The Result
The client had a new build home that felt drafty despite looking well finished. Instead of guessing, ATSPACE carried out diagnostic air leak testing to trace where the air was actually moving. We identified the dominant leak paths, provided measured fixes the site team could implement quickly, and improved the plot’s airtightness readiness ahead of final testing and handover.
Project Snapshot
Service: Diagnostic air leakage testing
Client: Developer and main contractor
Site: Bramble Gate, Plot 9, 6 Alder View, Wokingham RG40 3HF
Building type: New build semi‑detached, 3 bedroom, two storey
Programme stage: End of second fix / customer care checks beginning
Compliance driver: Approved Document Part L
ATSPACE delivery: Diagnostic pressure setup, draft tracing, fix prioritisation, verification support
The Problem the Site Could Not Pin Down
The site team reported three symptoms:
- noticeable drafts near the stairs and hallway
- cold spots in the utility and ground‑floor WC
- occasional whistling during windy conditions
These are common, but treating them as general snagging is a mistake. Drafts follow real air paths — and those paths can be traced and fixed.
The client needed clarity:
Where is the air coming from, and what fix will work without ripping out finished work?
Why Guessing Causes Delays and Rework
The usual response is to add more sealant around visible trims. But dominant leakage routes are typically hidden:
- behind boxing
- through service voids
- at meter entry points
- around intermediate floor penetrations
- through ceiling/loft interfaces
Diagnostic testing avoids random, ineffective sealing.
How ATSPACE Approached the Investigation
Step 1: Confirm symptoms and likely leakage zones
We walked the plot, confirmed where drafts were felt and created a shortlist of likely leakage routes based on build type.
Step 2: Apply controlled pressure and trace airflow
Under controlled pressure, we traced airflow through suspected zones, following each path back to its source.
Step 3: Separate minor leakage from dominant routes
Every house has minor leaks. We prioritised the ones actually creating the drafts.
Step 4: Provide measured fixes
A targeted fix plan with specific locations and durable actions — not vague “seal gaps”.
Step 5: Verification check
We checked the key points after remedial work to ensure draft paths were eliminated or significantly reduced.
What We Found (And Why it Explained the Drafts)
Finding 1: Understairs void connected to an external air path
Air was entering through a service entry route and tracking through the void.
Why it created drafts:
The hallway/stairs acted as an outlet, making airflow noticeable — especially in wind.
Fix:
Seal the service entry route and void interfaces to break the air path.
Finding 2: Utility area penetrations behind appliances
A hidden leakage route behind appliance positions.
Why it created cold spots:
The air path connected directly to an external penetration.
Fix:
Access the route now, close out penetrations as part of the airtight layer, reinstate finishes cleanly.
Finding 3: Loft and ceiling interface above the landing
Leakage at service penetrations into the loft zone.
Why it created symptoms:
Air movement through the loft creates cold spots and whistling at narrow gaps.
Fix:
Seal ceiling penetrations and confirm loft hatch seal compression.
The Measured Fix Plan Agreed with the Site Team
The plan focused on breaking air paths, not masking symptoms:
- seal service entry routes behind the understairs void
- close out penetrations behind utility appliances
- seal ceiling penetrations + confirm loft hatch compression
- recheck hallway/stairs after close‑out
- apply a control: any late penetration must be resealed immediately
All work was practical, no major strip‑out required.
Outcomes
The client gained three clear improvements:
- drafts reduced significantly at hallway and stairs
- cold spots reduced in utility and WC
- stronger confidence before final airtightness test and handover
The site team also gained a repeatable checklist for similar plots, based on real findings.
What This Project Proves
Draft complaints are early warning signs of real airtightness breaks. The fastest and most effective fix is to:
- trace the airflow
- identify the true leak path
- fix the source early
This avoids:
- repeated call backs
- guesswork snagging
- late rework behind finishes
- final airtightness test failures
Common Mistakes This Project Avoided
- sealing trims without tracing the path
- ignoring void connections
- leaving utility penetrations until after appliances reduce access
- assuming loft hatches always perform
- treating drafts as minor issues
CTA
If you have a plot with unexplained drafts or cold spots, ATSPACE diagnostic air leak testing will find the real air path and provide a fix plan that works. It saves time, protects final test slots, and reduces call backs after handover.
Ask for:
- diagnostic air leak testing for draft investigation
- leak path tracing and prioritised fix plans
- verification checks after remedials
- site‑wide guidance to prevent repeat defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diagnostic testing be done on a finished plot?
Yes — and often should be when drafts are reported.
Are drafts always caused by poor windows/doors?
No. Many originate from service entries, voids and ceiling interfaces.
Will fixing drafts improve airtightness test outcomes?
Often yes — dominant leak paths affect both.
How quickly can remedial works be completed?
Usually quickly if access is still good.
Do you provide reporting?
Yes — findings and recommended actions are documented for systematic close‑out.
