Ventilation testing

What is ventilation testing?

Ventilation testing is an essential, often overlooked, element of a new build property. With air tightness levels increasing, natural air flow rates are now much lower, meaning mechanical ventilation is required to pick up the slack. Poor ventilation in a new property can lead to lots of potential issues such as mold, damp and excessive condensation, which is why it is essential ventilation rates are validated to minimise the risk of these issues occurring.

Here at Eecobuild we are accredited engineers. This allows us to inspect & commission ventilation systems in accordance with Part F of the Building Regulations. These regulations were introduced in 2010 to ensure all ventilation systems provide sufficient flow rates for modern construction methods.

Once the building is nearing completion, your building inspector may request a ventilation report before they issue your completion certificate. Certified testers, like ourselves, are then required to come and verify your extractor flow rates & confirm if they are up to building regulation standards.

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Importance of ventilation testings

As buildings become more air tight, the need for ventilation becomes more necessary. This ensures a supply of fresh air to the dwelling.

The main purpose of ventilation is to:

Remove polluted or stagnant air from the room/dwelling and replace with fresh air.
Decrease pollutant levels within the dwelling
Controls condensation
Creates a hostile environment for mould to grow, fungus to produce and house hold dust mites to thrive in.

Download ‘’Approved Document F: Ventilation’’ (ADF) and ‘’Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide’’

Download Document here

Ventilation testing FAQ's

Below you will find a collection of the most commonly asked questions regarding sound insulation testing

Ventilation System types

This can be confirmed with your building control body and can depend on the project.

For most multiple dwellings such as high-rise buildings with a consistent build quality, only one set of sound test will be required per 10 dwelling. A set of sound test consists of two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests and two impact tests.

This applies where the same construction in the walls and floors are used throughout the building. If different construction is used, then more sound tests will be required.

Getting a good result:

More installation errors are related to poor workmanship relating to the duct work than anything else. Poor installation of workmanship can have a dramatic effect on the ability of the design to work.

Poor or incorrect ductwork jointing can:
– Decrease efficiency
– Increase noise level
– Reduce air quality
– Increase pollution

Some good practices include:

– Flexible duct to be kept to a minimum, where used it should extend to at least 90% of its length
– All excess duct is cut and the duct is taut
– There are no obstructions to the duct work
– Where necessary, the duct sleeve should be rigid to offer protection and sealed to maintain air tightness.
– Flexible duct should be supported to ensure they do not sag
– Insulated well where they run in unheated or cold areas.

At Eecobuild Ltd our engineers are trained and Elmhurst Energy accredited to commission, test and certify your ventilation system in accordance to the approved building regulation.

Our qualified engineers are registered with a competent ventilation scheme and test with equipment that are UKAS calibrated.

The ventilation test can be provided as a service alongside the air pressure test.