Air testing, air leakage testing, air permeability testing, part L1a L2a L2b

Achieving compliance with Part L1A, L2A or L2B can be difficult to achieve without paying attention to detail from the outset of the build. CPS Ltd offers consultancy during the build from as early as the design stage in an effort to minimize the risk of a fail on the air test day. The path of consultancy is a follows:

Architectural Drawing Design Review:
We undertake a review of Architectural & Engineering drawings. This will be to identify and propose alterations to potentially problematic details within the building envelope (with regards to air leakage) and establish the air tight barrier. Our findings would be presented in a written report.

Below is an example where the junction between the deck sheet and the finishes on the external wall will need to be sealed. The best solution to this problem will probably involve insulation board and mastic or plasterboard and expanding foam.

Design meeting with the project team:
At an early stage of the build we attend a meeting with the project team and the envelope contractors on site. If one has been undertaken, then to discuss the findings of the review of the architectural drawings or to review the drawings on site. To discuss any problematic detail identified and set a course of action to establish and protect an airtight barrier. We then take a site tour visually inspecting for problematic detail and discuss the findings of the meeting in situ.

Construction Consultancy Site Inspections:
At key stages of the build we undertake construction consultancy site inspections in order to ensure that the course of action, set in the previous consultancy, is complied with. We undertake to identify leakage path problems within the construction by visual inspection and present a full written / photographic report proposing any actions to be undertaken. Such inspections can be performed without design based consultancy and still provide a useful tool for minimizing the risk of a fail on the air test day.

Above is an example where sealing required at the joint between the wind catcher and the roof sheet instead of rock wool. Also where the corners and top of the plasterboard bulkhead will require sealing.

Pre-test Site Visit:
We conduct a site visit about two weeks before the actual air test. This involves a tour of the site with site staff to identify any visible leakage paths and hence allow time for site to do remedial work. We can present a photographic report detailing any issues found.