Ventilation Flow Rate Testing For Part F
Ensuring healthy indoor air quality and meeting legal requirements is essential for any new build or refurbishment project. We specialise in professional air flow rate testing of ventilation systems, helping you achieve full compliance with Approved Document Part F of the Building Regulations.
Schedule a Vent Test
We Undertake Vent Testing For:
Whether you’re a developer, contractor, or homeowner, our comprehensive service takes the hassle out of compliance, identifying issues before they become costly problems and ensuring your building is compliant.
Our experienced engineers use calibrated equipment to accurately measure and verify the performance of your ventilation systems, providing you with peace of mind and the certification you need for Building Control approval. We regularly carry out ventilation testing for:
- New Residential Dwellings: Including houses, apartments, and flats, ensuring all habitable rooms and wet areas meet the required ventilation standards.
- Extensions and Renovations: If your project involves changes to existing ventilation systems or the addition of new extract fans, we can help verify compliance.
- Kitchens, Bathrooms, Utility Rooms, and WCs: We test all types of extract fans and mechanical ventilation systems in wet rooms to ensure effective removal of moisture and pollutants.
- Mechanical Ventilation Systems: Including intermittent extract fans, continuous mechanical extract systems, and whole-house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). We also offer commissioning and balancing services for MVHR systems.
- Commercial and Mixed-Use Properties: For projects that include commercial kitchens, offices, or retail units, we can provide tailored testing solutions to meet Part F and other relevant standards.
Accurate Air Flow Measurements
Using calibrated, UKAS-certified equipment (such as barometers and vane anemometers), we measure the extract and supply air flow rates at each terminal (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, WC, utility room). We follow the testing methods outlined in the Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide, ensuring accuracy and repeatability.
- Intermittent Extract Fans: We measure air flow in litres per second (l/s) at each fan, verifying that minimum rates are achieved (e.g., 30 l/s for kitchens, 15 l/s for bathrooms, 6 l/s for WCs).
- Continuous Mechanical Ventilation: For systems designed to run continuously, we check both the trickle and boost flow rates to confirm compliance.
- MVHR Systems: We offer full commissioning, including balancing supply and extract rates, and providing a detailed commissioning certificate.
Analysis and Reporting
After testing, we analyse the results and compare them against the requirements of Part F. We prepare a detailed report for each property, including:
- Measured air flow rates for each extract point
- Pass/fail status for each room
- Photographic evidence (if required)
- Recommendations for remedial action (if any issues are found)
- A formal commissioning certificate for submission to Building Control
Our ventilation Testing Process
Our flow rate testing process is designed to be thorough, efficient, and fully compliant with the latest regulations and technical standards. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Build Envelope Ltd:
Pre-Test Consultation and Guidance
Before visiting your site, we provide clear instructions on how to prepare your property for testing. This includes ensuring all ventilation systems are fully installed, powered, and accessible. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and offer advice on common pitfalls to avoid.
On-Site Inspection
Upon arrival, our certified engineers carry out a visual inspection of the installed systems. We check for obvious issues such as blocked vents, poorly installed ductwork, or incorrect fan placement. This helps us identify any factors that could affect performance before formal testing begins.
Advice, Support, and Retesting
If any extract points fail to meet the required standards, we provide practical advice on how to resolve the issue—whether it’s adjusting fan settings, improving ductwork, or replacing faulty components. We offer prompt retesting to help you achieve compliance as quickly as possible.
Common Problem Areas
Through years of experience, we’ve identified several common issues that can prevent ventilation systems from achieving the required air flow rates:
- Poor Ductwork Installation: Kinks, sharp bends, or excessive lengths in flexible ducting can significantly reduce air flow.
- Blocked or Obstructed Vents: Construction debris, dust, or insulation material can block vents and restrict performance.
- Incorrect Fan Selection: Undersized or low-powered fans may not be capable of delivering the required air flow, especially in larger rooms or where long duct runs are involved.
- Airtight Buildings: Modern, energy-efficient homes are often very airtight, making it essential to provide adequate background ventilation (e.g., trickle vents) to avoid negative pressure and poor extraction.
- Inadequate Sealing: Gaps around duct penetrations or poorly sealed connections can lead to air leakage and reduced system efficiency.
- Recirculating Fans: In some cases, kitchen extractors are installed in recirculation mode rather than extracting to outside, which does not meet Part F requirements.
By identifying and addressing these issues early, we help you avoid delays, remedial costs, and potential non-compliance.
Why choose Build Envelope Ltd?
Choosing the right partner for your ventilation testing is crucial. Here’s why Build Envelope Ltd stands out:
Helpful Engineers
Our team is approachable, friendly, and dedicated to making the compliance process as smooth as possible. We’re always happy to answer your questions, explain technical details in plain language, and provide honest, practical advice.
Flexible & Responsive
We understand that construction schedules can change at short notice. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Our engineers cover projects nationwide, and we can often provide same-day or next-day testing to meet tight deadlines.
Knowledgeable
All our engineers are fully qualified and have extensive experience in ventilation testing, building regulations, and compliance. We stay up-to-date with the latest standards and industry developments, ensuring our advice and reports are always accurate and reliable.