Air Tightness Testing Top Tips

Condensation in upper floor rooms

2012-02-06T01:04:00.001Z

We've talked about condensation in upper floor rooms before, but recently I have been seeing this quite often in existing homes. I would encourage you to look into either Passive Input Ventilation or changing your ventilation techniques.

A recent enquiry was from a landlord who has a tenant that doesn't put the heat on, dries their clothes internally, and is a bit of a shut-in. This all adds up to increased condensation and mildew. Now, the tenant isn't going to change for the benefit of the landlord, so he will be forced to take action. When talking to the landlord, he says that he has not had this problem before.

For about £250 plus installation, Nuair have a product called a Dri-Master 2000 that fits the bill. Simple to install, and a doddle to maintain. Give Julian Cyprien a call on 07767298195 to arrange a sales call with him. He's a decent guy and will be able to give you the specifics of the system to see if it is right for you.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk

I hope this helps,

Matt

MVHR requires a low air tightness score

2011-11-15T22:50:00.001Z

Just think, if you kept pouring water into a colander and expected it to ever fill up, that's what it's like putting an MVHR system in your house and expecting it to heat up when it is full of holes.

I've recently been testing quite a few houses and apartments with Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems in them. Most are doing okay for the regulations and meeting their Design Air Permeability. Only one set of apartments that I've done recently has been below 4 m3/(h.m2) which is probably starting to get to the optimum range, the lower the better by the way.

Most are getting around 8 m3/(h.m2) and this is not benefiting the user of the system. The intention of these types of systems is to exchange the heat, ventilate the home, and save energy versus gas or electric heating systems. If you are only giving the system cold outside air to work with, it's going to have to work much harder to give the same benefit compared to an airtight house.

So, if you have stumbled across this blog because you're having problems with your MVHR system not working to its optimum performance, maybe you should get your house looked at by someone like me. We can highlight where things are going bad, and improve your system performance significantly.

I hope that this helps you along the way.

Matt

www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk

Green Investment Bank to be located in Leeds

2011-11-15T22:08:00.001Z

The Green Investment Bank that the coalition government is proposing could be based in Leeds if you believe all of the posturing that went on today in Parliament. MPs from the region put up a good argument and we will have to see what happens, but with Leeds being the second largest financial sector in the country, if not Europe, it should be a no-brainer.

Code for Sustainable Homes

2011-10-19T09:52:00.000+01:00

Code is getting to be a hit or miss affair for each planning department around the country barring London, where you have no choice. I know in my neck of the woods, only Manchester City, and Harrogate councils are adamant about it. If they want to give you a hard time, some planners will insist on it in various councils around the Yorkshire area.

Went to a CPD session yesterday on sustainability. It was good to see how the big boys do things and how we can offer a tighter service for our customers by being a bit more customer focussed. Sometimes it is nice to be the little guy.

I think what I should tell you based on the session is that even though some of the points on the Code seem easy to get, you really have to keep in mind that there are several considerations for each instance. For example, the bike storage. On the face of it, give them a place to park a bike and they should be happy right? Well, if you do it in your garage and give them the required space, then it is fine. Try to do it outside in a shed and it becomes a whole another kettle of fish.

One other thing I gathered from the day was that the Code is really government preparing the industry for the regulations. I never really grasped that aspect before. If you look at Part L1A and how the energy requirements in 2010 are 25% improved over the last set, then look at Code level 3 and it is 25% improved over the same requirements for energy, you can see where this is going to go as new iterations of the building control regulations come about.

Call us and we can walk you through the issues and the concerns that you might be having.

How do you test?

2011-10-19T09:35:00.000+01:00

When testing a house, we are generally sucking air from outside to the inside and passing it across the fan in a frame that has sensors around the house and outside, where we are measuring the change in pascals, or a very small unit of barametric pressure. The equipment is rather sensitive, and includes the use of a micronometer and a highly calibrated, adjustable, and powerful fan.

As you can see in the picture, we take into account the current conditions by taking readings before and after the test for things like time and date, barometric pressure, wind speed, baselines for pressure differences internally and externally, temperature, elevation, and envelope size.

The 8 to 10 readings of the test are then entered into a proprietory software package and the output is a score that tells the unintentional leakage score for your property. This takes into account the intentional leakage points like extractor vents where we have taped them up for the test. For the test to be valid, the baseline readings need to be within tolerance, which usually means that the wind speed does not exceed 13 mph. As well, the slope for the readings, gap between the readings, and any deviations need to be acceptable.

A new house in the UK is required to score at most, a maximum of 10 cubic meters squared per hour at 50 pascals. This equates to about a 10p piece (25c or quarter in the US) hole per m3 of the envelope. So, if you have a property where the envelope is 300m3, you are allowed a 'hole' in your house 1 foot by 2 foot. When you take into account all of the places that leaks can occur, this really is a low tolerance level and this is just for a marginal pass with the largest margin for error.

The overall test takes about 2 hours from start to finish. This takes into account all of the factors above and generating the report, printing the certificates, wrangling the cheque from your hands, finishing the coffee you were so kind to offer ... :)

I hope this helps :)

2011-09-04T11:23:00.004+01:00

We publish a daily on-line newspaper called Hot Air and it follows our twitter account airtightness where construction / architects / building professionals and the odd quirky story get put into the mix. Come see today's selection soon. If you are a journalist looking for another place to get your voice heard, let us know on airtightness and we will add you to our list as well. It really is a great way to just get what is being said around the industry in one quick summary with links :)

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Fuel Poverty

2011-07-11T13:36:00.000+01:00

I know this may seem as a an advertisement of our business, but we are genuinely concerned about the impact the recent heating fuel and electricity costs will have on poor and lower income families.

We provide air tightness tests for the new build market. These tests are required by the building regulations and ensure that new houses are not leaking heated air out through unintentional leaks in the building. An 'acceptable' amount might be anywhere from 3 to 4 air changes an hour (ACH) at 50 pascals. Basically, this is to say that if there were a 30 mph wind hitting your house in the dead of winter, every 15 to 20 minutes, all the warm air in your house would be replaced with the cold air from outside. This 'acceptable' level is pretty much a borderline pass in most cases and the shocking news is that any house built before 2009 would not have had an air tightness test and therefore would be much leakier.

We have done over 1000 tests like this in the last 3 years. From this experience, we're able to know where leaks are going to occur even before the fan gets turned on in the property.

It's hardly ever the windows actually ... it's nearly always the skirting boards, behind kitchen units, boiler rooms, etc.

As part of my qualifications, I had to test my own house and report the results to BINDT which is my governing body. Well, this test found that I was failing current building regulations for Part L1A even though my house had only been built about 4 years prior. I was doing 6 ACH and spending about £1200 a year heating a 4 bed detached house near the Pennines. We get a lot of wind up here, so I went straight at it and siliconed up all the skirting boards, foamed up all the major cracks and put seals on the external doors. I ended up saving £400 a year after that! Now, I am not laying claim that I can do the same for you, but, I thought my house was in pretty good nick, and it turns out with about £50 worth of supplies and a simple air test I have saved a tremendous amount every year since.

We are able to take on existing property air tightness testing at very reasonable rates in the immediate area. If you are interested please contact us.

Home Testing Yorkshire can be found at www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk or 01484686649

I hope this helps,

Matt

Hot Air newspaper

2011-07-11T11:02:00.000+01:00

We have started a new paper.li for you to review if you like. If you are not a twitterer, then you can see in one place what my followers are saying about building related news.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

2011-07-11T10:39:00.000+01:00

Been awhile since I posted. Been out in the field working too much as it were. I hope that you have all had a good peruse of the past articles and found them useful. Could always use ideas from our followers and comments as you need these to keep going :)

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Air Leakage Video - Internal Skirting Boards

2011-05-29T18:14:00.000+01:00

This is from a recent test we did where they had not sealed under the skirting boards of an internal ground floor wall. I show this, for a couple of reasons. 1. I have never shared a video of what happens on a test, but I should do more often. 2. I think that it shows exactly what is happening when a simple fix is not employed in a build.

Test conditions were: Fan at 45% in a dwelling with an envelope of 354 cubic meters.

If you're able to seal the skirting boards, then do it, it ties the wall and floor together to help seal out the air entering the cavity. It can be the difference between an easy pass and an easy failure.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt Hulsey
Home Testing Yorkshire Ltd

Humidity Issues

2011-02-28T12:42:00.000Z

Recently did a series of Air Tightness tests at a site in Scunthorpe where the developer had to get a very low score to pass for Code for Sustainable Homes. The interior of the houses were covered in mold and condensation throughout the building, but mainly in the top floors and any closets.

They could seriously have used a Passive Input Ventilation system to help with this and we know where they can get one from around £250.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Accredited Construction Details for Part L

2011-01-23T14:03:00.000Z

I hear every day that people are using Accredited Construction Details, but, they may not be. If you are in need of clarification, just follow the link above and read through to see that you are. It will limit the number of tests you will be required to have.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

New Build Solar Water Heating

2011-01-06T16:49:00.002Z

Met up with Phil a few weeks ago and promised I would write something about him in our blog. He does Solar Water Heating for new and existing homes. I thought you might want a link to him and his business.

He showed me a system he has that is quite impressive from Kingspan called called the Thermomax evacuated tube solar panel. Here is a picture:

Now, I had never seen one with tubes like this before. Evidently, they allow for more surface area to be heated by the sun, good thing I guess if your after heated water :)

I believe that he does other things as well and can come out to your site to give you a quick run down on costs and benefits for you and your clients.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Home Sealing & Air Leakage

2010-12-20T15:51:00.000Z

Scouring the web looking for ways to save you money and energy, I have found a website with quite a few good tips. Based in Vermont, a very cold State indeed, this is from an energy company, Efficiency Vermont. Give it a go and when you want to know where the air is leaking, let me know.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Current statistics for air tightness tests

2010-12-20T15:36:00.000Z

Just thought you might like to see what the results are looking like for the past 685 air tightness tests on new build properties. As you can see, statistically, it represents a bell shaped curve as you would expect. My average score stays fixed at 6.35.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/ I hope this helps Matt

Solutions to a recent failed test

2010-12-20T10:11:00.000Z

Recently had another test failure. The gentleman didn't want a picture taken of the property, so I will have to describe it for you.

In a previous post we discussed how the traditional floorboards were used in this property. It left behind massive leaks between the boards and we were struggling for a cost effective solution t getting them a pass. The client opted for putting 1/8" plywood over the floorboards and then siliconing them together to complete the seal. I must say, although not very sightly, the technique worked a treat. They went from a 16 to a 6 by completing this.

To prove the point, no action was taken by the client in the kitchen, as they had put the laminate in already and felt it would be sufficient. When we did the test, the laminate came up for them anyway :) it was about 12 inches off the floor during the test. Needless to say, they are going to fix that as the rest of the house is in a far better shape.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on

http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Air Tightness Example with Smoke

2010-11-12T11:37:00.002Z

This is an example of extreme air tightness testing for all of you out there that have never seen a test before. this gives you a great understanding of the leakages that you see when doing a test.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Green Building Store

2010-11-11T17:42:00.000Z

The Green Building Store is a great source of information regarding all things Green for construction. They have techniques and materials to peruse and find the best solution to your build. Go on, have a look.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/ I hope this helps Matt

First Cavity Wall Passivhaus Receives Certification

2010-11-11T17:28:00.001Z

Built near us in Denby Dale, this is exciting news for all of you traditional builder types out there that don't want to have a timber frame house for personal reasons. This thing actually only turns about .3 air changes an hour and will cost the occupants a whopping £75 a year to heat, even up here in the windy part of England.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Landlords May Be Forced To 'Green Up' Properties

2010-11-11T17:23:00.000Z

For all of you Landlords out there, look out for 2015, when your tenants will be able to force you to make improvements. We are able to help you out as well, just give us a call, and we can perform an air tightness test on your existing property, feed that into a proper SAP and EPC to see that you move out of the bands G and F that they are talking about in the article.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Thousands Of Homes Will Not Conform To New Energy Standards

2010-11-11T17:20:00.001Z

It looks like the big boys have saved themselves from conforming to the new regulations. Read this article to understand how. It is too late to take part, sorry.,

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Party Walls

2010-09-29T17:12:00.002+01:00

In SAP 2005 all party walls were considered to have no heat loss. This changes in SAP 2009 and party walls, built with a cavity, become heat loss elements with a significant default U value of 0.5W/m2.K.

This default value can be reduced by ‘effective sealing around all exposed edges and in line with insulation layers in abutting elements’. In such cases the U value can be taken as 0.2W/m2.K. Frustratingly so far, there is no CLG guidance on what constitutes ‘effective sealing’ but to qualify as ‘sealed’, air must be prevented from entering or leaving the cavity. The cavity must therefore be sealed at the top, bottom and at all vertical junctions.

A solid party wall, or one with a fully filled cavity plus effective sealing, will have its U value reduced to zero. However, when fully filling a cavity party wall, care must be taken so as not to compromise the requirements of Part E (Sound). With the exception of a solid party wall, there are currently no Robust Details that will satisfy both Part L and Part E.

It is important to note that when calculating the Target Emissions Rate, SAP assumes that party walls will have a U value of zero. Consequently, if this were the only change to SAP (and no, of course it isn’t) a semi detached dwelling built with a cavity party wall will have increased emissions under SAP 2009 and would likely fail due to this one change alone unless savings were made elsewhere to compensate.

The easiest option for designers and builders is to use Robust Details Part E, Solid Dense Block option (E-WM-9). This still leaves the builder with the (lesser) problem of different density blockwork for party walls and external cavity walls. i.e. dense blockwork for the party wall and lightweight blockwork (preferably) for the cavity wall.

Of course this option is not suitable for timber frame construction but a detail where insulation is installed on both sides of an unfilled cavity is being considered. In such cases it is hoped that a U value of 0.20W/m2.K can be used but the Jury is still out on that one.

Party Wall Construction U Value

Unfilled cavity, no edge sealing 0.50W/m2.K

Unfilled cavity with edge sealing at all exposed edges 0.20W/m2.K

Fully filled cavity with edge sealing at all exposed edges 0.0W/m2.K

Solid 0.0W/m2.K

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Finally something that will help with the downlights!

2010-09-22T16:36:00.001+01:00

Okay, so we all like to have the recessed downlights in our houses, but know that they are leaking a significant amount ... 480 tons of CO2 over 20 years of use per downlight!!!

So, these are the cure, I have been told ... have a look and give Rupert a call to see if they are fit for purpose.

Picture to follow ...

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

BUILDING REGULATIONS – Transitional Provisions

2010-08-08T20:50:00.000+01:00

Everyone should be aware by now that new Building Regulations amendments, Approved Document Part L in particular, will come into force on 1st October 2010.

Unfortunately, in my experience, many developers, designers and builders haven’t got to grips with the current regulations yet, so there is no way they will be ready for another change. This next set of amendments will have a massive effect on an industry that is still struggling to understand the current regulations.

Apart from anything else, the reduction in allowable CO2 emissions of a further 25% on current regulations and more stringent air leakage test requirements will have a drastic effect on design and cost of new homes. But there is still time, and you can delay the effect of the changes if you have a project due to start, so don’t get caught out.

As with all regulation changes, there are transition proposals designed to reduce the impact.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THESE PROPOSALS WILL SAVE SERIOUS COST INCREASES.

The following is an excerpt from the Communities and Local Government Circular 03/2010

______________________________________________________________________________

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

15. The transitional provisions set out in S.I. 2010/719 apply only to the changes made to Parts F, J and L of Schedule 1. Transitional provisions for Part G are in S.I. 2009/1219 as amended by S.I. 2009/2465. There are no transitional provisions in respect of the amendments made to Schedule 2A or Schedule 2B to the Building Regulations.

16. There are three transitional provisions:

i. Where building work has started before 1 October 2010, the work may continue as if the amendments in the Amendment Regulations had not been made.

ii. Where a contract for work has been agreed and the all the building work would fall within the types of work set out in Schedule 2A or Schedule 2B to the Building Regulations, the work may be carried out as if the amendments in the Amendment Regulations had not been made provided that the work begins before 6 April 2011.

iii. Where a building notice, an initial notice, a plans certificate and amendment notice or a public body’s notice has been given, or full plans submitted, before 1 October 2010, the work may be carried out as if the amendments in the Amendment Regulations had not been made provided that the work begins before 1 October 2011.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Top Tip #5

2010-08-05T17:54:00.000+01:00

Skirting Boards

Okay, you can gain alot from focussing on these from the very beginning. I have said it before and I will say it again, it will get you improve your score by 2 typically if you take the action I recommend.

If you are putting carpet in, silicone at the top and bottom of the skirting board prior to testing.

If you are putting hard wood flooring or laminate, foam behind the skirting boards and then apply them. If the flooring installer needs to get better access, foam is much easier to remove than silicone.

Make sure you do all the skirting boards, including internal walls.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Preparing for an Air Tightness Test

2010-07-08T08:32:00.000+01:00

We should keep this simple by saying that an air tightness test should be done just prior to occupation when all of the fixtures and fittings are in place and someone could move in the next day. That being said, we don't live in a dream world either.

Plastering needs to be completed and all fixtures in place as they block out air leading into voids and roof spaces.
Electricity needs to be on for the fan and computers to work.
Covers need to be on to limit the amount of air chasing the wiring through the house.
Skirting needs to be on to finish off the join between the walls and the floor. Ideally this should be sealed either behind the skirting or on top and bottom of the skirting board.
Plumbing needs to be installed and water in all the traps.
Extractors need to be installed and sealed around the edges of the units.
Attic doors and access should be finalised
Trickle Vents should be installed if they are required
External doors and windows installed ... I hope you would have guessed that one :)

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Secondary Heating Systems - A dose of the flue!

2010-07-04T21:59:00.000+01:00

No, not a case of the sniffles, but a how to deal with Class 1 and Class 2 flues in new dwellings.

A quick and simple way to make a new house fail a SAP analysis is to incorporate a flue without specifying a suitable appliance. Why? Because if no fire is specified SAP will default to the worst possible choice and this is frequently all that is needed to change a pass into a fail.

Even when there is no flue shown, SAP will assume that 10% of the heating requirement for the home will be met by a secondary system. If none is specified, SAP will specify one for you*.

Secondary heating appliances come in all types, some good, some bad and some awful. Where is the sense in having a 90% efficient central heating boiler which is supplemented by a 30% efficient fire?

A class 1 flue with an open coal fire in the grate is very inefficient and when the fire is not lit you have the equivalent of a large hole in the wall undoing all the good work of your expensive insulation. If a chimney is a ‘must have’ then specify a closed front gas fire or, even better, a wood burner. Wood logs or chips from well a managed source are classed as biomass and have an impact on carbon emissions that is close to neutral. Some of the modern appliances are also extremely efficient so it’s a win –win.

The same thing applies to Class 2 flues also. Never specify a class 2 flue without a fire, use a sealed front gas fire preferably with a fanned flue.

I sometimes come across the view that even though a flue has been designed into a dwelling I don’t have to take it into account if it is just for decoration or it will be blocked off. Unfortunately, if a flue is shown on a drawing it will be assessed, regardless of whether it is blocked off or not. The assumption being that a blocked-off flue can be unblocked later and brought into use. If a chimney is desirable just for aesthetic purposes, use a dummy one.

*There is a bit of good news on the horizon though. When the new Part L comes into force, on 1st October 2010, SAP will assume that, where no flue is specified, the main system will provide 100% of the heating requirement.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

Photo's of Air Tightness Leaks

2010-06-28T15:29:00.001+01:00

I thought I might post a few pictures on here as well around what I am seeing in the Air Tightness world.

Mind the Gap!

Quite a few penetrations happening here. Remember to seal around the cutout as well.

Oh, yeah, we use the boxes for the radiator pipes ... not really :) If you are going to do this, foam behind yourself please.

This is where the leaks are coming from ... couldn't quite catch the daylight in this picture ...

More radiators ...

If you see one of these spiderwebs, you have a leak, trust me ...

From further away

You know that oil spill they are having off the coast of the Southern US???

Missed it by thhhhhaaaaattttt much ...

Just shy of perfection ...

Anybody for some leaky boxing??

I think the client will be well pleased with the finish on this rad!

No addresses were mentioned on this and all photos were with the permission of the witness on site so that others could learn from their opportunities.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

We are now on Twitter! Follow us under AirTightness to get even more ramblings every week :) We also hash our topics under #airtightness to help you find things that are related.

I hope this helps,

Matt

Do I Need an Air Tightness Test?

2010-06-21T12:01:00.001+01:00

An Assessor’s view

Do I Need an Air Tightness Test?

The simple answer is “not necessarily”

According to Building Regulations, developments with fewer that three properties can opt out of air tightness testing.

However................

Let’s not get too excited here, there is a price to pay (isn’t there always).

If you choose the opt out, the SAP assessor has to use a default value for the predicted air tightness of your building, and it should come as no surprise that such a value will not be advantageous. The minimum requirement for a tested dwelling to pass is 10m3/hm2. The standard default value used in the case of an untested dwelling is 15m3/hm2. This gives the assessor a problem because the house still has to pass SAP, and using a factor of 15m3, the result is going to be bloody. Consequently, other elements have to be upgraded to compensate, all of which will come at a cost.

I haven’t yet come across a solution to offset a 5m3 air leakage deficit that costs less than the test itself.

Apart from anything else, a good air tightness test result is one of the best ways to improve a failing SAP and with a little forethought it is relatively painless to achieve. It will also give a real benefit to the finished property.

In my opinion as an assessor, if you’re thinking of opting out, don’t. It’s not worth the paper it is written on.

This was written by Chris, our resident SAP technician with 30 years of experience in the construction trades.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt

“SAP? What’s all that about then”

2010-06-21T11:59:00.003+01:00

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) has been with us for over 10 years now, and since 2006 has been the only method of compliance with part L1A.

So it comes as a complete shock to me when I hear (too frequently) “what‘s all this about then, I’ve been building for years and never heard of it” or “Why wasn’t I told about this before”..............

The general misconception also is that it’s just another box to tick and everything will be ok. Unfortunately, the big drawback with SAP is that you can, and often do, get a fail. It is not easy to get a pass unless you have had the build designed with that in mind.

Invariably problems arise because the build is complete before any thought is given to a SAP analysis. This is partly because the wording in ADL1A is misleading in as much as SAP is not officially required until Final Inspection. This is madness because once the house is built, it is too late to try and correct a failed SAP, unless you don’t mind spending large amounts of cash unnecessarily. It’s a bit like putting on the last lick of paint and realising that you’ve forgotten the DPC!

All too frequently the result is a failed SAP because the build has been designed simply to comply with Building Regulations. The big problem here is that Building Regulations only give minimum requirements and SAP is a whole house solution, it’s no longer just a case of achieving U values. You can have two different houses with the same U values and one could pass but the other one fail. The size, shape, orientation and several other factors, all have an effect on the result.

The build has to comply with six separate criteria, the most challenging of which is CO2 emissions. It‘s just not possible to come up with a list of simple guidelines that will guarantee acceptable emissions, there are far too many variables.

It makes total sense therefore to have an analysis done at design stage. That way, unless the build spec changes significantly or you fail the air test, you can be confident of a pass. (Thankfully this problem will be sorted in the next version of SAP which will come into force in October 2010, when it will be a requirement to have a design SAP done at the time of applying for Building Regs. Approval).

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

No more HIPS!!!

2010-05-14T09:33:00.002+01:00

Well, now that we are not going to have to have any HIPs for sales, I have updated the checklist for site development to reflect that. Can't say that I really mind. We still are committed to reducing our carbon emmisions and the HIP had nothing to do with that, it was just a way of ensuring that the sale of your home could go smoother. Some say it worked, most said it was a pain in the backside and an extra cost. i would have to agree with both sides on that argument.

SAPs are still required though, so make sure that you don't get caught out and miss this vital element of getting signoff on your build.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

New Advert .. have a look :)

2010-05-11T13:14:00.001+01:00

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/ I hope this helps Matt

Services included that others charge for ...

2010-02-26T15:50:00.001Z

It has come to light from a few of my larger customers that certain competitors are now charging for the following 'elements' to an Air Tightness Test:

Calculation of the Envlelope Area
Training Seminars
Desktop Design Review
General Consultancy
On Site Design Reviews
Summary Reports
General Site Visits
Pre Test Inspections and reports
Pre Test site readiness visit
Out of Hours Surcharges

These aren't cheap charges either. You are looking at anywhere from £50 per hour for the simple things, to over £150 an hour for the more complex elements. The only thing in there that I may charge you for, would be making me come out to your site out of hours or on a weekend, because, let's face it, is there really ever any real need to do that?

This really boils down to the companies that are charging these fees are too big for their own britches, and have to pay for their big offices and large payrolls. Stick with me lads, I can get you there.

If you have ever met me, we'll come out and talk with you if you like, show you the faults you might have, and note them if you can't remember them. This is really not rocket science, but it is new to some people and once you have had a test and seen it in action, you will understand what is needed.

I travel all over Yorkshire all week long, and I can find a day in the next week or two when I am within a few miles of your site where we can walk around and have a chat.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

To Silicone or not?

2010-02-24T09:31:00.002Z

I did an air test on a property today that had siliconed the skirting boards to the chipboard 6 months ago. The problem is they have had a bit of settling as you would expect, and it is seperating and the air from the envelope is entering the house as cold air now.

I wonder if the short term measure solution for air tightness is not being recognised in the long term?

I notice at my own house where I have siliconed the skirting boards in the bathroom to the oak floor, the silicone is seperating a bit and I will have to do it again even after only 6 months. I suspect that the better solution is addressing this at the build stage with approved details as the source of plans to make things right.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

10 Year Old House

2010-02-04T13:28:00.001Z

I was asked to come out to a couples house this week to help them save money on their heating oil bills. Currently they use around 6 tanks a year of fuel which is quite a lot I would think, and really they just wanted to see what I could do to highlight what was causing them to use so much energy.

After a bit of insight and fact gathering, we turned the fan on. I must say, it was quite drafty for a house that was only 10 years old. We found three main areas of concern:

Floor Boards
Kitchen Finish
Loft Access Doors

It was interesting though, that the couple had always thought it was the windows that were leaking and causing the drafts. When we had the fan on high and the house under pressure, the windows were mainly fine. We did find the odd one that was leaking a bit, but nothing like other areas.

Floor Boards - The main house bathroom had had the lino pulled out for some decorating they were in the process of doing. This had exposed the floorboards that had been installed. Most people would expect a house of this age to have chipboard installed instead of 6 inch floorboards. More alarming for the occupants was the gaps taht had been found between the boards. I didn't bring my camera, but this is an image I found on the web that is a close approximation.

Needless to say this was causing quite a bit of leakage and a serious amount of effort will be required to correct it across the house. Every single carpet and underlay will have to be taken out then the floor sealed, probably with Slivers and then reinstalled. It was so bad, the carpets were rising off the floor and their cream carpets were stained inline with the floorboards throughout the house.

Kitchen Finish - Same old, Same old. Penetrations not sealed behind, stack pipes not sealed around, unfinished plastering and holes in the floors that you could put your hand into.... Once a kitchen is in, it is not really the easiest thing in the world to take out or work around.

Loft Access Doors - These are not going to go away I'm afraid. The right thing to do is to do it right the first time. If you are going to have access to use the sides of your loft via an access door, then you must insist that the chipboard is continued to the edge of the roof and the ceiling joins up with that floor area completely. If you do this, then you will have a finished space to then add your approximately 1m high stud wall to and put in an access door. Using this as a method finishes off the void area and allows the air to still circulate around the joists from the soffetts, yet keeps that could air from getting into the house. You also get the added benefits of a finished storage space, and probably better insulation to boot.

Here is an example off of Askabuilder.co.uk of the doorway solution that might just work better than a magnetic catch that is typically used. I would still think that the build process could have been improved upon and finished. You notice the addition of the taped Kingspan insulation, Draft Seal, and the door hasp to seal it closed properly.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Design Air Permeabilty explained

2010-01-21T15:04:00.001Z

During your trek for an air tightness test, you will be asked what your design air permeability is. This value comes from your SAP in section 4.5 of the L1A checklist and will be a number equal to or less than 10. This is the 'score' that you have to obtain to get a valid pass on your property. (If yours says a 15, you know why and I am speaking to the choir ... )

How did this number come about for your SAP? It's based on the allowances made for the design elements on your build. If you have opted for a well insulated house with an A rated boiler using thermostats around the house, you will most likely have a 10 in here. If your choice of boiler was onthe cheaper side and you opted for a B rated boiler .. or you wanted to save money on insulation and use 75 mm of insulation in the cavity when 100 mm would have been better, then you may need to get an 8 to pass. And so on it goes down the scale ...

But Why? Well, it all boils down to efficiency. If you are using an efficient boiler to warm your drafty house, you are probably going to use the same amount of energy as a well insulated house using electric radiators so the impact on the environment is the same.

So, if I need to get a 10 and I get an 11 or higher what happens? You fail. But, it is not as desperate as you may think. You will have to get your house down to a a 9 and change (or less) and it is usually doable on the day of the test if you have a reasonable tester. I am a reasonable tester, and realise that you ned to get a valid test onthe day and would like ot have your report and certificate there and then. If you have only built the one house, then we go down one route, if you have a development of houses we go down a different route. Single househould builders, you have to get a pass and there are no other houses to retest to confirm the results. Developers, you may have to have an additional house tested to comply with regulations and to ensure that the learnings are passed on to the rest of the builds.

Getting a failing house to pass is another topic, but, let's just say that you will need to take some action, and it will involve expanding foam, silicone, mastic, decorators caulk, and the like.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Ventilation versus Air Tightness

2010-01-19T18:08:00.000Z

DriMaster Positive Input Ventilation

I came across this product via a meeting I had with a customer. We were looking for a solution for cutting costs in a new build property and this ventilation system came up. This is a super idea for well built houses that are very air tight, and in need of a purpose built ventilation system. They also work with older homes of course to dry them out, hence the name.

I do not get paid or reimbursed to talk about products, so please don't think I am trying to sell you on this.

http://www.nuaire.co.uk/Product/Residential_Products/Positive_Input_Ventilation/Drimaster

You can read their blurb on the website. It costs less than £300 and this will be recovered after 2 years in energy savings I believe.

The principal method is that an automated system will pump warmer air from your loft into the house through a filter. This air reverses the typical air flow in the home and pushes out the toxins, dampness and causes a stack effect that circulates the trapped warm air at the top of the house throughout.

First thing I thought was that it was going to make the house colder, but if you think about it, it is actually taking the air form the loft which is quite a few degrees warmer than the outside air and using that to displace the stale and moist air from the house.

Give me a call and we can talk more about it if you like.
For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Sometimes it does pay to read these emails ...

2010-01-19T17:51:00.001Z

Hello,

I would like to introduce you to your local Yorkshire solution for all of your Testing and Certification needs.

Home Testing Yorkshire Ltd was established in 2007 and we are centrally located in the lovely village of Holmfirth near Huddersfield. We started off as a company focussing on Air Tightness Testing and gradually expanded to include all of the elements that we cover today including: Sound Testing, SAPs and EPCs, Home Energy Assessments, Commercial SAP and EPC elements as well as Code For Sustainable Homes Assessment and Consultations.

As a company we have great ambitions to work with the small to medium sized home builder and developer across Yorkshire and the surrounding regions, bringing them a reliable service that caters to their needs. We strive to provide great customer service and knowledge that will take the burden off of the customer in this ever changing spectrum of regulation compliance.

We are currently able to provide the following services:

 Air Tightness Testing and Pre-Testing for new dwellings

 Pre-Completion Sound Testing and Site Sound Surveys in relation to Part E

 Code For Sustainable Homes Consultations and Assessments in line with upcoming regulation changes in October 2010.

 SAP/EPC/PEA/DEC/SBEM for commercial properties and domestic dwellings

 Home Information Packs at greatly reduced rates compared to typical Estate Agents pricing structures.

Please feel free to contact me at any time and I hope we can be of use to you and your clients in the near future. We have a free monthly seminar at our premises covering all of these topics if you are interested.

As a special bonus to everyone who actually reads this e-mail, because I know we all get enough of them in a day, I would like to offer the following incentive: Once you have booked your first job with us, mention this e-mail and you’ll get 5% off the agreed price for the Air Tightness Testing elements. Sometimes it does pay to read these e-mails.

Thanks,

Matt Hulsey

Home Testing Yorkshire Ltd

01484 686649

08455 212822

07930 915595

Your Local Solution to all of your Testing and Certification Needs

Air Tightness Testing / Sound Testing / SAPs / EPCs / DECs / SBEMs / HIPs / Code For Sustainable Homes

Our Website http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

Our Blog airtightnesstesting.blogspot.com

matt@hometestingyorkshire.co.uk

Haigh House // Cinderhills Road // Holmfirth // HD9 1EH

Air Leakage from around window frames

2010-01-19T17:47:00.002Z

Here are some pictures, taken from test sites around the Yorkshire region in the last year of what not to do:

This is a typical window frame without the plate on, taped and covered with cling film with the house under pressure. the volume of air coming through this is amazing and helps to illustrate air coning from the cavity into the home from all of the cracks in a house. You would never let this go uncompleted of course, but the builder thought it would be okay to have the test with it missing and, of course, it couldn't as we can see ... BTW, I don't know what that green stuff is outside the window, everything around here is all white :)

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Choices

2009-09-18T12:29:00.000+01:00

When you are having an air tightness test, you're living with the choices you made in the build process. Sounds harsh, but it's not meant to be. You could've done a lot of things along the way, but either chose not to or didn't know the impact. A lot of the time it's a conscience choice such as downlights or oak skirting boards, etc. Other times it's not knowing that leaks really do occur around the pipes coming into the house.

I can help you understand the impact of those choices either before or during the test. Better that you know before I would suspect!

My goal is to help you, the developer, on your next build as well. The regulations are getting tighter in October 2010 and you need to be prepared.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Code Level 1 to 6 Homes available on the market today!

2009-09-18T10:16:00.001+01:00

Miller Homes has built 5 Code for Sustainable Homes from Level 1 to 6 in Bassingstoke if you want to have a look. I have read the subsequent articles on the BRE site and they say the following:

Key innovations

•Level 1 house: this serves largely as a benchmark, but incorporates mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and smart meter.

•Level 3 house: has MVHR, smart meter, water saving sanitaryware, air source heat pump (ASHP), and is built using thin joint masonry.

•Level 4 house: has MVHR, smart meter, water saving sanitaryware, thin joint masonry walls, ground source heat pump (GSHP) with two 90m deep boreholes, and underfloor heating

•Level 5 house: has MVHR, triple glazed windows, smart meter, water saving sanitaryware and appliances, 14m2 of photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting via a 200 litre tank for reuse in toilets and washing machines, biomass boiler and was constructed from Kingspan TEK Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).

•Level 6 house: MVHR, smart meter, water saving sanitaryware and appliances, underfloor heating, approximately double the quantity of photovoltaics of the level 5 house, rainwater harvesting, biomass boiler, full storey height Aircrete panels and external insulation of 300mm urethane foam and render.

Learning points

•The housebuilder worked to minimise the visual impact of the technology. Pipework is boxed in, the cupboard under the stairs houses manifolds and photovoltaic array read out, and the washing machine is in a utility room at the rear of the house, with a short connection to the greywater tank.

•The housebuilder used hollow web floor joists. Ian Beal, managing director with Miller Homes (Midlands and South), believes their use will become more common in housebuilding to accommodate the increased amount of servicing.

•The housebuilder hopes to try different approaches on ecology. Beal says: “We put in bat and bird boxes, but in the middle of this site it was pure point scoring. We'd like to be having conversations about ecology earlier so that we can do something appropriate sitewise rather than tick a box for a plot.”

•The site was set to have a wind turbine, but the planners refused permission.

•The level 6 house cost £50,000 extra, even though the housebuilder innovated to try to cut costs. For example, it was unable to source PVCu triple glazed windows in the UK, and so worked with LB Plastics which developed a new product. Tim Hough, chief executive of Miller Homes says: “It saved us significant cost, but it was frustrating that we had to do it. It would have been better if the conversations with the window manufacturers had taken place when U values were set.”

•Hough says: “Many of the design guidelines and regulations applied here compete and do not talk to each other. We would like to get guidance pulled together in a form that is clear and concise.”

•Hough concludes: “I am not convinced homeowners should be running a mini power station. We need more engagement with power providers on how to provide energy on a site or area wide basis.”

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Those pesky radiators

2009-09-15T12:52:00.000+01:00

Just completed a test for a Gentleman that needed to get a 6 for his house to pass. He was initially getting a 9, and had plenty of work to do to get it right, in the end, he got a 2.3 and was gobsmacked at the result.

It was a small bungalow with quite a few radiators. Behind each, the builder/plumber had, again, smacked holes in the wall for the flexible pipes to be trailed through. As well, the skirting boards that were out of site were not siliconed top and bottom.

The corrective action at this point was to take all the radiators off the racks, and then foam behind them as well as silicone the skirting boards where possible. This coupled with a few glaring holes around pipes and doorframes moved my latest customer from a fail to a pass in a couple of hours.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

October 2010 Building Regulation changes

2009-09-01T17:13:00.005+01:00

I have just attended a seminar for a review of the changes coming for Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations. Basically, we are in for a 25% improvement in the CO2 emmission requirements that mean building a new home is going to get harder and more expensive for some. If you are following this blog though, you will be well placed to take advantage of all of the needed changes coming.

None of it is set in stone for now, so it is really not worth giving you the advice as we are waiting for a few calculation methods, and a few more particulars as far as number of tests and other changes.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Loft Hatches

2009-07-30T19:42:00.004+01:00

Had a test today that had a leaky loft hatch. It was a relatively good make of loft hatch with 90 minute burn rating for fire, but it wasn't air tight, go figure on that one. Chris, the guy walking around with me on the site suggested that he could make it better using a trick he learned fixing up council houses. He was going to add a draught excluder around the rebate and make it fit perfectly. I never know you could do this this particular way ... he said he would put the excluder on one side, then cover it in grease or vaseline, then apply a bead of silicone to the opposite side and seal them together. Once the silicone had set, he would open the door, remove the lubricant and it would be an air tight seal.

I am not sure yet if it will work, but the principal is sound. I don't know what it will do to the fire rating having silicone and a draught excluder added to the loft hatch, but that is not my expertise.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Existing Homes

2009-05-14T11:18:00.008+01:00

Good news! We can perform the test on your existing home and help you to reap the rewards of an air tight house. Every single house in the country that is 5 years or older will benefit from an air tightness review. Having great insulation in your cavity helps keep the thermal heat loss down, but combining that with an air tight house, you'll see immediate benefits. You have to remember that your house isn't a balloon. If the cold air is coming in, the hot air is going out. You've paid for that hot air, keep it!

If you feel comfortable doing the small improvements that will reap huge rewards, great, I will highlight the areas on the day that need addressing. If you don't, we have a team of local builders available that can apply their skills to finish the job for you.

By clicking on the picture above you will be able to see common leakage points as highlighted by the Energy Saving Trust.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Code For Sustainable Homes

2009-05-12T16:28:00.005+01:00

Right, there seems to be some who haw about whether this will be required or not in the future. I believe that it will, and I will be offering it as a service from my business as soon as it does become necassary (Early 2010). More on this as it becomes necassary. For now, it might be best to read the leaflet that the government has provided, as it is actually rather informative.

Those of you that don't want to read it, you are going to have to have a 25% improvement on the current L1A regulations and that will mean scoring better on your air tightness tests for one thing ... a 7.5 I believe will be the maximum score. Check what you got on your last one to see if you are doing well enough to pass in 2010. As well, you will need to have provisions for working from home, or biking to work, water and wastage limitations, and solar gains considerations. Oh joy.

One thing you can count on though, I will offer you a quality service with your interests at heart.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Costly News

2009-05-12T15:35:00.005+01:00

I have said it before, but this time it really hurts to say it again. I have just had to tell a developer that they will have to spend upwards of £7,000 per property to fix an issue that 'saved' them £150 per plot. With 4 dwellings, we are talking £28,000 of fixing before they are even allowed to occupy.
Please get your design stage SAP's done prior to the build starting. There are so many rules and regulations changing all the time that it is not worth it.
The developer in question put electric heating units in throughout the house, and because of this 'savings' over conventional plumbed in radiators or even underfloor heating, he now has to install a either a geothermal heat pump, solar panels or plumb in the radiators in a finished house ... not a pleasant position to be in.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/
I hope this helps

Matt

Oak Skirting Boards

2009-03-02T20:10:00.000Z

Ok, you got the dosh to go out and buy oak skirting boards and the like ... but, they have a tendency to warp. If they ahve, then you get air leaks. The easiest fix for this is to apply your air barrier protection prior to the skirting boards being applied. For this, you can use foam, plaster, or good old silicone. Just make a tight seal out of the floorboards and the plaster prior, then attach the skirting boards to the wall.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Big versus Small

2009-02-27T20:26:00.001Z

A lot of people ask me if a small house is easier to pass than a big one ... I typically find that a bigger house has a lot more room for forgiveness, but a well built small house can be really tight.

Let me give you an example ... I did a test today for a 7 bedroom house in Leeds that got a 6. Now, that's a good score typically. But you have to take into consideration that this house was designed very well, and had a lot of things going for it as far as becoming air tight. He had polystyrene inner walls that were overfilled with concrete and underfloor heating on both the ground floor and the first floor. The interior walls were all filled concrete. This house was completely formed of the stuff. But, he had a few disadvantages, he had spotlights throughout the house that he hadn't bothered to account for in his build process and had allowed the electrician to drill holes everywhere which led to air pathways that could only escape through them. I've never seen anything like it in a house. In the kitchen, standing under one of these lights with the fan on, it was like a window was open above you. As well, the plumber let him down on the site as the only other areas that leaked were the closets where the cylinder was and the boiler with its connections to the underfloor heating.

I did a test on a large apartment complex where they were small one and two bedroom units and they each got 2's and 3's. This was because the contractor had had a test before and been a borderline pass, learned from that build with our team and came out the other side very well.

What am I trying to say? Just don't worry. Think about what you're doing, and get some advice if you're unsure.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

What do I need to worry about with this Air Tightness test?

2009-02-27T20:15:00.001Z

So, you have been told by building control that you have to have an air tightness test before they will sign off your property?

First step, take a deep breath and relax.

I have done hundreds of these tests, and you'll most likely pass! 90% of my tests are just fine, a few are borderline and require a bit of remedial action and only 3 have ever failed and not been able to get passed without major re-work. Be wary of companies that promise a 100% pass rate, they either don't do a lot of tests or fudge things and you both could be liable if caught.

If you have built the property with even the slightest bit of concern for the future occupants, you are headed in the right direction.

Second step, give me a call and I'll talk through with you any concerns that you might have. I typically can help you over the phone and give you a steer on whether you're ready for a test or need to do a bit before a test is done. If you are reading this outside of Yorkshire, don't worry, I'll still answer the phone and your questions :)

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Timeline of the New Requirements for Part L1A

2009-02-19T18:46:00.001Z

Okay, I get asked this at least three times a day, so I think it's worth adding to the blog to get the word out there to the developers ... there is a definite timeline that is required for all of the relevant certifications needed to pass off a house for building control concerning energy ... I know that there are more certifications for the electrics, fire, plumbing, etc. but those are not typically my area of expertise.

By the way, some of this is rather technical, but will be covered in future blog updates ... just try to get the overall picture right now okay. Oh, and speaking of pictures, here is one of an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC as they are called, which is the end result of all of this work

Submit Property Plans to Council with or without Accredited Construction Details

Plans are agreed - sometimes after modifications and many iterations ...

Design Draft SAP Calculation is commissioned and returned to you that meets the current build regulations and requirements for energy conservation taking into account all of the design elements in the property as highlighted in the checklist and drawings.

Sometimes you may have to do Step 3 in a few iterations to get everything right where the DER is less than the TER.

Once this is completed, a Design Final SAP Calculation is produced for your property.

From Step 5, a Design Calculation EPC is produced allowing you to market the property off plan if desired but you will still have to have a proper As Built EPC completed in the long-run.

Property is built to the these minimum SAP requirements.

Air Tightness Test is performed in accordance with each properties SAP value and in consideration of the use or non-use of Accredited Construction Details from section 4.5 of the L1A Checklist.

The Air Test result is entered into the SAP along with any modifications and / or improvements to the property during the build process producing an As Built Draft Calculation.

As Built Final SAP Calculation is entered into the system and logged / registered with the government

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is issued by the company doing the SAP.

Building Control Officer or their equivalant issues a Building Certificate

You complete the Home Information Pack (HIP) for properties being sold on

You can now sell or rent your property ... God Willing

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Air Tightness Testing Top Tip of the Day 5

2009-02-19T18:32:00.000Z

Have your SAP done prior to building your property!

I have just done a test today for a gentleman who passed his air tightness test as far as the L1A regulations are concerned, he got below a 10 for his score. But, because the council didn't require him to have a SAP until after the build was completed, he has ended up not being able to get the DER below the TER. Trying to lower the DER after completion is VERY difficult. He is now faced with the possibility of having to install Solar Panels or an alternate fuel source! Now, this alternate heat source could be a wood burning stove, so we think that he may get away with it by spending approximately £1,000 getting this fitted. That's alot of money to be stumping up after completion for a property that he just wants to rent out for the short term while he rides out the economic storm.

I have a bit of investigation to do before I write another article on this topic, but I've been told by my guy who does SAPs and EPCs that if you just follow the letter of the law as a minimum for Part L1A as far as the U-values go, you will most probably fail ... I was shocked to hear this, but can see where it may be true. You have to understand that there are other factors at play here in the software used to produce the SAPs that sometimes don't make sense ... adding a wood burning stove creates a 9 inch hole in your property, but it benefits the environment because it is carbon neutral ... from my air tightness testing perspective, any extra holes in a house are a bad thing.

More to come on this.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Air Tightness Testing Top Tip of the Day 4

2009-02-13T16:22:00.000Z

Unwanted backflow of cold air ...

For just £1.58, you can make your toilet warmer and your after shower experience much more pleasant. If you install or have the builder install a Wall Outlet Gravity Flap from Toolstation.com or other good retailers, you can avoid having cold air come back into your house from a typical exterior vent cover. I know this for a fact, as I have just installed them onto my house and the benefit is tremendous.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Why do I have to have one of these air tightness tests?

2009-02-12T14:57:00.001Z

The simple answer is because the building regulations say so.

Beyond that, it's good for the environment, confirms a good build of the property and it saves you money on your utility bills.

The less energy needed to heat your home, the less CO2 we create, the less impact to the environment. Now, if we were on the Continent, I would have to say something about the air conditioning, but, let's face it, we don't do much on the cooling side in this country!

As far as the good build goes, if you have a 12 inch by 12 inch hole under the kitchen stove that never got filled in, then you might want to know about it. This actually happened in one of my first tests and it wasn't pretty. But, it also caused the builder a bit of grief to sort it out.

When you can have your heat on for less, you spend less on gas, hence lower utility bills.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Air Tightness Testing Top Tip of the Day 3

2009-02-12T14:30:00.000Z

Even the sockets leak in an Air Tightness Test!

Many of my customers are shocked and dismayed that when we're walking around checking for their leaks in the house, that the sockets are leaking as well. I know it's hard to believe, but they do. They're never going to be a major source of leakage in the home, but we typically have quite a few in a house nowadays, don't we? They all add up to a window that's always open in your house.

My Top Tip is to seal the wires at the last point prior to when they become a part of the socket.

To do this, you need to think about how your house is being constructed. If you're using timber for the interior walls, then you go after the drill-outs for the wires in the studs. Once the plasterboard is on, this forms a relatively tight seal. You can buy ready made grommets from the builders merchants, or you can fill the holes with caulk or silicone. I'd fill them rather than use the grommets as this is the cheaper and easier option. It takes 20 minutes to do this for all of your sockets in a house after the electrician has done his fixing.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps

Matt

Air Tightness Testing Top Tip of the Day 2

2009-02-12T14:08:00.000Z

Just because it is out of sight, doesn't mean it's out of mind.

Gone are the days when you could cover something up with a kitchen unit and forget about it. I have seen too many situations where holes have been drilled into floor boards and not filled behind. If you drill a big hole to put a small pipe in and don't fill behind yourself, you've created yourself a huge problem. Especially if you then put a unit in that covers access to the hole for remedial action!

My Top Tip is to drill appropriate sized holes for your service penetrations and finish with mortar, mastic or foam to the edges.

If you do this, you will be limiting the amount of air entering your dwelling and thereby benefiting your overall score.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

I hope this helps,

Matt Hulsey

Air Tightness Testing Top Tip of the Day 1

2009-02-12T14:02:00.001Z

Air Tightness Testing is designed to find unintentional leaks in your home.

In a new build, before the skirting boards are installed, you will typically have a gap that has been left at the bottom by the plasterers. This is a very good pathway for air coming from outside the envelope into the living space of the home. It is then registered as a leak by the testing equipment.

To fix this for a floor having tiles or hardwood floors, fill the gap with expanding foam and apply the skirting boards. For a floor that will have carpets, you can foam or you can apply a flexible decorators caulk or silicone to the top and bottom of the skirting boards and this helps to tie it all together and block the leaks.

This is typically able to take a house from a fail to a pass if it is marginally over the limit for the Design Air Permeability. As well though, existing homes can use this as well.

With all of this cold weather, many of my customers have reported back to me that they have done this to their own homes and seen a drastic improvement! One even said he thought his radiators were broken because his kitchen with hardwood floors never heated up in the winter. After he put clear silicone on the skirting boards, he has had to turn the radiators down because it got too hot.

For more information or to book a test, call me on 01484 686649 or visit my website on http://www.hometestingyorkshire.co.uk/

Hope this helps.

Matt