About Air Testing
Air Testing, also known as air tightness testing, air permeability testing or air pressure testing, is a fundamental requirement of Part-L of the Building Regulations.
At MACH, we understand that providing a range of services under one roof makes things more simple for our clients.
As such, we offer Part L air tightness testing as a stand-alone service or as a convenient and cost effective package with our Part E sound testing.
If you are interested in a quote for air tightness testing, or a package of sound and air testing services – follow the link below for our enquiry form.
As a ATTMA registered test body, MACH Testing aim to work closely with the team on site to identify issues and give the best chance of a passing result. For more information on Part L of the building regulations, follow the link below
For more information about any of our services get in touch Call 0843 309 4504 or email info@machtesting.com
Additional Information
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The requirements for air tightness in new residential dwellings are given in Part L1A of the Building Regulations.
For newly constructed dwellings, Part L1A of the Building Regulations states that compliance is achieved if the measured air permeability is below the limit value of 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa. Note, that if testing a sample of dwellings (as is normal practice), this target is reduced to 8 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa.
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To give the best chance of a passing result, certain conditions should be met on site prior to our visit. Below is a checklist of conditions that should be in place before your air test.
We also require the design air permeability (air leakage) target for the building. If we do not receive a design target we will assume the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations.
All relevant building plans and sections must be sent to us before the test date to allow surface area and volume calculations to be made prior to our visit.
Your site should be ready for testing as long as the criteria above are met. For an instant, no obligation quote, fill in the get a quote box, or give us a call now.
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Is my online reservation final?
Our online booking system provides our predicted prices and availability. On making a request, our engineers will contact you within 24 hours to confirm you booking and make the necessary arrangements. Your booking will not be final until we have contacted you. We request that you leave a contact telephone number for us to speed up this process (your details are not shared with third parties).
How should I pay for my air tightness test(s)?
In order that we may issue your certificate on the same day as your test, we request that you make payment before the sound test via BACS, or alternatively pay with cash, cheque or card when we see you on site. When your booking is confirmed, we will issue a confirmation email, with our invoice.
Am I ready for an air test?
See our guidance for acceptable site conditions in Site Requirements and Required Information above.
How many air tests do I need?
Part-L of the Building Regulations requires dwellings within a development to be split up in to sub groups based on a number of criteria including size and construction type. For each sub group, 3 plots, or 50% of the plots are tested – whichever is less.
Our online quotation system requires you to enter the number of air tests you require. If you are unsure how many tests you need – Give us a call now for advice and a no-obligation quote.
When will I receive my certificate?
At MACH Testing we pride ourselves on the speed of our service. Not only do we offer fantastic availability, but you can also choose a date from our calendar, on a day that suits you.
Providing we have received payment (either in advance or when we see you on site), we provide your test certificate on the same day – and in many cases whilst we are on site. Job done!
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All tests are carried out by MACH Testing Engineers. MACH Testing is a trading name of MACH Acoustics – ANC registered acoustic consultancy practice #179. MACH Acoustics Ltd, company registration number 04940319. Registered in the United Kingdom, the registered office of which is Trelawney House, Surrey Street, Bristol, BS2 8PS. VAT registration number GB 822146065.
‘Easy Sound Test’ is a quote estimator – bookings placed are not final. Upon receiving a booking request, MACH Testing will contact you to confirm the price and booking details. MACH Testing reserves the right to change or cancel bookings. MACH Testing will inform of any such changes at least 24 hours before the scheduled booking time.
MACH Testing issue test reports on receipt of payment. Invoices are issued via email on confirmation of a booking. Invoices can be paid via BACS transfer at any time following confirmation of a booking, or by card over the phone (Tel 08433094504). MACH Testing engineers will also accept card, cash or a cheque whilst on site.
If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you must inform MACH Testing no later than 24 hours before the scheduled booking time (Tel 08433094504). A late cancellation fee of 75% of the invoiced testing amount is payable if you fail to inform MACH Testing of a cancellation to your booking within the aforementioned window.
Site conditions must be in accordance with MACH Testing requirements. Required site conditions are issued via email on confirmation of a booking. If you are unable to comply with the required site conditions, please contact MACH Testing no later than 24 hours before the scheduled booking time. MACH Testing reserve the right to abstain from carrying out the agreed works, should site conditions fail to meet the aforementioned requirements. In the event of this situation, the client is subject to a call out charge of 75% of the invoiced testing amount.