Air pressure and buildings
Air tightness refers to the continuity of a buildings fabric and its ability to retain air (and heat), it is measured in terms of an air leakage rate through the building's envelope. Air pressure might be described as the force exerted by air on any surface in contact, in a unconfined, confined or compressed space. Air tightness is measured with reference to a certain air pressure, normally given as 50 pascals, in a building this is approximately the pressure exerted on a fabric if a 20 mile an hour wind is blowing on all of its side sides at the same time.
at a given reference pressure (usually 50 pascal) divided by the: Heated building volume V. At 50·Pa, it is called the air change rate at 50 Pa and usually noted n50(units: h−1).
, air pressure and air flow in buildings are all related but also. .. of air or any other fluid is caused by a pressure differential between two points.
Flow will originate from an area of high energy, or pressure, and proceed to area(s) of lower energy or pressure.
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.