The benefits of best practice
Written for Window Industries June 2008 issue
As the market grapples with airflow calculations for ventilation, proactive manufacturers and distributors are providing practical support and pre-empting industry trends.
In this report, John Mitchell, Head of Technical Support for Carl F Petersen Ltd, suppliers of hardware and ventilation products to the window industry, provides background on Part F and details the assistance that is provided to those attempting to assess airflow requirements. Latest ventilation products are also outlined.
“It is useful to set the scene regarding Part F as this legislation has had significant impact on the window industry. Fortunately, it has been widely accepted that the calculations for Part F are so complex that it is impractical to carry out retrospective changes.
A pragmatic solution has been reached which places the focus on new build projects and, based on a ‘whole house’ approach, the new requirements take both indoor air quality and building performance into consideration. Bespoke ventilation systems are tailored to the size of the property. Additionally, mechanical and passive ventilation solutions are integrated to ensure whole building ventilation rates and effective airflow within the dwelling.
This results in one of the conundrums of modern day living. We aspire to be ‘green’, while wanting to protect ourselves from invasive dust or mites. We recognise the need for fresh air and we understand the problems that occur without it.
The new ventilation legislation has therefore been implemented for very good reasons. And, Part F gives an added value opportunity for sales people as those in the front line are in a position to explain the value and health benefits of good ventilation.
The way forward
The way forward regarding ventilation is to combine quality solutions with simplicity of installation and calculation.
No-one wants to be tied in knots trying to assess airflow requirements.
At Carl F, we work in partnership with Greenwood Airvac and have supplied the company’s ventilation products for over a decade. Not only does Greenwood give the option of different slot sizes, but the company has taken the proactive approach of completing performance tests for all sizes of vents.
An easy to use chart produced by Greenwood, and available via Carl F, summarises calculations and this helps to make life easier for all involved in the ventilation supply and installation chain.
Greenwood specialises in the design and manufacture of domestic ventilation products, offering leading solutions for both trade and retail sectors. With over 120 years’ experience, the company has established a strong reputation in the market, with products specified through major developers and contractors in the UK's domestic new build and refurbishment sectors. Simplicity in application, style and acoustic properties in value based products are vital elements in both Greenwood’s design objectives and Carl F’s product sourcing/stocking policy. The development of the guide to ventilation calculations therefore supports a shared philosophy of simplifying product application.
Pre-empting buying patterns:
Through our close working relationship with Greenwood, Carl F is pleased to provide, from stock, a substantial and comprehensive range of products, purpose designed for the fenestration industry, including:
- Standard through-frame ventilation
- Glazed in solutions
- Over-frame lines for the new-build and refurbishment markets
- Powered ‘through the wall’ ventilators for domestic use
We put ourselves in the position of our customers, and their end users, to pre-empt buying patterns. For example, some want to keep sightlines narrow and for this market, we offer an alternative to ‘chunky’ plastic options with slimline, narrower ventilation products.
And, importantly, consideration has to be given to the fact that this can be a fickle industry – because ventilation is one of the last things to be fitted to the window, attention needs to be given to final aesthetics. New ‘clip fit’ products from Greenwood help regarding the finished look – as no screws are involved, the installer simply uses a mallet to tap the product into place ensuring that the fix is right first time, every time.
The field of ventilation is an excellent illustration of the proactive role that should be played by the hardware distributor. It is important that the supplier gauges buying trends to predict product preferences. The hardware distributor should also work as a gate-keeper, providing access to best practice information that aids the supply and installation chain.”
