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What is an Air Leak?

An air leak is the flow of air through a gap or crack in the building fabric

What is an Air Tightening Test?

An air tightness test identifies any air leaks/draughts in the building materials.

How is an Air Tightening Test Done?

Before a test is carried out all vents are closed and chimneys need to be sealed. The pressure difference inside the house will need to be different to outside pressure. To achieve this pressure a difference fan (Fan 1) is placed in the exterior door of the home as this measures various pressures that are compiled into data through a computer programme.Any air leaks that may be present in your home will show through this pressure difference.  When test is completed we depressurise the house and then use a smoke pencil to identify any infiltration points. Documentation will be printed and given to you to show your home air tightness rating.

Air Tightness improves on energy cost and increase comfort.

Note

All new houses built under the 2011 building regulations are required to do an air tightness test once the house is complete.

Fan1                                                                                                                                Where air is or could be leaking from your home

THERMAL IMAGING

Thermal imaging identifies with infrared imaging, areas of your home that heat may be escaping from without you even noticing.

The Thermal Image Camera simultaneously captures a digital photo in addition to the infrared image.

A qualified Tomographer uses a thermal image camera to capture heat differences, determines where insulation is lacking/missing, and detects unwanted air flow when used with an air tightness test (when the house is pressurised).

A report is generated that identifies all areas of heat loss.

The thermal camera hovers over an area and through colour infrared, it shows where the heat is leaving the house by a blue colour. The green to red colour is where heat is not escaping.(image 1)

Image1

Samples below of a door, window and ceiling been tested through a thermal camera

Door

Blue indicates cold air infiltration during the air tightness test

Door

Thermal Imaging Door

Window

Air Infiltration during air tightness testing

Window

Thermal Imaging Window

Ceiling

The blue on the ceiling area indicates no insulation present

Ceiling

Thermal Imaging Ceiling