Air Tightness Regulations in the UK 2023
In recent years, the importance of energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in construction has become increasingly apparent. As a result, regulations regarding the energy efficiency of buildings have been introduced to ensure that new buildings are constructed to meet certain standards.
One of the key factors in achieving energy efficiency in buildings is ensuring they are airtight, which means that air leakage is minimised. In this blog, we will be exploring the air tightness regulations in the UK and how they impact the construction industry.
The Current Regulations
The current air tightness regulations are outlined in Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations. These regulations apply to new buildings in England and Wales and certain renovations and extensions.
The current air tightness requirements are expressed in terms of air permeability, measured in cubic meters of air leakage per hour per square meter of envelope area at a reference pressure of 50 Pascals (m³/h.m²). The maximum allowable air permeability for new buildings is 10 m³/h.m² for new dwellings. This essentially means that when the test is completed, all of the air within the room can be replaced up to 10 times to meet the standard.
The air tightness requirements are measured by the air permeability test, which is conducted by a qualified tester using a blower door. The test measures the amount of air that leaks through the building envelope, including gaps, cracks, and other openings.
These requirements are subject to change as the UK government continues to update and revise the Building Regulations to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It’s important to note that local authorities may have additional or more stringent requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check with them before starting any building work. In 2023, to promote more carbon-friendly construction, Scotland adopted new standards that require all new housing to be built to Passivhaus Standards.
Passivhaus Standards
The Passivhaus airtightness standard is more stringent than the air tightness requirements outlined in the UK Building Regulations. The Passivhaus standard is an international building standard for energy efficiency that was developed in Germany, and it places a strong emphasis on reducing energy demand through the use of passive measures such as insulation, ventilation, and air tightness.
The Passivhaus standard sets a maximum allowable air permeability of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) for the building envelope. This means that the building should not leak more than 0.6 times its total volume in air per hour when tested at a pressure of 50 Pascals.
The Passivhaus airtightness standard is very strict and requires careful attention to detail during the construction process. Achieving this level of air tightness requires a high level of insulation, careful sealing of joints, and high-performance windows and doors.
While meeting the Passivhaus standard can be challenging, it can result in significant energy savings and a more comfortable indoor environment for building occupants. It’s important to note that achieving the Passivhaus standard requires a holistic approach to building design and construction, and air tightness is just one aspect of the overall energy efficiency strategy.
Impact of Airtightness Regulations on the Construction Industry
Air tightness regulations in the UK have a significant impact on the construction industry, as they require builders and developers to focus on improving the air tightness of buildings to achieve greater energy efficiency. This means that builders and developers must consider the quality of the building fabric, including walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors, to ensure that the building envelope is properly sealed and there is minimal air leakage.
To comply with air tightness regulations, the construction industry must also use high-quality building materials and ensure that installation is carried out to a high standard.
This requires careful planning, coordination, and expertise between different trades, such as the builders, architects, engineers, and subcontracting specialists. In addition, air tightness testing must be on completed buildings to ensure that they meet the required standards.
While achieving high levels of air tightness can present challenges for the construction industry, such as the need for additional training and investment in equipment and materials, it also presents opportunities. By improving the air tightness of buildings, builders can create more comfortable and healthy indoor environments, reduce energy consumption, and ultimately save money for the building owner. In addition, air tightness regulations can also encourage innovation in building design and construction techniques, leading to more efficient and sustainable buildings.
Our Work
We have a vast amount of experience applying airtight coatings for new-build and retrofit projects.
Blowerproof is a high-performance airtight coating that creates an air and vapour tight seal around walls, floors, ceilings and joints. Contact us for more information about Blowerproof.
Enhancing Building Performance: The Transformative Benefits of Airtight Coatings
Enhancing Building Performance: The Transformative Benefits of Airtight Coatings In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction, the pursuit of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant
Achieving Healthy Indoor Environments: Balancing Airtightness and Indoor Air Quality for Architects
Achieving Healthy Indoor Environments: Balancing Airtightness and Indoor Air Quality When designing buildings it is important to not only prioritize energy efficiency, but also nurture
5 Ways to Test Airtightness in Buildings
5 Ways to Test Airtightness in Buildings Airtightness testing plays a crucial role in assessing the performance of a building’s envelope and ensuring energy efficiency.