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A new Guernsey testing service launched by AFM will help building contractors prove compliance with sound insulation and air leakage building requirements.
Technical Services, a new division at AFM, provides testing of sound insulation and air tightness, both of which must be confirmed for new houses, flats and apartments in order to show compliance with Guernsey Technical Standards E and L.
Muir Ashworth, technical manager, said the division he heads up was created to meet demand from local construction companies that wanted a readily available, on-island and competitively priced service.
"For all new dwellings, contractors have to prove they meet the required standards, which can include levels of sound insulation and air tightness. This new service provides significant support to the local industry as testing can usually be arranged at short notice, without logistical and cost issues associated when using off-island testing companies. In addition, AFM can also provide the back up of a wide range of other Guernsey-based building trades, which can be called on to rectify any issues, if needed," he said.
Further services being offered by the department include thermal imaging and enclosure integrity testing. The enclosure tests are usually performed annually on specific protected zones, such as computer server rooms in banks and other large offices, where gas fire suppression systems are installed. The tests ensure that, if needed, fire suppression gas will remain in the enclosure for a minimum ‘hold time’. As with other types of testing, AFM has the necessary backup infrastructure and so if there’s a problem, experts can find the leak and, using appropriate methods, fill it with approved ‘fire stopping’.
Mark Edgar, managing director of AFM, added: "AFM is extremely pleased to introduce this new division, which further expands our support capabilities to the local construction industry and office-based organisations. We’re able to offer a fast response time, alongside a professional and convenient service, removing the need for off-island consultants and their associated additional costs."
All of the new services run to strict quality procedures.
