Just back from a CPD training session on ventilation organised by the new-ish outsourced building control function now serving several local authorities in the South East. On offer was a new product to eliminate damp and mould – a loft fan which pushes dryer air into the landing/hallway below and into adjoining rooms via 10mm gaps under doors.
I can see this working better with warm roofs and where, for example, there might be an issue with tenants switching off extractor fans and blocking passive vents. Noise sensitive situations might benefit as well. Because this solution provides positive air pressure, this could also help where solid fuel burners might otherwise bring required powered extractor fans into conflict with building regulations – with particular regard to carbon monoxide poisoning. The installation work is minimal compared to drilling multiple wall cores and running additional circuits, particularly in a retrofit/upgrade situation.
Another product on show logs the number of hours the fan has been used, so (sometimes false) claims about damp building problems can be verified…
These products are not optimum for every case and there are lots of other ways of meeting the building regulations on ventilation, but it is always good to have multiple options available.
The next CPD is on fire mist sprinklers – cheaper, less damage, fit in a GU10 sized hole – another great string to the bow in the continual quest to ensure that buildings are efficient, comfortable and safe.