Pressurised Stairwell Testing
Need pressurised stairwell testing for your project?
Air Tightness Solutions provides pressurised stairwell testing for contractors, smoke control specialists and commercial construction projects across the UK.
We help project teams complete required testing efficiently, avoid delays to commissioning programmes and provide clear reporting following the completed test.
Whether you are working on a residential tower, commercial development, healthcare facility or mixed-use building, we can help arrange testing at the right stage of the construction programme.
What is pressurised stairwell testing?
Pressurised stairwell testing assesses the air leakage performance of stairwell enclosures designed to form part of a building’s smoke control strategy.
These systems are used to help maintain safe escape routes during a fire event by controlling smoke movement and maintaining pressure differences between protected and adjacent spaces.
Testing helps confirm that the stairwell enclosure has been constructed and sealed correctly in line with the project specification and smoke control design requirements.
Pressurised stairwell testing is commonly required on:
- High-rise residential developments
- Apartment buildings
- Commercial office developments
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
- Mixed-use buildings
Why is pressurised stairwell testing important?
Pressurisation systems rely on controlled airflow and pressure relationships to operate effectively.
Excessive air leakage within the stairwell can affect:
- Smoke control system performance
- Pressure stability
- Escape route protection
- Fire safety strategies
- Overall building performance
Testing helps identify whether the required level of air tightness has been achieved before the building is handed over or occupied.
For many projects, stairwell testing forms part of a wider smoke control and commissioning programme.
Why choose Air Tightness Solutions?
Pressurised stairwell testing often takes place on complex projects where timing, communication and reliability are critical.
Clients choose Air Tightness Solutions because we provide:
- Value Engineered Advice
- Responsive & Reliable Service
- Fully Accredited
We provide compliant solutions with ATTMA accredited engineers for Air Testing.
When should pressurised stairwell testing be carried out?
Testing is typically completed once the stairwell construction and associated sealing works have been finished.
This may include:
- Completion of stairwell construction
- Installation of doors and smoke control systems
- Sealing of penetrations and interfaces
- Completion of ventilation systems
- Final sealing works
- Completion of fire stopping
Testing too early can increase the likelihood of failed results or aborted visits if construction works are still ongoing.
Our pressurised stairwell testing process
01. Initial enquiry
Send us your project information, specifications or drawings.
02. Review & quotation
We confirm the testing requirements, methodology and pricing.
03. Booking confirmation
Testing dates are arranged to suit the construction programme.
04. Site attendance & testing
Our tester attends site and carries out the required air leakage testing.
05. Results & certification
Following completion of the testing, we issue the relevant documentation and results.
Need to arrange a test quickly? Contact our team and we’ll advise on current availability.
Common causes of stairwell air leakage
Air leakage is commonly caused by:
- Poorly sealed doors or frames
- Unsealed service penetrations
- Incomplete fire stopping
- Gaps between construction interfaces
- Ventilation connection leakage
- Ceiling and floor junction gaps
- Access panel leakage
Identifying these issues before final completion can help reduce delays and remedial works later in the programme.
Supporting contractors and smoke control specialists
We understand that pressurised stairwell testing is often one part of a wider fire safety and commissioning process.
Our team works closely with contractors and specialists to help ensure testing is carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption wherever possible.
We can also help explain:
- Testing requirements
- Preparation guidance
- Common leakage areas
- Reporting expectations
- Next steps following testing
Frequently asked questions
Who We Work With
We work with a variety of clients, from independent builders and architects to large property developers and contractors. Our reliable testing and compliance services support each project’s unique needs, ensuring top standards in energy efficiency are achieved.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Carol Keith
Andy Nelmes
Need a quote for pressurised stairwell testing?
Whether you require testing for a single stairwell or multiple areas across a larger development, Air Tightness Solutions can help.
We provide reliable testing, responsive communication and clear reporting to support compliance and project completion.