Sustainability and Energy Consultancy
Air tightness undertakes the testing of buildings and other enclosures. Uncontrolled heat loss and gain through the walls and roof of a building is no longer acceptable. It leads to higher energy bills, causes pollution and increases CO2 emissions.
The air tightness of a structure has a direct impact on the natural ventilation rate and will increase with wind speed and internal/external temperature differences.
Valco Services Ltd can undertake air tightness testing for all new dwellings and or commercial and industrial buildings to increase sustainability.
One of the key factors in providing energy efficient, comfortable buildings is experience of an acceptable rate of air leakage and undertaking of air tightness testing. Valco offer a comprehensive range of air tightness solutions nationwide for all types of building, whether Commercial, or Residential.
Valco energy consultancy experts has the knowledge, resources and expertise to solve air tightness problems in all types and sizes of buildings. Valco work nationally, with a flexible customer-focused service to ISO9001:2008 & ISO14001:2005. Valco have a unique, unrivalled breadth of experience and offer valued project support at every stage of the construction process.
Valco are recognized by Building Control as being suitably qualified to carry out Air Tests. All air tightness tests are carried out to ATTMA standards.
For over five years, Valco have worked with blue chip clients, contractors, consultants and architects to provide a wide range of air tightness services on many different building types and constructions. We consider our philosophy of making sure the construction has been designed and constructed correctly the most effective solution to ensuring sustainability and maintaining low energy performance in the long turn. We will not advocate the use of short term sealing solutions as in our opinion this may mask construction shortfalls. Our approach is always to build it right first time.
The Law
Since the 2006 changes to the Building Regulations, airtightness testing has been mandatory for new buildings. In the case of new dwellings, a sample of dwellings on every development must be tested.
The Building Regulations state that testers must either be registered through BINDT, or must prove their competence by other means.
Statutory Regulations
Since the 2006 changes to the Building Regulations, air tightness testing has been mandatory for new buildings. The Building Regulations Part L1A deals with new dwellings, Building Regulations Part L1B deals with existing buildings and Part L2A for commercial buildings.
New Changes to Building Regulations
Aims:
- Air Tightness Testing of Non-Domestic Dwellings, Part L2A, relates to offices, factories & warehouses, retail, shopping centres, superstores, hotels, residential social homes, restaurants, shops, hospitals, medical centres, nursing accommodation, student accommodation.
- Part L2B regulations refers to changes of use for non-domestic buildings. There is no requirement for air tightness testing if the extension is less than 100m2.
