The Most Common Air Leakage Paths in Floor Plenums


The most common air leakage paths in floor plenums

In order to create an effective airtight floor plenum and achieve a successful floor plenum air test, all mechanical and electrical penetrations and perimeter joints must be properly sealed. An evaluation of the following areas/components that can typically create Inefficiencies should be undertaken during the early design phases:

1. All service penetrations through the access floor, walls and sub-floor including:
   a. Cable bundles and cable trays
   b. Pipes
   c. Fire/plenum barriers

2. Cable trunking – must be internally sealed within the void

3. Masonry work - incomplete or poorly jointed masonry walls will result in greater air leakage. All masonry joints must be filled and masonry paint applied as a finish.

4. Risers need to be properly sealed throughout all plenums/ducting need to be sealed.

5. Plasterboard on studs at board edges and the ends below the raised floor level need to be sealed.

6. Gaps between compartment barriers, top of raised access floor and sub floor respectively need to be sealed.

7. Gaps between any curtain walling/glazing need to be sealed.

Detail showing the main air leakage paths in floor plenums 



Testing procedure BG65 / 2016 offers useful information on what to look out for when designing and constructing raised floor plenums. APT Sound Testing undertakes all types of Floor Plenum Testing to BG65/2016. Using the latest equipment we can test all sizes of floor plenums from 50m2 to 1000m2.  
Video showing the main air leakage paths in floor plenums 



If you need any advice on how to design and/or test your raised floor plenum please call us on: 01525 303905 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk

Alternatively for more information, please visit our Floor Plenum Testing page or visit us at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk
Location: London, UK

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