Smoke Extract Shaft Testing
Need smoke extract shaft testing for your project?
Air Tightness Solutions provides smoke extract shaft testing for contractors, smoke ventilation specialists and commercial construction projects across the UK.
We help project teams complete required testing efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays and provide clear reporting and certification following the completed test.
Whether you are working on a residential tower, commercial development, healthcare project or mixed-use building, we can help arrange testing at the right stage of the construction programme.
What is smoke extract shaft testing?
Smoke extract shaft testing assesses the air leakage performance of smoke shafts and associated systems within a building.
These shafts form part of the building’s smoke control strategy and are designed to help manage smoke movement during a fire event.
Testing helps verify that the shaft has been constructed and sealed correctly in line with the project specification and smoke control requirements.
Smoke extract shaft testing is commonly required on:
- High-rise residential buildings
- Apartment developments
- Commercial buildings
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
- Mixed-use developments
Why is smoke shaft testing important?
Poorly sealed smoke shafts can affect the performance of smoke control systems and compromise the intended pressure relationships within the building.
Testing helps confirm that:
- Air leakage is within acceptable limits
- Smoke control systems can operate effectively
- Construction quality meets project requirements
- Compliance obligations have been satisfied
- Defects are identified before completion
Testing is often carried out towards the later stages of construction before handover and final sign-off.
Why choose Air Tightness Solutions?
Smoke extract shaft testing often forms part of a wider compliance and commissioning programme, which means timing and communication 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 smoke extract shaft testing be carried out?
Testing is typically completed once the shaft construction and associated sealing works have been finished.
This may include:
- Completion of shaft construction
- Installation of smoke control systems
- Sealing of penetrations and interfaces
- Completion of access doors and openings
- Final sealing works
Testing too early can increase the likelihood of failed results or aborted visits if construction works are still ongoing.
Our smoke extract shaft 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 smoke shaft leakage
Air leakage is commonly caused by:
- Incomplete sealing works
- Unsealed penetrations
- Poorly sealed access doors
- Interface gaps between construction elements
- Service penetrations
- Ductwork connections
- Incomplete fire stopping
Identifying these issues before final completion can help avoid delays later in the project programme.
Supporting contractors and smoke ventilation specialists
We understand that smoke extract shaft testing is often one part of a larger commissioning and compliance 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 smoke extract shaft testing?
Whether you require testing for a single shaft 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.