“SAP? What’s all that about then”

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