Roofing component manufacturer Klober has welcomed toughened airtightness standards for government-funded whole house retrofits but is urging project managers and installers not to overlook the role of ventilation.
The warning follows updates to PAS 2035/2030:2023, which focus on energy efficiency and airtightness for homes undergoing retrofit projects.
PAS 2030 certification covers installation requirements in existing dwellings and is a means of access to grant-funding, such as the ECO+ Scheme. While PAS 2035 specifies the retrofitting requirements for compliance against funding regulation.
Under PAS 2030, retrofit installers must investigate and determine whether the installation of energy efficiency measures (EEM) would compromise the functionality of existing ventilation systems in relation to air movement within dwellings.
Nick King, portfolio manager at Klober, welcomes the latest updates but restates the importance of ventilation: “It’s great to see these latest steps for addressing airtightness, particularly in line with energy efficiency regulations and decarbonisation targets. However, we cannot forget that properties that are ultra-airtight by design may face increased risk of condensation due to humidity levels, so appropriate ventilation is crucial.
“If effective ventilation isn’t implemented, or is compromised through EEMs, occupants could experience mould and damp issues. Installers have a crucial role to play in ensuring airtightness and ventilation are balanced. It’s positive to see this acknowledged within PAS 2030.”
“However, while awareness of solutions including trickle vents, dehumidifiers and extractor fans is commonplace, ventilation for the roof space must also be considered. Failure to ventilate roof voids could increase the risk of condensation, and associated risks, in the ceiling joists and in the uppermost rooms in the home.”
