Ventilation

Ventilation Testing

Most commercially available ventilation equipment is ‘over-rated’ and does not achieve the requirements of Part F of the UK Building Regulations.

Ventilation

The importance of ventilation

Testing that a property is adequately ventilated is critical to avoid excess moisture, condensation and, mould growth.

Building Regulations Part F and PAS 2035 require that an effective ventilation system be installed into all new and retrofit properties and that it is tested and commissioned correctly upon completion. Where mechanical systems are installed, information must be provided to the occupants on how to operate and control the system effectively.

Testing that adequate ventilation is installed has been overlooked in recent year as the focus has been on insulation and eliminating draughts which has created a huge rise in the instances of mould growth in domestic properties. Correctly installed ventilation systems will provide optimum air movement without undermining the thermal efficiency of the property creating a warm and healthy environment.

Different types of ventilation strategy

There are effectively four different ventilation ‘systems’ that are described in Part F of the Building Regulations:-

Domestic ventilation systems

System 1: Background Ventilators & Intermittent Extract Fans
System 2: Passive Stack Ventilators
System 3: Continuous Mechanical Extract (Centralised & Decentralised)
System 4: Continuous Mechanical Balanced System with Heat Recovery (Centralised & Single Room)

We generally test your ventilation system at the same time as conducting an air tightness test, providing you with feedback and specific recommendations to ensure compliance with Part F & Part L of the UK Building Regulations.