When it comes to air leakage, it’s rarely the obvious things that catch people out. It’s the details, the small, easy-to-overlook penetrations that get missed in the rush towards completion and only reveal themselves when a building is tested.
This is just one example, but it’s one we see far too regularly. And honestly, it shouldn’t be happening.
The water supply pipe connecting your property to the mains is one of those details. By its very nature, it creates a direct pathway between the outside world and the inside of your building and wherever that happens, there is a risk of air leakage if the penetration isn’t sealed correctly and completely.
Left unaddressed, that gap doesn’t just affect your air tightness result. It can also become an entry point for vermin, creating a problem that goes well beyond compliance.
The fix itself isn’t complicated. The issue is timing. When sealing is left until the end of construction, it becomes part of a last-minute scramble one that can delay testing, slow down your programme and add unnecessary stress to what should be a straightforward final stage.
Our advice, drawn from more than 35 years of hands-on experience? Identify these penetrations early, seal them properly, and don’t leave them to chance. A little attention at the right moment in the build programme can save a significant amount of time and hassle further down the line.
If you’re unsure what to look for, or you’d like guidance on sealing requirements before your air tightness test, we’re always happy to help. That’s what we’re here for.
