The importance of retrofit testing with BSRIA

Introduction

Claire Brown is joined by John Taylor, Publications Manager and Technical Specialist at BSRIA, to explore airtightness testing and the wider role of performance testing in retrofit.

John shares insights from more than 20 years in building services and explains why airtightness has become an increasingly important part of building performance. The conversation explores how airtightness affects energy efficiency, comfort, moisture and indoor air quality and why good ventilation is essential when improving the airtightness of a home.

The episode also looks at the practicalities of testing, including when airtightness tests should be carried out, why establishing a baseline can be valuable, and how testing can help identify issues before they become costly to rectify.

Claire and John discuss the wider lessons the retrofit sector can learn from previous projects, including the importance of moving beyond a tick box approach towards measuring and verifying actual building performance.

The key message is simple: test, measure and understand the building before, during and after retrofit. By identifying assumptions and unknowns, and building a clear testing strategy into project planning and contracts, retrofit providers can improve quality, reduce risk and deliver better outcomes for residents.