Question: What is building control compliance testing?
Answer: Building control compliance testing is on-site testing carried out on completed or near-completed buildings to demonstrate that they meet the performance requirements of the Building Regulations. The main tests are air tightness testing for Part L, sound insulation testing for Part E, and supporting surveys such as thermal imaging to verify insulation continuity. Test results are submitted to the building control body and are required before completion certificates can be issued.
Testing also provides evidence for EPCs, SAP and SBEM as-built calculations, BREEAM credits and Passivhaus certification.
Question: Which tests are required by the Building Regulations?
Answer: The Building Regulations require:
- Air tightness testing of new dwellings and non-domestic buildings under Part L, with every dwelling now required to be tested under Part L 2021 unless a valid exemption applies
- Pre-completion sound insulation testing of new and converted dwellings, rooms for residential purposes and schools under Part E, unless Robust Details are used
- Commissioning and testing of building services under Parts F, G, J, L and P
Testing must be carried out by suitably qualified and accredited testers, and results are submitted directly to the building control body.
Question: When should compliance testing be carried out?
Answer: Air tightness testing is undertaken when the building envelope is complete, with all windows, doors and services penetrations sealed, but ideally before finishes conceal any areas that might need remedial sealing. Sound insulation testing is carried out when separating walls and floors are complete, doors and windows fitted and rooms are empty of furniture. Thermal imaging is best carried out in cold weather with the building heated. Programme planning should allow time for retesting if any failures occur.
Question: What happens if a building fails a compliance test?
Answer: Air tightness failures are usually resolved by locating and sealing leakage paths, often identified during the test using smoke or thermal imaging, and retesting. Sound insulation failures may require remedial works to separating constructions, flanking details or floor finishes, which can be disruptive and costly. Early design review, good workmanship and pre-test inspections significantly reduce the risk of failure.
Question: What accreditation should a testing company hold?
Answer: Air tightness testers should be registered with ATTMA, Elmhurst Energy or an equivalent scheme recognised by building control. Sound insulation testers should be UKAS accredited or registered with the ANC Registration Scheme or Sound Insulation Testing Register. Thermal imaging surveyors should be qualified to ISO 18436 or equivalent and follow BS EN 13187. Accreditation ensures results are accepted by building control bodies.
Question: Can testing support BREEAM, Passivhaus and other certifications?
Answer: Yes. Air tightness testing is required for BREEAM Ene 01 modelling inputs and for Passivhaus certification at 0.6 air changes per hour. Sound insulation testing supports BREEAM Hea 05 credits, and thermal imaging can provide evidence for BREEAM Man 04 commissioning and for the Building Performance Evaluation credits. Testing also provides the as-built data needed for accurate EPCs.
Question: Why choose Syntegra Group for building control compliance testing?
Answer: Syntegra Group provides accredited air tightness testing, sound insulation testing and thermal imaging surveys for residential, commercial and education projects across the UK. Our testers are registered with the recognised schemes, and our results are accepted by all building control bodies.
Because we also provide M&E design, acoustic design, SAP and SBEM assessments and Passivhaus consultancy, we can review designs and details before construction to reduce the risk of failure, and we provide practical advice on remedial measures if problems are found.
