Why Ventilate?

 

• Why is ventilation so important?

  Building Regulations and British Standards insist that adequate ventilation be provided.  Each area of ventilation has its own purpose but generally it's either for the health of the building or the health of the occupants.

   

• Ventilating Habitable Rooms

  Background/trickle ventilation to habitable rooms reduces the amount of moisture in the air. If not adequately ventilated this could lead to mould growths and other pollutants which may become health hazards to the occupants of the building.
  
  

  A habitable room is classed as a room used for dwelling purposes but which is not solely a kitchen, utility room, bathroom, cellar or sanitary accommodation.

   

• Ventilating Heat Producing Appliances (Gas and Solid Fuel)

  Combustion appliances (i.e. boilers, water heaters, fires, stoves and cookers) have different ventilation criteria dependant upon the type and size of appliance.  Ventilation is of paramount importance for combustion (i.e. the burning of carbon, such as gas, coal, wood or oil) the efficient operation of flues, compartment cooling and prevention of over-heating.
  
  

  Carbon Monoxide - Governing bodies for gas and solid fuel appliance installations agree that one of the main causes of carbon monoxide forming is an inadequate supply of ventilation to the appliance.  This poisonous gas has no smell or taste and each year people are made ill by and some die from carbon monoxide fumes.

   

• Cavity Ventilation

  Perpend cavity ventilators assist in the drying out of walls and provide essential ventilation to timber frame cavities preventing the build-up of excessive moisture, which could cause damage to the fabric of the building.

   

• Weep Hole Ducts

  It is important to provide an outlet for water which penetrates the outer leaf of the wall and runs down the inside leaf.  Above windows where lintels are provided, weep hole ducts are required for water drainage.

   

• Ventilating Suspended Timer Frame and Block and Beam Floors

  Underfloor ventilation using Rytons Periscope® Underfloor Ventilator combined with a suitable damp proof course prevents moisture from the ground reaching the upper surface, preventing deterioration to the floor timbers and damp.  In areas with high levels of radon or soil gases i.e. methane, underfloor ventilation alleviates the build-up of such gases which if built up to high levels in the building can become harmful to the health of the occupants.

   

• Roof Ventilation

  Eaves and soffit ventilation creates a stable atmosphere within the roof void, which prevents the moist warm air generated from within the building becoming condensation when it reaches the cold surfaces of the roof.  Harmful condensation can cause damage to the building fabric, degrade its thermal performance and support mould growth.