Single-family houses
We carry out air permeability tests for your new-build or renovation project. Non-exhaustive list.
House renovation
Air permeability tests for energy renovations to low-energy (BBC) level.
New house
Air permeability tests for new houses and traditional-style holiday cottages.
RE2020 airtightness testing for detached houses
Under the RE2020 regulation, every new house must show a measured air permeability of 0.6 m³/(h.m²) or less at 4 Pa (Q4Pa-surf). Without this test, carried out by an authorised operator, the end-of-works certificate cannot be issued. In low-energy (BBC) renovations, the measurement confirms the quality of the work.
Our method
Our Qualibat 8711 certified operators carry out the measurement according to NF EN ISO 9972. A blower door is fitted in an exterior opening. The fan depressurises the house in successive steps, then we calculate the leakage rate and locate weak points (smoke, anemometer or thermal camera depending on the case).
Two recommended stages
- Intermediate test, before the interior linings are fitted: leaks are still accessible and can be fixed without demolition.
- Final test, at handover: regulatory measurement and report for the RE2020 certificate.
The most common leaks
- Sockets and electrical boxes on exterior walls
- Loft hatch and duct penetrations
- Joints between windows and masonry, roller shutter boxes
- Floor penetrations and ventilation duct openings
Lead times and report
We can be on site within 48 hours in Alsace, with the report delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Traditional, timber-frame or flat-roof houses and holiday cottages follow the same protocol. Ventilation ductwork can be checked during the same visit.
Test day: how to prepare
For a final test, all exterior windows and doors must be fitted and adjusted, service penetrations sealed and the ventilation system installed. We seal the air inlets, ventilation vents and the elements included in the regulatory thermal calculation. However, an opening to the outside that is not included in that calculation is not sealed: it counts as a leak.
Allow about two hours on site for a typical house. We need a power supply, and it helps if the builder or project manager is present during the leak search: we show them the points to fix directly.
A target sometimes stricter than 0.6
The 0.6 m³/(h.m²) threshold is a maximum. If the thermal study uses a lower value, that is the one you must reach. This is common for timber-frame houses and high-performance projects. Check the value in your study before the test and, in that case, plan an intermediate test.
What if the test fails?
We stay on site to show you the leaks while the house is under depressurisation. Once the contractors have made the repairs, a new test is carried out. That is why an intermediate test, before the linings go up, almost always pays off.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a test cost for a house?
The price depends on the floor area, the complexity of the house and the number of tests: we provide it in a free quote sent within 24 h. What affects the price is explained in our article on the price of an RE2020 airtightness test.
Do you issue the RE2020 completion certificate?
Yes: turnkey RE2020 certificate. To find out more, read our article on the price of an RE2020 airtightness test.
Do you also test renovated houses?
Yes, to validate a low-energy (BBC) renovation, obtain a label or a grant, or simply locate draughts in an existing house.
