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Approved Document F - Building Regulations

The building regulations guide Approved Document F provides guidance on building ventilation and the requirements to provide indoor air quality within buildings.  It covers all forms of ventilation including mechanical, passive stack, natural & purge (rapid).  

Similar to other building regulation guidance documents, Approved Document F has been put in place to help ensure that new buildings, conversions, renovations and extensions are going to be safe, healthy and high-performing.

Key takeaways from the Approved Document F 

To quote directly from the document “ The key aim of the requirement of Part F is that a ventilation system is provided that, under normal conditions, is capable of limiting the accumulation of moisture, which could lead to mould growth, and pollutants originating within a building which would otherwise become a hazard to the health”. 

Ventilation should not simply be regarded as an extractor fan and in order to ensure ventilation is adequate with the most common forms of ventilation there needs to be consideration for many facts such as; 

  • Back ground ventilation 
  • Undercuts to doors 
  • Maintenance and the provision of information to the user 

The document also states that fixed mechanical ventilation systems need to be commissioned. Commissioning means that ventilation systems are tested to ensure that the correct flow rates are being achieved and the relevant information provided to the appropriate peoples namely the user and the building control body. Unfortunately it is this part that is far too often overlooked. 

Other technical documents you can view

For those interested, there is a variety of condensation and damp related 'Codes of Practice', Technical Documents, Guidance Notes  and other related documents via our Damp Control Document Library.  Simply click on the button below to view the library.  Documents of interest include:

  • Code of Practice for the Investigation and Provision of Ventilation in Existing Dwellings [March 2017]
  • Guidance Document: Surveying of Ventilation Systems in Existing Residential Dwellings [April 2018]
  • Recognition and Causes of Condensation

View the document library >> 

Condensation Dampness

Want to learn more on the subject of condensation dampness? Then click below:

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Building Ventilation - Surveying & Investigating Issues

For helpful tips and advice on issues that arise when surveying building ventilation, click below:

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Residention Ventilation Group

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CPD Videos that might be of interest

Want to learn more about treating condensation & excess moisture issues

For those interested in learning more about the remediating condensation, mould and excess moisture issues within properties, there is a variety of PCA training options for surveying professionals as well as technical/trade professionals. 

Use the search tool below to find available condensation, dampness and ventilation related training courses or simply go to our training & qualifications section.  Alternatively, if you want to chat to someone, contract our training team on 01480 400 000 or contact them online.

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Professional Guidance

For those professionals looking for information, technical help and guidance towards and variety of property related problems, why not check out our 'professional guidance' pages.

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