Air Pressure Testing Services

Reduce your energy bills with our flexible, cost-effective testing packages… project managed from start to finish

The air pressure testing services provided by Greenovation play an important role when it comes to reducing energy bills and compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

Whether you’re involved with domestic or commercial construction projects, it’s worth bearing in mind that testing for air permeability levels has been a legal requirement since 2006.

Professional advice and testing procedures from Greenovation will help to ensure that buildings of all types pass official air permeability tests – otherwise known as the Standard Assessment Procedure or ‘SAP’ – at the very first attempt.

We provide full, flexible and cost-effective packages that will meet official requirements for newly-built or renovated domestic and commercial buildings.

Air pressure testing is of particular relevance to all construction industry professionals and decision makers; builders and developers; local authorities and council planning departments; as well as private individuals embarking on self-build and renovation projects.

The over-riding aim of the air pressure testing process is to reduce energy bills and the carbon footprint of a building. Our approach is very much service-led. With every air pressure testing project we undertake, our clients’ interests are the number one priority. Here’s how we work…

Project managed – from start to finish

• In the beginning…
  We work closely with decision makers and project managers on each air pressure testing project, establishing what levels of air permeability will pass or fail the test. This involves evaluating potential problems at the outset, how we intend to proceed with the testing, how much work is involved and how long it will take.
• As we progress…
  The building is prepared for testing – creating an ‘envelope’ from which we can calculate air leakage and identify any air permeability problems. Results of the test are available on the same day and certificates can be issued immediately if the property has passed all assessments.
• And finally…
  Having diagnosed leakage points, we will provide a comprehensive report outlining our findings. Everything is presented in clear, jargon-free language including advice and recommendations to resolve any issues that will lead to full compliance with the regulations.

Our ‘total service’ package…

Thermal imaging

An integral part of the Greenovation ‘total service’ includes cavity wall and endoscopic inspections, thermal imaging and the provision of plans and drawings. These services are available as either pre-emptive or remedial work provided by third parties alongside the company’s air pressure testing services.

• • Cavity wall inspections
    The main purpose of this service is to detect dampness and to inspect existing insulation material. Cavity wall insulation will help save energy and reduce fuel bills so it’s important that, once installed, it’s not damp and is working as effectively as it should be.
  • A routine inspection will reveal whether walls are already damp. If they are, then installing cavity wall insulation will make things worse. If the outside walls are damaged or cracked, rain water will make insulation material damp and ineffective. Installing cavity wall insulation should therefore only be considered after the walls have been made good.

• Endoscopic inspections
  This is where cavity walls are examined with an endoscope to detect previous installations of insulating material and also to examine the condition of the tie-wires that hold the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall together. An endoscope is a small camera inserted through a small hole drilled through the brickwork to take photographs of the cavity area. If it detects dampness in the cavity, or the tie-wires are corroded by dampness, remedial action needs to be taken.
• Thermal imaging
  Taking thermal imaging photographs of the exterior walls of a building enables us to record the surface temperature at various points of the structure. A relatively high temperature indicates loss of heat through interior walls that are either un-insulated or poorly insulated, and that windows, doors and other parts of the building’s fabric are not functioning effectively. Armed with this information, we can recommend specific actions that will improve insulation and potentially reduce energy bills.

To find out more about how Greenovation can work with you on your next project, contact: