The Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association
The Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) is a special interest group within The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) dealing with air permeability of all building types. It comprises organisations that are experienced UKAS-accredited air testing bodies who have undergone further technical appraisal by ATTMA. As ATTMA members, they are BINDT Registered for testing dwellings (ADL1) and non-dwellings (ADL2). For a full list of member organisations operating throughout the UK click here.
The building industry can make important contributions to reducing the UK's emissions of greenhouse gases if it can design and construct buildings that are less prone to air leakage through the external envelope. Unnecessary infiltration of air from outdoors can make wasteful demands on heating or cooling systems which building design nowadays seeks to minimise.
Airtightness is now included in the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales, which specify maximum values for the air permeability of dwellings, commercial and public buildings. The Regulations require buildings to be tested on completion to show that these specifications have been achieved. Indeed, partial testing at earlier stages can be advantageous if the necessary build quality is to be achieved.
ATTMA was formed to promote the highest levels of competency amongst its members and adherence to agreed codes of practice in conducting airtightness tests and measurements. It aims to strengthen the role of airtightness as a tool for achieving sustainable construction by ensuring standards of service from its members that the construction industry and building control bodies can rely upon.
