Air pressure tests, also known as air permeability tests, air leakage tests, or air tightness tests, are a mandatory requirement under Part L of the building regulations. The outcomes of these tests play a pivotal role in SAP calculations, making them a crucial step in any construction project.

In our commitment to excellence, we proactively engaged with the energy assessor responsible for the SAP calculations. Initially, the project calculations fell short of the required standards. However, our collaboration bore promise, as the assessor believed that achieving a positive air pressure test result, indicating minimal air leakage, could steer the project towards full compliance.

To arrange the air pressure test for the microhome, we reached out to John from the New Meaning Foundation, a remarkable local charity. In our dedication to the cause, we were delighted to offer this service completely free of charge.

A few days later, our skilled engineer visited the site with the goal of achieving the lowest possible air leakage result. Unfortunately, on the day of testing, the microhome was situated in an exposed field, and the weather conditions were exceptionally blustery. These factors prevented our engineer from generating the required pressure for the test. Despite this setback, our engineer provided invaluable guidance to the client, ensuring they were better prepared for the next test.

We promptly communicated the situation to the client and rescheduled the air pressure test for a later date, once the microhome had been relocated to a more suitable environment.

Following the successful relocation of the microhome to a controlled environment, along with the implementation of all recommended modifications by the client, our engineer returned to conduct the air pressure test once more. The final result was an impressive 2.11m3 of air leakage per hour per m2 of the building envelope at 50pa of pressure. This outstanding achievement is bound to have a profoundly positive impact on the SAP calculations and will undoubtedly guarantee a comfortable living space for the future resident.