Examples of Air Leakage in a Building





Junction between windows frame and window board




No air tightness membrane used in the roof section





A damaged window seal





Uncontrolled infiltration from under the skirting board.

   Air leakage from a damaged seal in a skylight window

Air Tightness Testing















Prices start from €350 (Ex VAT) for houses below 200 m2.

Future Energy are trained Air Tightness Testers.

The air tightness performance of a building can play a huge part in reducing heating requirements. A provisional air tightness test is carried out after the external fabric has been completed to confirm that the building will achieve the minimum air leakage standards set by the buildings designers. The continuity of the building envelope is fully tested and any areas of failure can be identified. This allows any remedial work necessary to be carried. The final and official air tightness test is carried out on the completion of the property but before occupancy. The air tightness result will be used in the calculation of the energy rating of the property.


Air tightness testing is now legislation


The revised Building Regulations will require a mandatory ‘Air Tightness Test' for all new dwellings that apply for planning permission after July 1st 2008. The regulations will also require that the property will need to achieve a result of below 10 m³/hr/m². We at Future Energy see this as quite leniant and we would suggest that all buildings should attempt to meet the best practice of 3 m³/hr/m².



So what are the other reasons for getting your building air tight ?


 Reduced Energy Costs: Reduced air-leakage is clearly in the interests of building's owners.  Substantial savings in heating costs will result from reduced air tightness.  Also, the size (and therefore capital cost) of the heating system can also be saved with the reduction in heat demand of the building.

 Protecting the Building Fabric: If warm, moist air is allowed to leak into the external wall cavities of a building, it will tend to cool and form interstitial condensation.  This accumulates over time leading to degradation of insulation, damp patches, deterioration of the fabric, etc.

 Increased Comfort: Another benefit to the building owner or their tenants is the increased comfort levels experienced by the occupants, thanks to the eradication of cold spots, draughts and ineffective air-con, which could otherwise threaten productivity. 


 Reduced Carbon Emissions: Air leakage accounts for a large proportion of the energy wasted in buildings. By increasing your air tightness you decrease your carbon emissions.