Building ventilation - Surveying & Investigating Issues

Building Ventilation - Surveying and Investigating Issues

At a time where we strive to make our buildings increasingly airtight, provision for building adequate ventilation has never been so critical. Failure to adequately ventilate a property can result in indoor air quality issues including high humidity and this can result in condensation and mould growth. Actually, building ventilation is important for more than just the control of moisture/mould. It is also required for;

Supplying air for breathing
Dilution & removal of pollutants
Air supply for fuel burning appliances
Temperature control

This section helps professionals understand the core considerations when surveying ventilation systems in existing buildings.

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Building ventilation surveys - Key considerations

Like all inspections for dampness, assessing ventilation and atmospheric moisture within a building should adopt an holistic approach, considering;

the context of the building before carrying out a survey (including aspects such as position, orientation and if the building is protected by legislation)
identifying ventilation discharge grilles and if these have been impeded.
internally, an inspection of background ventilation (where applicable), mechanical ventilation systems and undercuts to doors to ensure air movement through the building.
checking for poorly designed or installed ducting.
An assessment of the system including flow rates
Ensure occupants are familiar with the ventilation system, how its works and how to maintain the system

Further details of Surveying of Ventilation in Existing Residential Dwellings can be found below:

Surveying Ventilation Systems >>

Surveying investigating condensation dampness - PCA

Download Approved Document F

Download Approved Document F >>

Are there minimum requirements for building ventilation?

Approved Document F provides guidance on how the building regulations can be met for Ventilation. This sets out minimum standards for ventilation including minimum flow rates for mechanical ventilation systems. The current version of the document was introduced in 2010, although amendments were made in 2021.

Unfortunately, in reality, this is one of the least enforced building regulations and studies have shown that the minimum standards set out in Approved document F are rarely met.

To find out more about Regulatory requirements and guidance documents for ventilation, click on the button below below:

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Surveying & Investigating Issues with Building Ventilation - Related Training Courses

Ventilation recommendations & solutions!

There are several ventilation strategies available for buildings, some more suitable for retro-fit than others. However, for any ventilation system to be effective it must be installed correctly and commissioned by a competent person.

Further information on the provision of successful ventilation systems can be found via our 'Code of Practice for the Investigation and Provision of Ventilation in Existing Dwellings'. Click on the button below to download the document :

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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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Condensation Dampness

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

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Approved Document F - Building Regulations

Looking for more information on Approved Document F - Building Regulations and what it means for you? Click below to learn more: