As Built SAPS

When the building has been built and has been completed, it must be tested for Air Leakage – this is also known as Air Pressure Testing. The purpose of this is to ensure that the thermal elements of the building are continuous and without leaks through which cold air can enter and warm air can leave the property. Regulations state that a figure of 10 m3 of air per m2 of surface area per hour is the maximum permissible rate of air leakage, at a pressure differential of 50Pa – that’s about 1/10th the pressure differential between outdoors and indoors on a windy day.
This is the point at which an ‘As Built’ SAP calculation can be performed. For this to happen it is essential to determine whether the building was built as designed, or whether changes were made in the construction; and if changes were made, these need to be incorporated into the calculation. The air pressure test result also needs to be used in the calculation.
After April 6th 2008 the result of achieving compliance in the As Built SAP will be used to register the building with the Landmark database who will then issue a serial number that will enable the issue of the Energy Performance Certificate.