Trickle vents: a working solution

Fensa and the GGF are trialing a working solution to the highly contentious issue of compliance with Part F of the Building Regulations, specifically trickle vents. Dave Mechem, director of operations for RISA, the inspections and auditing arm of the GGF, explains.

As I write this, we are just over a month into the new regulations. From all the press, webinars, online forum discussion and fervent chatter at the FIT Show prior to 15 June it seemed we were heading into an abyss of lost sales, complaining customers and a massive contraction in the replacement window world. So, what do we know so far?

Updating the industry

Getting the message out was difficult, especially with so many different opinions out there. Approved Document F is more complex than before and there are some interpretations to be made. However, with help from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Fensa and the GGF put clear guidance together and delivered it in a simple and effective manner. Sure, there are still some slightly woolly areas, however we have taken a sensible approach to all of them.

The feedback so far…

At Fensa we complete two types of surveillance inspection:

• “Pre Inspection” – When the installers are on site and fitting the work.
• “Post Inspection” – After the work is complete and has been registered with Fensa.

Post inspection data lags a little, and as such, only now are we seeing post 15 June installations filter through. We have seen an upturn in failures due to no vents being fitted but nowhere near as much as predicted. Those installations where vents have been fitted? Most homeowners don’t seem to have an issue.

Pre inspection data has been available from day one. This has been even more interesting. The failure rate has increased a little but not much at all. In the vast majority of cases the installers have it covered and vents are in place.

Of course, there is always the odd issue and there definitely is a strong reluctance by some people to have vents installed. Typically, it is people who have suffered from poor quality vents in the past and who have listened to installers telling them how bad it’s going to be.

There is another way…

During our GGF Group meetings with DLUHC we discussed a clause that states that if you don’t make the building more airtight, then you don’t need to fit extra background ventilation. It was pointed out that the majority of window replacements these days are PVC-U removals and as such the new windows would not have a negative bearing on the air tightness of the property. It was broadly agreed this would be the case but it must be proven, and the only way to prove it is by testing before and after. Something that was rejected due to cost and difficulty.

Is it that difficult though? Traditional air blower tests are just not designed for this use. However, there is another option – pulse testing. This test is quick, simple, safe, repeatable and can be completed in an occupied home.

Fensa has been carrying out testing using this technology and have found (so far) that it proves in most cases changing like for like windows do not make the building any more air tight. We are continuing to test this process and are developing a system whereby installers or homeowners could engage a before and after installation test. This would prove that vents are not required, satisfying Approved Document F. This testing would be fully accredited and covered during Fensa’s robust audits

This is not a cover all option, but it could provide a solution where extra ventilation means the difference between an installation happening or not. Watch this space!

For more information on Pulse Testing email Dave Mechem on enquiries@risaltd.co.uk