How does the air test work?
The air test is the major test of how airtight a building is and whether it passes or fails the regulations. A failure at this point can be damaging for all parties involved, often resulting in major rectification works. But what is the air test?
The air test is conducted when the building project is completed. All windows, doors and other intended apertures (basin wastes, overflows etc) in the building are sealed off. Air is pumped into the building until the pressure difference between the inside and outside is 50 Pascals. This pressure difference is maintained for 1 hour by running the air pump as required. The amount of air used is measured and recorded; it equates to the amount of air lost through leakage.
The maximum permitted air loss from the building is 10 cubic metres for every square metre of wall, floor and roof. For a good size industrial unit, 10m³/hour is roughly the equivalent of changing the air within the building four times in an hour.
Smoke generators are sometimes placed within the building so that air leaks can be traced. 50 Pascals is a very low pressure difference, for example a typical car tyre is inflated to about 2 bar - 200,000 pascals.
To view an air test in action take a look at our video by clicking on the link to the left.
How can we help you?
For more information contact our technical consultants.