Stroma Built Environment carries out onsite plenum testing per BSRIA Guide BG 65/2016, identifying and advising on air plenum leakage in new dwellings and commercial buildings to help improve energy efficiency, maintain air quality, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Air Duct Plenum Testing Services
Air duct plenum testing is a type of air tightness test, which is a mandatory requirement under the Building Regulations Part L for all new dwellings and commercial buildings. The BSRIA test standard provides the methodology for testing plenum floors and places upper limits on air leakage from both the underfloor void and the Raised Access Floor (RAF).
- Plenum (RAF tiles taped): Less than 0.7 l/s per metre square of floor area at 50Pa.
- RAF (tiles not taped): Less than 1.1 l/s per metre square of floor area at 50Pa.
At Stroma, we carry out professional onsite plenum testing per BSRIA Guide BG65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness. From initial design stages to project completion, we can identify and advise on air duct plenum leakage to help ensure all plenums are adequately sealed and demonstrate compliance with regulations.
What Is a Plenum?
A plenum is a void between a building’s main floor structure (usually concrete) and a raised access floor (the elevated floor above the concrete used by occupants). This is designed to help distribute air evenly throughout the large spaces, ensuring that each area receives sufficient heated or conditioned air.
A properly sealed air duct plenum will allow diffusers and grilles to fulfil their primary role of delivering air at the correct flow rate. However, if the plenum does leak into cavities, stairwells, risers, heating trenches, or other zones, it can lead to substantial energy consumption and CO2 emissions, high energy bills, low indoor air quality, and discomfort for occupants.
Why Choose Stroma for Plenum Testing?
Our experienced and certified team can confirm that plenums and raised access floors meet necessary air tightness limits to achieve compliance, improve energy efficiency, and ensure comfort.
We can tailor a range of plenum testing services to suit your project at every stage of development, including:
- Desktop design reviews
- Pre-test site inspections
- Plenum & raised floor testing
- Identification of air leakage paths
- Expert consultancy & advice
In the event of a plenum test failure, we can help you locate air leakage areas using smoke testing or thermal imaging, and advise on appropriate, cost-effective remedial work to help you meet all applicable air plenum tightness targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is air plenum testing?
Plenum testing is the process of inspecting and assessing the condition of an air duct plenum to ensure it is adequately sealed and meets air leakage limits set out by the BSRIA.
This is essential for new build dwellings and commercial properties to maintain optimal indoor air quality, reduce CO2 emissions, lower energy costs, and ensure compliance with regulations.
How often should plenum testing be conducted?
You will need a plenum test as soon as a new build project is complete to ensure its air tightness is compliant with regulations. From then onwards, it’s recommended to carry out air plenum testing annually or as part of regular HVAC maintenance.
What is the most common air leakage path in a floor plenum?
An effective air duct plenum is sealed at all utility penetrations and perimeter joints. However, some areas that commonly lead to air leakage include penetrations through the access floor, walls, and subfloor (e.g., cables & pipes), cable trunking, masonry work, risers, and gaps between curtain walling / glazing.
Stroma Built Environment and its team of experts are here ready to discuss a range of packages for any new project. Get in touch today!