– Rytons Background Ventilators –
The natural answer to controllable ventilation in habitable rooms
Natural ventilation with background ventilators is a cost-effective, non-mechanical means of introducing fresh outside air into habitable rooms. Fully controllable, with no running costs, background vents (also known as trickle vents) allow air to naturally dilute and discharge airborne pollutants and control moisture to reduce the risk of mould growth.
New build or retrofitting as part of the Government’s Great British Insulation Scheme or Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, Part F ventilation requirements are now 8,000mm² per habitable room in dwellings with multiple floors. Here are our top three tips for achieving compliant ventilation, together with Part B fire safety considerations.
1: Ensure each habitable room has enough ventilation
It’s obvious, but we are often asked for advice on retrofitting background ventilation in rooms suffering from condensation issues caused by inadequate ventilation. Ventilation requirements changed in the 2022 update of Approved Document F – find current directives here on our extracts page.
2: Use a combination of window trickle vents and through-wall sets
Most windows have trickle ventilators. However, it is unlikely that there will be enough room in the window, or enough windows in the room, to satisfy the whole ventilation requirement with these vents alone. Therefore, we recommend using the maximum amount of window trickle vents possible, then adding a Rytons controllable through-wall set where there is a ventilation shortfall.
Alternatively, and where window trickle vents are not installed, the entire ventilation requirement of the room can be achieved using options from our extensive background ventilation range. Rytons Super Acoustic Controllable LookRyt® AirCore® (AAC125HP and AAC125HPCWL) are popular core drilled sets, and there are also a variety of brick-size cavity liner options with an equivalent area exceeding 8,000mm².
3: Consider external noise
Ideally, background ventilation should remain open for continuous airflow. However, in homes close to sustained noise, e.g. near a busy road, the occupants may be tempted to close the vents for extended periods to help reduce disturbances. Where noise is a concern, use a Rytons acoustic ventilation set – it provides the required airflow and lessens noise transfer for a more peaceful environment.
Rytons Background Ventilation Range
Background Ventilation and Fire Safety
Relevant buildings: High-rise residential buildings over 18m high (11m high in Scotland)
Materials forming part of an external wall or specified attachment to be of European Classification A1 or A2-s1, d0. This can be achieved using products made of non-combustible materials within any space, forming part of the external wall. See Rytons A1® Fire-rated Metal Range for HVAC supply and extract, or call our technical team on 01536 511874.
Residential purpose groups 1 and 2: more than 11m high (buildings where people sleep on the premises – residential, institutional or hospitality)
The external surfaces of external walls should comply with European Classification A2-s1, d0 or better. This can be achieved by using products made of non-combustible materials when fixed to, or passing through, the external surface of the external wall. Discuss your requirements with our technical sales office on 01536 511874 or email admin@rytons.com.
Residential purpose groups 1 and 2: 11m high or less (buildings where people sleep on the premises – residential, institutional or hospitality)
The external surfaces of external walls within 1m of the relevant boundary should comply with European Classification B-s3, d2 or better. This can be achieved by using products made of non-combustible materials when fixed to or passing through the external surface of an external wall. Note: As plastic cannot meet the B-s3, d2 criteria, alternative metal products will be required. Discuss your options with our technical sales team on 01536 511874 or email admin@rytons.com.
Should you have any queries or require further information regarding natural ventilation with background ventilators, please do not hesitate to call our technical sales office on 01536 511874 or email admin@rytons.com.
