Stroma Built Environment provides a complete set of home retrofit testing services, including air tightness testing, heat transfer coefficient testing, thermographic surveys, and indoor air quality / moisture level testing.
Home Retrofit Projects & Services
PAS 2035 dictates that Monitoring and Evaluation is conducted on retrofit projects. What form this takes depends on the individual project determined by the Retrofit Coordinator (RFC) and the client.
Evaluation of any installed measures will confirm that the intended outcomes of the project have been achieved. For instance, building fabric improvements such as the installation of high-quality insulation will lead to reduced energy consumption. This could also be enhanced with a more efficient heating system.
Building fabric improvements will be measured during the initial assessment of the property, but these results are theoretical. To ensure there is no "performance gap", further testing will provide an empirical measurement.
Results from empirical testing offer home occupiers valuable insights into their property. This includes details on draughts, loss of heat, and ventilation to ensure energy efficiency and healthy moisture levels.
Our Home Retrofit Services
Stroma can offer several retrofit project testing services, including:
- Air Tightness Testing (ATT)
- Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) Testing
- Thermographic Surveys
- Indoor Air Quality / Moisture Level Testing
All our evaluation and testing services can be carried out before and after the installation. This provides clients with an accurate measurement of improvement progress throughout the project.
Air Tightness Testing (ATT)
Air Tightness Testing (ATT) measures the air tightness of a property to ensure that air is not leaking from the fabric. This is a quick test that can be carried out within as little as one hour to establish the leakage rate of the dwelling. ATT is a valuable indicator of potential draughts, which is often a cause of discomfort for occupiers.
Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) Testing
Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) Testing requires numerous small sensors to be placed throughout the property for at least 21 days. The collected data is then evaluated alongside the energy consumption levels measured by the meter readings. This can be used to determine the actual thermal performance of the external envelope of the property.
Thermographic Surveys
All objects emit radiation which is not visible to the naked eye. During Thermographic Surveys, we use a thermographic camera to locate and identify this radiation. These results will indicate heat loss and potential efficiency issues within the building fabric. Thermographic Surveys are a non-intrusive testing method, minimising disruption for the occupiers.
Indoor AQ/Moisture Level Testing
Indoor AQ / Moisture Level Testing effectively monitors a variety of pollutants within the dwelling. This offers a multitude of benefits, most importantly the health and comfort of the occupiers. From the results of this test, we can provide strategies to improve the environment's air quality and moisture levels.
Retrofit Project Testing from Stroma
Together, the Retrofit Coordinator (RFC) and the client will decide the most appropriate solution for an individual project. However, conducting any of the above assessments will offer peace of mind and an enhanced experience for the occupier.
Contact Stroma to discuss how we can assist your next retrofit project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the retrofit assessment process?
Retrofit assessments require specialist retrofit assessors to determine the energy performance of a dwelling. This includes home insulation retrofit evaluations, as well as heating and ventilation system testing in relation to the property's number of rooms and other exterior and interior data.
How long does a retrofit assessment take?
How long a retrofit assessment takes depends on the type of evaluation you require. While air tightness testing can take as little as 1 hour to complete, other retrofit project surveys can take much longer. For example, heat transfer coefficient testing requires 21 days to measure the thermal performance of a dwelling.
What is the retrofit standard in the UK?
The British standard for retrofitting dwellings is PAS 2035. These regulations outline how retrofit projects should be managed and delivered to ensure health and safety compliance.
How do you test the air tightness of a house?
To test a building’s air tightness, specialist retrofit assessors will pressurise the building by installing blower door testing equipment. While all external doors and windows must be closed, all internal doors must be wedged open. This will provide information on air leakage levels and locations throughout the property.
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!