Skip to Content

Testing how air permeability changes

In response to suggestions that new homes become leakier as they age because of shrinkage and settlement and that this provides additional adventitious ventilation, this research subjected a small number of dwellings to re-testing one to three years after completion to establish how their air permeability had changed.

As the sample size was limited, this research was intended only to provide an indication of the performance.

Technical disclaimer

The information provided or contained on this website has been produced by NHBC for research and guidance purposes through the “NHBC Foundation”. It has not been created or intended for distribution or use outside of the purpose for which it was drafted. The information contained on this website does not constitute advice and is not to be relied upon by any third party. Any third party who chooses to rely upon the information contained on this website shall do so entirely at their own risk and NHBC accepts no duty of care or liability, however caused, in connection with its use or reliance by any third party. It is not updated or maintained.

This website may contain links to websites operated by third parties. Third party websites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for the content of any third-party website, or any link contained in a third-party website. NHBC do not review, approve, monitor, endorse, warrant, or make any representations with respect to third party websites. Any third party who chooses to rely upon the information contained on a third-party website shall do so entirely at their own risk. NHBC accepts no duty of care or liability, however caused, in connection with its use or reliance by any third party.