ACOUSTIC VENTILATION
As it can be concerning for anyone who started planning their projects before the 15th of June 2022, any windows replacement taking place after the date must follow new building regulations included in Part F Building Regulations for dwellings and buildings other than dwellings.
Documents include a few exceptions, but in short, if you are planning on changing your windows, the company responsible for the installation will have to ensure that your property is well ventilated and meets the new rules. If the property does not meet the regulation, the mentioned company will have to deliver the ventilation as part of the services.
Please note that this article is only an informative help to introduce the new rules in a possibly compressed way. For more detailed information, please refer to the above documents.
GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS
The new guidance includes standards on minimising the ingress of external pollutants and the proper installation of ventilation systems. Part F recommends that all replacement windows in non-domestic buildings are fitted with background trickle ventilators unless it can be shown that replacement windows would not reduce useful ventilation or that a mechanical ventilation system is present. Where outside noise is an issue, attenuating background ventilators should be fitted.
VENTS ARE GOING TO BE REQUIRED FOR:
- Replacement of the windows.
- New windows; for example for a new home extension.
- New-build properties.
In general, all works that take place after the 15th of June 2022 and involve installing new windows or changing existing windows have to meet the new regulations, regardless of the previous state of the building or windows.
For more, detailed information – please see: FENSA Advice for Homeowners and Ventilation: Approved Document F
YOU WILL NOT NEED NEW VENTS IF:
- You already have working ventilation in place: mechanical ventilation or existing wall vent (here, please note that replacement may be necessary to achieve expected acoustic performance).
- You decide to install only secondary windows as an addition to your existing ones.
Also, listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas, and historic buildings with vapour permeable construction may NOT need to comply fully with the ventilation standards.
The recommendation is to consult your Local Authority Environment Officer to see if you are eligible.
OUR SOLUTION
Many people could agree that London can be an amazing place to live in. But sometimes, the city’s energy can get overwhelming. Especially when you can’t rest properly in your own home because of the outside traffic, aeroplanes, trains or even people. The good news is we offer a solution that will bring the silence and peace back into your walls.
Here comes the case of acoustic insulation and ventilation. As acoustic experts, we do not recommend trickle vents. They may be an excellent solution to cope with the current regulations but if the issue is noise, they can also reduce the performance of acoustic products. Following the regulations, we suggest attenuating background ventilators instead – just like the air brick shown below.
AAC125HP ACOUSTIC VENTILATOR
Features and benefits
- Retro-fitted core ventilator for background room ventilation
- 43dB open / 50dB closed (Dn,e,w)
- 8,500mm² (85cm²) Equivalent Area
- May be painted or wallpapered to match décor
- External water baffle prevents the transfer of water across the cavity
- Needs to be installed 1700mm above floor level
Physical specification
- External grille: 166mm L x 160mm H
- Tube: 127mm (5″) Dia. x 358mm L
- LookRyt® panel: 172mm L x 172mm H
Price with Installation From:
£400.00
MA3051 ACOUSTIC VENTILATOR
Features and benefits
- Highest performing acoustic background ventilator
- Provides acoustic attenuation to Dn,e,w 55dB(A)
- 2500mm2 equivalent area performance
- Suitable for external wall thicknesses of 140mm and above
- Can be installed in internal wall constructions of between 100mm and 150mm
- Supplied with internal controllable vent and white/sand external grilles
- Conforms to acoustic requirements of Noise Insulation Regulations
- Needs to be installed 1700mm above floor level
Physical specification
- Weight: 2.65kg
- Materials: PVC: Casing for wall vent, duct, external grille and internal ventilator. Acoustic lining and material inside wall vent.
Price with Installation From:
£850.00
QUESTIONS ASKED RECENTLY
Q: Can I install ventilation on my own as part of further renovation works after the windows replacement is done?
A: Unfortunately, that will not be accepted. The company responsible for your new windows must meet all FENSA requirements as part of the contract. Without it, a FENSA certificate cannot be provided.
Q: What about point 3.14 If the existing windows have background ventilators, the replacement windows should include background ventilators? My current windows don’t have them. Why do you think I would need them now?
A: This point can be treated as guidance regarding the new ventilators rather than a separate rule. As we read in point 3.16 When windows are replaced as part of the work connected with a material change of use, Section 1 of this approved document should be followed in addition to paragraphs 3.14 and 3.15.
SPECIALIST SOUNDPROOF WINDOWS & DOORS
Through specialist manufacturing and precision technology, we can reduce noise pollution by up to 95%. By installing specialist soundproof windows and doors, we provide you with the best products on the market. Don’t compromise on design. Don’t compromise on quality.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING:
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All of our products come with up to a 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee provided by the Consumer Protection Association. So you can rest assured that your home is in safe hands.
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AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS & INSTALLATION
Following awards in 2020, and 2021, The Soundproof Windows was announced as the ‘Best Acoustic Window & Door Installation Company – London’ at the SME News Awards 2022.