Building regulations covering ventilation are due to alter the fenestration landscape from 15th June 2022 onwards. Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Product Manager at REHAU Windows, discusses how industry professionals must be ready to navigate the key changes and meet requirements.
Absence of quality ventilation has the potential to ’lock in‘ poor environments with many consequences – such as impacting the health of building occupants. In fact, the recent public health crisis has exacerbated the need for good air quality. To make matters worse, home working is creating further problems for those who reside in low-quality housing, as well as areas with poor air quality.
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
Due to these longstanding concerns, regulatory updates are now being implemented to instigate a step change through building regulations compliance. Indeed, both naturally ventilated homes and those with continuous mechanical extracts fell short of provisions laid out in Approved Document F (ADF).
Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Product Manager at REHAU Windows
Yet, with the current climate simultaneously highlighting and exacerbating the need for good air quality, the spotlight has fallen on the aerodynamic performance of windows. To protect the health of building occupants, changes to the Building Regulations will be implemented June 2022 in England, with Wales set to follow suit shortly after. Specifically, trickle vents installed in all new dwellings and replacement windows will need to be compliant with ventilation requirements laid out in Approved Document F.
TRICKLE IN
Trickle ventilators (vents) are simple to install and provide control for adequate means of ventilation. As such, they are suitable for use in houses and many flats or apartments with multiple façades.
Overall requirements have changed from free area to equivalent area (EQA), with the inclusion of replacement windows. Consequently, it is vital that organisations come together to help fenestration professionals be fully prepared to meet changing ventilation building regulations and better navigate this new regulatory landscape. With this in mind, REHAU has partnered with plastic injection moulder, Glazpart, to expand its frame accessory selection to include the Link Vent Range.
Need for the Link Vent 5000 EQA trickle vents is expected to increase, while the 2500 EQA trickle vents continue to enjoy growing demand. As appearance remains key for homeowners, enhancing trickle vent design is a necessary step. REHAU and Glazpart’s new trickle vent is a prime example of this approach in action.
The latest finishes are less obtrusive, with no compromise on air-flow efficiency. It is also worth considering trickle vents that are designed with a specific profile in mind. For example REHAU’s trickle vent comes complete with an optional easy-to-install clip and a selection of colours to match your REHAU profile. An innovative “link” is another design facet that allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts with the benefit of directing air away from occupants.
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION
At the same time, fenestration professionals will need to understand how to implement products in line with regulatory requirements. For new dwellings, habitable rooms and kitchens should contain trickle ventilators of minimum 8000 mm2 EQA (single store 10,000mm ) and bathrooms should have minimum 4000 mm2 EQA.
There are also other facts to consider during building design. In new build properties, there are minimum requirements on the number of trickle vents used, with open plan layouts needing a minimum of three ventilators. If the building has more than one façade, then same size vents should be fitted opposite to allow improved cross-flow ventilation.
For replacement windows in existing dwellings, solutions must be ‘at the minimum like for like’. Replacement windows must include trickle ventilators no smaller in geometric open area than those previously fitted. If the geometric area is not known, habitable rooms and kitchens should contain trickle ventilators of minimum 8000 mm2 EQA and bathrooms should have minimum 4000 mm2 EQA. They must also be controllable either automatically or by the occupant.
New reporting, compliance, and certification to dwelling owners from installers and their supply chain will also be necessary from 15th June 2022. Here, compliance with building regulations must be demonstrated at point of installation, with the ability to show conformance with an auditable trail.
WHAT NEXT?
For effective rollout of trickle vents on all new and replacement windows, it is critical to review and understand the approved documents to assure compliance. Preserving the health and safety of the end user must remain the common goal for all those working in the construction industry. As such, appropriate consideration will remain important in providing adequate ventilation provisions. Here, REHAU looks to play its part, by supplying appropriate solutions that can futureproof frames against the shifting legislative landscape.
Find out more here: https://bit.ly/38wkTAl
