Hiring Air Tightness Testing Equipment Or Using A Specialist: Which Is Right For Your Project?
If you need an air tightness test, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to hire the equipment yourself or bring in a specialist to carry out the testing.
Both options have their advantages, and the right choice depends on the type of project you’re working on, your experience and what you’re hoping to achieve.
For some organisations, hiring equipment provides flexibility and can be a cost-effective solution. For others, using an experienced testing company saves time, avoids costly mistakes and provides confidence that everything has been carried out correctly.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences, the advantages of each approach and the situations where one option may be more suitable than the other.
AVT UK offers both air tightness testing equipment hire and professional testing services, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your project.
When Hiring Air Tightness Testing Equipment Makes Sense
Hiring equipment can be an excellent option if you already have experience carrying out air tightness testing or need equipment for multiple projects.
It allows your own team to work to their own programme without relying on external availability, making it particularly useful for larger organisations and specialist contractors.
Equipment hire may be suitable if you:
- Already understand how to carry out air tightness testing.
- Need equipment for several properties or developments.
- Have qualified staff who are familiar with testing procedures.
- Want greater flexibility when scheduling tests.
- Need specialist equipment for a short period without purchasing it outright.
Hiring equipment also removes the significant cost of purchasing professional testing equipment that may only be used occasionally.
When Using A Specialist Is The Better Option
Not every project benefits from hiring equipment.
If you’re unfamiliar with testing procedures or need results that support Building Regulations compliance, working with an experienced specialist is often the simpler and more reliable option.
Professional testing companies don’t simply operate the equipment. They also understand how buildings behave, where problems commonly occur and how to interpret the results correctly.
For many developers, contractors and homeowners, this experience proves just as valuable as the test itself.
AVT UK’s Air Tightness Testing service provides professional testing backed by practical advice to help projects achieve compliance and identify any issues affecting building performance.
It’s About More Than The Equipment
One of the biggest misconceptions is that air tightness testing is simply a case of connecting the equipment and recording a result.
In reality, interpreting the results often requires an understanding of construction methods, building performance and the factors that influence air leakage.
For example, if a building doesn’t achieve its target, identifying the likely causes quickly can save significant time during remedial work.
Experienced specialists can often recognise common leakage paths and recommend practical solutions without lengthy investigations.
Some Projects Need More Than Air Tightness Testing
Many building performance projects involve more than measuring air leakage alone.
Depending on your objectives, you may also require ventilation assessments, heat loss surveys or compliance advice.
Where a wider understanding of building performance is needed, combining air tightness testing with other services often provides a much clearer picture of how the building is performing.
Don’t Forget About Pulse Air Testing
Traditional blower door testing is the method many people are familiar with, but it’s not the only way to assess a building’s airtightness.
Pulse Air Testing provides an alternative approach that can be quicker and less disruptive in certain situations, particularly for occupied buildings or projects where installing traditional blower door equipment may not be practical.
If you’re unsure which testing method is most appropriate, speaking to a specialist before hiring equipment can help ensure you’re using the right approach for your building.
When Specialist Investigation Is Worth It
Sometimes the goal isn’t simply to measure air leakage.
If you’re trying to locate the exact source of a problem, additional investigation may be required.
For example, if a property has repeatedly failed air tightness testing or you’re dealing with unexplained draughts, professional Ultrasonic Air Leak Detection can identify leakage paths that are extremely difficult to find through visual inspection alone.
This allows targeted repairs rather than relying on trial and error.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring Air Tightness Testing Equipment
Before deciding to hire equipment, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Do I know how to carry out the test correctly?
- Do I understand how to interpret the results?
- Will the results be used for Building Regulations compliance?
- Am I testing one property or multiple buildings?
- Do I have enough time to learn how to use the equipment confidently?
If the answer to several of these questions is “no”, using a specialist may prove more efficient and cost-effective.
Equipment Hire Or Specialist? A Simple Decision Guide
| Equipment Hire May Be Right If… | Using A Specialist May Be Better If… |
|---|---|
| You have experience carrying out air tightness testing. | You need testing for Building Regulations compliance. |
| Your team understands the testing process. | You want expert interpretation of the results. |
| You’re testing multiple buildings or developments. | You only need testing occasionally. |
| You need flexibility over testing dates. | You’d benefit from advice on improving building performance. |
| You already have experience identifying air leakage issues. | You need help locating and resolving air leakage problems. |
The Right Choice Depends On Your Project
There’s no single answer that suits every project.
For experienced professionals carrying out regular testing, hiring equipment can provide flexibility and excellent value.
For organisations that only require occasional testing, or where compliance, certification and expert advice are important, working with a specialist often provides greater confidence and can save valuable time.
The most important thing is choosing the approach that best supports your project’s objectives.
Need Advice Before You Decide?
If you’re unsure whether equipment hire or professional testing is the right option, AVT UK can help.
We provide both air tightness testing equipment hire and professional building performance services, allowing you to choose the solution that best fits your project.
Whether you need a blower door system for your own team or would prefer experienced specialists to carry out the testing, we’ll help you choose the most appropriate option.
Call 0161 706 1401 or contact the AVT UK team to discuss your requirements.