Ali Shah, Sharjeel Ahmad Tariq, Malik Awais Ahmad and Hamza Khan Shinwari.
Special credit of the work goes to Engr Tahir Shamshad, Vice President NESPAK and Engr Zia Ud Din, Asst Professor NUST under guidance and mentor ship the whole work was performed.
For more details feel free to contact: amugheeskhan@gmail.com
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM is a process of generating and managing building data during its complete
lifecycle, from conceptual design through operation of the building
Building information modeling(BIM) is an integrated
workflow that enables architects, engineers, and
builders to explore a project digitally before it is built.
BIM is Evolution not Revolution
The creation and use of coordinated,
internally consistent, computable
information about a building project in
BIM is a modern technology and associated set of
processes to produce, communicate, and analyze
‘building models’…..
• ‘Digital representations’ of the building components that follow
parametric rules, which can be manipulated in an intelligent
fashion
• Carry ‘computable graphic and non‐redundant data attributes’
which are consistent, coordinated which can be viewed
The building envelope is physical separator between the exterior and the interior of the building and fenestration systems.
Envelope design strongly affects the visual and thermal comfort of the occupants, as well as energy consumption in the building.
Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure in a factory or other manufacturing site, and transporting them to the construction site where the structure is to be located.
This Presentation would help you to explore Revit as a BIM tool and get you familiar with Revit features along with its usefulness & importance in the AEC industry. It is a brief presentation enlighting the important attributes of Revit software.
TSI's Nick Brown looks at the impact on our neighbours and wider environment from air quality. Particularly looks at why monitoring of dust particles is important and the methods of monitoring.
BSRIA World Market Intelligence Industry Briefing - AHR Expo 2016BSRIA
BSRIA's presentations from the 2016 AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida. The presentation includes all topics from BSRIA's team including heating markets, intelligent building controls and the IoT revolution as well as smart HVACR technology and global HVACR trends. The presentation also looks at the supply chain in 2020 and beyond.
Presentation by BSRIA Compliance's Andy McGrath looking at why airtightness testing is a requirement of the Building Regulations. Will look at:
What causes Air Leakage
Common Air Leakage points
Part L Building Regulations & Testing regimes
Jo Harris, Business Manager for BSRIA's Sustainable Construction Group, discussed the role of facilities management in overcoming obstacles to high density resilient cities
John Ward from Sir Robert McAlpine presented the Birley Fields Project. John goes through all of the stages of the project and what they did to achieve Soft Landings.
BSRIA's Raphael Chalogany's presentation at CABA 2016 which looked at the benefits of convergence as well as the barriers, impact and who is driving it.
Gareth Selby of Architype and James Hepburn of BDP presented a case study on the Enterprise Centre at UEA at the Soft Landings Conference. The case study looked at their experience in the first year of the project including issues with metering, lighting and rainwater
Model Format for Building Services SpecificationsBSRIA
BSRIA's Peter Tse presents the BSRIA guide BG56/2016 Model Format for Building Services Specifications which is useful to anyone who prepares or receives a specification
Mike Chater (Hampshire County Council), Stuart Thompson (Morgan Sindall) and Gary Selby (Archetype) ran a workshop at the BSRIA Soft Landings Conference 2016
FFRED's Nick Baxter gives an overview of PPE activities including HSE guidance and case study examples. It also details what types of dust are the most hazardous
Hampshire County Council's Mike Chater shares their experience of the Soft Landings process including their handover strategy and their plans going forward
BSRIA Industry Presentation at Chillventa 2016BSRIA
Brief summary slides of the BSRIA presentations at Chillventa 2016. The summary includes testing and integration of PICBV and global trends in AC&R as well as some details of the traditional heating markets
Intertek BECx & Building Enclosure Design - 2016.05.19 CSI RichmondKeith P. Nelson
This presentation will provide a primer on the practice of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and its benefits with real world case studies and then dive further into the various approaches as defined by industry standards and code.
Water leakage causes damage to structures and its contents Reinforcement corrosion , delamination, accelerated aging and increased maintenance costs are all serious concerns
Application design requirement specification for water demand , and water seepage study and investigation to locate the source of the seepage will reduce future damage to the structure and reduce maintenance costs. There are many reasons for water
leakage in buildings, some cases are caused by defective water pipes, sanitary fittings or drainage pipes or rain water leakage from roof and walls . Water leakage may come from dilapidated pipes in adjacent flats or even from inside the same flat. It may also be due to water seeping through common areas, such as the roof or external walls due to poor workmanship or inadequate design.
If water leakage is found in roof or walls or water supply or sewerage pipes and fitting and fixtures a proper investigation of the cause needs to be carried out
Airtight Construction - Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building a Synergy HomeTodd Witt
Airtight Construction is Step 1 of The Seven Steps of Building A Synergy Home. Airtight Construction is the foundation of energy efficient building. However, in absence of the other 6 Steps a home may experience major issues.
QualiBuild Breakfast Briefing 30 June 2015QualiBuild
The first QualiBuild Breakfast Briefing was held on 30 June 2015. Hosted by Ecological Building Systems in Athboy, Co Meath, the morning started with a networking breakfast, followed by a presentation by Niall Crosson and a tour and demo at EBS's training facility.
The water penetration resistance test consists of sealing a chamber to the interior or exterior face of the test specimen to be tested, supplying or exhausting air to the chamber at the rate required to maintain the desired air pressure difference across the specimen. Simultaneous to the application of air pressure difference, water shall be applied to the exterior face at the required rate (table 2 and 3) while observing for any water penetration at the interior.
Flashing is an integral part of the Water Restrictive Barrier or WRB system.
It prevents air and water from infiltrating the home and improves energy efficiency.
Mitten distributes a complete line of flashing products tailored to be used in many home exterior project applications.
Stephen Ward of AECOM and Michelle Agha-Hossein of BSRIA describe what Post Occupancy Evaluation is and how it's monitored. It also discussed the benefits and issues of POE.
BSRIA's Blanca Beato-Arribas presented in Finland in February 2016 on Isolation Room testing. Featured elements include mock-up testing, validation, airtightness among others.
BSRIA's Peter Tse gave a presentation as part of RICS Skills programme. Peter covers the minimum requirements for specifications as well as the common approaches.
Changes in the domestic sector - Delivering energy efficiencyBSRIA
BSRIA's Saryu Vatal spoke at the recent CBxchange event regarding housing. Saryu looked at common issues in the existing domestic building stock in the UK and how we can close the loop.
Soft Landings is the BSRIA-led process designed to assist the construction industry and its clients deliver better buildings. This presentation shows the latest best practice in building handover including lessons learned from project using Soft Landings
This presentation looks at the performance gap in dwellings on how areas such as occupant comfort, energy efficiency and indoor air quality should perform based on design compared to how they do in reality.
Harnessing WebAssembly for Real-time Stateless Streaming PipelinesChristina Lin
Traditionally, dealing with real-time data pipelines has involved significant overhead, even for straightforward tasks like data transformation or masking. However, in this talk, we’ll venture into the dynamic realm of WebAssembly (WASM) and discover how it can revolutionize the creation of stateless streaming pipelines within a Kafka (Redpanda) broker. These pipelines are adept at managing low-latency, high-data-volume scenarios.
Literature Review Basics and Understanding Reference Management.pptxDr Ramhari Poudyal
Three-day training on academic research focuses on analytical tools at United Technical College, supported by the University Grant Commission, Nepal. 24-26 May 2024
ACEP Magazine edition 4th launched on 05.06.2024Rahul
This document provides information about the third edition of the magazine "Sthapatya" published by the Association of Civil Engineers (Practicing) Aurangabad. It includes messages from current and past presidents of ACEP, memories and photos from past ACEP events, information on life time achievement awards given by ACEP, and a technical article on concrete maintenance, repairs and strengthening. The document highlights activities of ACEP and provides a technical educational article for members.
A review on techniques and modelling methodologies used for checking electrom...nooriasukmaningtyas
The proper function of the integrated circuit (IC) in an inhibiting electromagnetic environment has always been a serious concern throughout the decades of revolution in the world of electronics, from disjunct devices to today’s integrated circuit technology, where billions of transistors are combined on a single chip. The automotive industry and smart vehicles in particular, are confronting design issues such as being prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Electronic control devices calculate incorrect outputs because of EMI and sensors give misleading values which can prove fatal in case of automotives. In this paper, the authors have non exhaustively tried to review research work concerned with the investigation of EMI in ICs and prediction of this EMI using various modelling methodologies and measurement setups.
NO1 Uk best vashikaran specialist in delhi vashikaran baba near me online vas...Amil Baba Dawood bangali
Contact with Dawood Bhai Just call on +92322-6382012 and we'll help you. We'll solve all your problems within 12 to 24 hours and with 101% guarantee and with astrology systematic. If you want to take any personal or professional advice then also you can call us on +92322-6382012 , ONLINE LOVE PROBLEM & Other all types of Daily Life Problem's.Then CALL or WHATSAPP us on +92322-6382012 and Get all these problems solutions here by Amil Baba DAWOOD BANGALI
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HEAP SORT ILLUSTRATED WITH HEAPIFY, BUILD HEAP FOR DYNAMIC ARRAYS.
Heap sort is a comparison-based sorting technique based on Binary Heap data structure. It is similar to the selection sort where we first find the minimum element and place the minimum element at the beginning. Repeat the same process for the remaining elements.
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.
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.
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
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.