Chris Bates
In the drive for ever better levels of energy efficiency, 21st century homes are becoming super-insulated and airtight. But every house needs to be properly ventilated to support the health of both the building and its occupants; hence the phrase build tight, ventilate right. The challenge is promoting good air quality – and preventing issues such as humidity and condensation – in a way that minimises heat loss.
Airtightness standards
In England and Wales, Part L1A of the Building Regulations sets a maximum air permeability limit of 10 cubic metres of air per hour per square metre of floorspace at a pressure of 50 Pascals (10m3/hr/m2@50Pa).
This document also sets out how a notional dwelling could conform to the regs, with a suggested airtightness threshold of 5m3/hr/m2@50Pa (which is equivalent to a whole-house ventilation rate of approximately 0.5 air changes per hour). For Scotland, Technical Handbook 6 indicates a notional level of 7m3/hr/m2@50Pa to achieve compliance.
READ MORE
Purchase options below
Find the complete article and many more in this issue of
Build It
-
January 2018
If you own the issue,
Login to read the full article now.
|
Single Issue - January 2018
|
|
|
€3,49
Or 349 points
|
|
|
Annual Digital Subscription
Only €
2,42 per issue
|
SAVE
46%
|
|
€28,99
Or 2899 points
|
|
|
About Build It
Get your self-build or renovation project started with advice & inspiration from Build It magazine. Here's what to expect in the January issue:
• How the Rogers built an Arts & Crafts-style modern home
• The latest on smart home technology
• Are woodburning stoves eco friendly?
• Heating options for renovations
• Avoiding grand designs disasters
• Plot Watch: Did they get planning consent?
...and much more!