Don’t choose the wrong ventilators
The wrong choice of window ventilators could leave tenants unprotected from distressing external noise, AW Louvers’ Wayne Irvine has warned, as window fabricators, installers and building owners ensure their products comply with the revised Part F of the Building Regulations from 15 June.
The majority of windows going into homes from mid-June will need to provide background ventilation to comply with the revisions to Part F of the Building Regulations, but according to Wayne, many solutions do little to mitigate poor acoustics.
He adds that while the Building Regulations have yet to include a requirement to resist the passage of external noise, the effects of noise pollution on human health are becoming more understood, especially in built-up areas. For example, prolonged disturbed sleep could result in heart disease, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
“A building that is well ventilated provides better living conditions for its occupants,” said Wayne. “But by solving one problem, you don’t want to introduce another.
“If you put vents in your windows, you increase the chance of introducing outside noise. The more air that you allow through a ventilator, the worse the performance you will get with the acoustic performance.”
AW Louvers’ acoustic trickle ventilators are said to provide market leading performance when it comes to sound reduction, while meeting the required air flow.
The SSH 2500EA acoustic trickle ventilator has a slot height of just 11mm. According to AW Louvres it can provide a sound reduction of 46Dnew in one acoustic model in open position, and 48Dnew with two acoustic models in open position.
“It’s important the ventilation specifications reflect the sound reduction in the open position, not the closed position, because you only get ventilation in the open position,” said Wayne. “The performance levels in the closed position are somewhat academic.”
Operating from its base in Tewkesbury, AW Louvers can powder coat products in any RAL colour to Qualicoat standards within four weeks.
AW Louvers’ range of ventilation products includes over-the-frame ventilators, through-the-frame ventilators and glazed-in ventilators. They are designed for a wide range of applications, balancing the ventilation requirements with superior noise mitigation. Details can be found on the company’s website – www.awlouvers.co.uk – alongside technical datasheets.
