Air leakage audits

A draught can be difficult to locate. The occupant may feel cold air, but may not be able to trace exactly where it is coming from. Often the source of the problem (the air leakage path) is hidden by kitchen units, bath panels or other boarding and so it can be very difficult to pin point it without a thorough audit.

Air leakage audits identify air leakage paths in the fabric of the dwelling. While the fan is pressurising the dwelling, hand-held smoke pencils are used to find air leaks. The smoke is released in a small controllable trickle and is a visible means of showing air movement. Pressurising the dwelling increases air leakage. Smoke can be seen issuing through the gaps and cracks to the outside. Smoke can also be very useful in identifying flanking (or indirect) air leakage paths.