We were approached by the client to conduct air testing (for Part L), vent testing (for Part F), and sound insulation testing (for Part E) for their house in Surrey, which required comprehensive compliance testing. It later emerged that the client, a self-builder, was uncertain about the necessary services for approval and had not yet completed SAP calculations. We postponed the testing dates and assigned the task to our Energy Team to carry out her SAP assessment, which was completed within 14 working days before testing began.
Our engineer attended and performed all the required services in late August. The sound insulation testing and vent testing yielded exceptional results; however, the air testing failed. The dwelling did not meet its target of 5m3 per leakage of m2 of the envelope at 50 pascals or less. The test result indicated 6.13m3 per leakage of m2 of the envelope at 50 pascals, prompting the need for an air pressure retest.
The client provisionally scheduled a retest for September. Meanwhile, following advice from our engineer on leakage areas and potential resolutions, the client instructed the builder to carry out the necessary remedial works. Once confirmation was received that the works had been completed, the retest was confirmed for September and conducted by the same engineer, as requested by the client.
Our engineer arrived early, met with the site to discuss the leakage areas and remedial works, and proceeded with the air pressure retest. The test yielded a result of 3.7m3 per leakage of m2 of the envelope at 50 pascals, indicating a successful outcome for the client.
The client was extremely pleased with the result and relieved that the remedial works had proven effective. The retest certificates were sent the next morning, and the client received a PASS for all tests, including her SAP assessment, making the project ready for sign-off. 😊