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UK-Wide Air Leakage Testing You Can Trust.

Accurate, accredited air leakage testing, inspections and approved trainer-led courses for both commercial and residential projects across the UK.

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Elmhurst Energy Approved Tester (Level 1 & 2) • NACE Level 3 Inspector • TTP Approved Trainer
What We Do

Don't Guess - Test

We test both commercial and residential buildings, alongside accredited training and independent inspections — accurately, and on schedule.

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Commercial Testing

Air permeability testing for offices, retail, industrial and mixed-use buildings, to Approved Document L2A (non-domestic) standards.

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Residential Testing

Blower door testing for new build homes, extensions, conversions and self-builds, to SAP and Approved Document L1A (domestic) standards.

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Training

Approved trainer-led courses for those looking to qualify as air leakage testers, covering the standards and practical skills required to test to a professional level.

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Inspections

Thorough, independent building inspections carried out to a professional standard, giving developers and homeowners confidence in build quality and compliance.

Commercial & Residential

One accredited team covering both commercial and residential air leakage testing, so whatever you're building, you're covered.

Commercial

Commercial Air Leakage Testing

Air permeability testing for commercial and non-domestic buildings — offices, retail units, warehouses, industrial units and mixed-use developments — carried out to Approved Document L2A (non-domestic) and ATTMA standards.

  • Offices, retail, warehouses, industrial & mixed-use units
  • Large and complex buildings, including multi-stage and zoned testing
  • Compliance with Approved Document L2A (non-domestic) & Building Regulations 2010
  • Reports ready for Building Control, BREEAM and EPC submissions
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Residential

Residential Air Leakage Testing

Accredited blower door testing for new build homes, extensions, conversions and self-builds, meeting SAP and Approved Document L1A (domestic) requirements.

  • New build homes, extensions, conversions & self-builds
  • SAP-compliant testing for individual plots or full developments
  • Fast turnaround to keep your build schedule on track
  • Elmhurst Energy approved certification, Building Control-ready
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Residential Air Leakage Testing: What Homeowners & Self-Builders Need to Know

It isn't just a box to tick — it's a legal requirement for new homes in the UK, and understanding it can save you time, money and hassle. Here's what you need to know.

Is it a legal requirement?

Yes. Under Approved Document L1A of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended), new dwellings must undergo an air pressure test before Building Control will sign off completion. It applies to new builds and most conversions.

What score do I need?

Air permeability is measured in m³/(h·m²) at 50 Pascals — the lower the number, the more airtight the building. Every dwelling has its own design target from its SAP calculation, plus a legal backstop maximum. We confirm the exact figure for your project before testing.

What if I don't pass?

Most issues — gaps around pipes, cables, loft hatches, windows and doors — can be sealed on site and retested the same visit. If more work is needed, we provide a clear report showing exactly where air is escaping.

Who arranges the test?

Usually the builder, developer or self-builder arranges testing ahead of Building Control sign-off. If you're project managing your own self-build, this is your responsibility to book.

Does it affect my EPC?

Yes — your air permeability result feeds directly into your SAP calculation and Energy Performance Certificate, affecting your rating and predicted running costs.

Do I need one for an extension?

Often, yes — particularly for larger extensions, or where Building Control specifically requests it. We can advise whether your project needs testing before you book.

Regulations and thresholds are updated periodically by government (including upcoming Future Homes Standard changes), so the above is general guidance only — get in touch and we'll confirm exactly what's required for your specific project.

Residential (Pulse)

Pulse Air Testing - Fast, Low-Pressure, Non-Invasive.

An approved alternative to the traditional blower door test for new homes, giving accurate results in minutes with minimal disruption on site.

Residential (Pulse)

What is Pulse air testing?

Pulse is a portable air leakage test developed at the University of Nottingham and manufactured in the UK by Build Test Solutions. Instead of using a large fan in a doorway to push the building to 50 Pascals, Pulse releases a short, controlled burst of compressed air and measures how the building responds at a very low pressure — around 4 Pascals, much closer to the conditions a home actually experiences when it's lived in.

Since June 2022, Pulse has been a recognised method of air permeability testing under Part L of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, so results can be submitted for Building Control sign-off and your SAP calculation in the same way as a blower door test.

How it works

  1. Set up in the centre of the homeThe compressed-air receiver is placed on the ground floor, connected to its control unit. No doors are blocked and nothing is fitted through the building fabric.
  2. Background readingThe system first measures the background pressure, so the effects of wind and temperature can be accounted for.
  3. A short pulse of airA brief, evenly distributed burst of air is released into the building and the pressure change is logged many times a second over a few seconds.
  4. ResultsLeakage is calculated at 4 Pa and converted to the 50 Pa equivalent used for compliance, ready for your certificate and SAP.
Get a Pulse Test Quote
Pulse air testing kit: control unit, air receiver and compressor

Why choose Pulse?

  • Quick — set up, test and pack down in as little as 10 minutes
  • No door fitting, sealing or drilling through the envelope
  • Low pressure, so it doesn't stress the building fabric
  • Results reflect real living conditions
  • Less affected by windy weather
  • Recognised under Part L for Building Control sign-off
Why Choose Us

The Credentials That Give You Confidence.

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    Fully Accredited Elmhurst Energy approved for air leakage testing at Level 1 and Level 2, so your results are recognised by Building Control across the UK.
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    Qualified Inspector NACE Level 3 Inspector qualification, giving you an extra layer of technical assurance on every project.
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    Approved Trainer TTP approved trainer, delivering courses for those entering or progressing within the air testing industry.
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    UK-Wide Coverage We work with contractors, developers and homeowners across the country, fitting around your build schedule.

Certifications & Accreditations

Elmhurst Energy Approved Air Leakage Tester — Level 1
Elmhurst Energy Approved Air Leakage Tester — Level 2
Elmhurst Energy Approved Trainer
NACE Level 3 Inspector
TTP Approved Trainer
How It Works

Booking Is Simple. Results Are Fast.

A straightforward process from enquiry to certificate.

1

Get in Touch

Call, email or use the form below with your project details and timeline.

2

Quote & Booking

We confirm scope and cost, then book a test date that fits your build programme.

3

On-Site Testing

We carry out the air leakage test or inspection on site, to Elmhurst standards.

4

Results & Certificate

You receive your report and certificate promptly, ready for Building Control.

Ready to Book Your Air Leakage Test?

Get in touch today for a fast, no-obligation quote.

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Get In Touch

Let's Get Your Build Certified.

Serving customers across the United Kingdom. Get in touch for a quote or to discuss your project.

Bric Training, Inspecting & Testing Ltd

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Contact Andy Nelmes
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Coverage Area United Kingdom

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