Introduction

The provision of background ventilation via through-wall ventilators and window trickle ventilators is a cost-effective, non-mechanical means of introducing fresh outside air into habitable rooms. Easy to operate and fully controllable, natural background ventilators dilute and remove airborne pollutants (including odours) from rooms and control moisture to reduce the risk of mould growths which can be a health hazard to the occupants. For your convenience, we have outlined below extracts from the following regulations:

Building Standards Scotland Domestic Technical Handbook

Mandatory Standard 3.14 Ventilation

Natural ventilation (with intermittent mechanical extract)

General:

• The guidance is only for less airtight dwellings i.e. dwellings where fabric infiltration rate is 5m³/(h.m²) @ 50 Pa and above.

• Promote cross-ventilation with background ventilation of a similar area on each façade, where possible. For dwellings with a single aspect or an internal kitchen, seek specialist design advice as the guidance below may not provide sufficient ventilation.

• Fit noise attenuating ventilators if an exposed façade is close to an area of continuous noise (e.g. a main road) – see Rytons Acoustic Background Room Ventilators.

Background ventilators for continuous mechanical extract ventilation

Where continuous mechanical extract ventilation is used, provide a minimum equivalent area of 4,000mm² for each apartment (excluding rooms with continuous mechanical extract).  Note: Where a kitchen is within the same space as an apartment (e.g. living room/dining room), seek specialist design advice.

Rytons Background Ventilation Range

Achieve compliant background ventilation in habitable rooms with Rytons controllable through-wall background ventilators or a combination of window trickle vents and through-wall sets. We are always happy to assist you with ventilation calculations and product selection – call our technical sales office on 01536 511874 for advice.