Condensation : is the builder to blame?

The article discusses how far the builder is to blame for condensation and its subsequent problems of mould growth. The UK Building Regulations of 1985 for ventilation and condensation do not go far enough in discouraging inadequate forms of

The effect of flue dampers on natural ventilation heat losses from boilers.

Describes work carried out by British Gas to establish the magnitude of heat losses from gas-fired boilers arising from natural ventilation through the boiler during its shutdown period. Discusses the general principles of ventilation heat losses to the flue and via the draught diverter and presents data for heat loss decay rates for a range of boilers. Calculates ventilation heat losses for typical boilers. Concludes that for a typical open-flued domestic heating boiler, ventilation heat losses are approx 6% or less of total heat input.

Air flow around buildings - pressure measurements on flue outlets. Luchtbewegning om gebouwen - Drukmetingen aan afvoerkanalen.

Measures the pressure on the outlet of a flue on a free-standing scale model in the wind tunnel at IG-TNO, as a function of the height of the flue outlet above the roof, of its position on the sloping roof and the pitch of the roof.

Experiments with a passive ventilation system.

Describes a simple method of controlled ventilation comprising an extract system and air inlets. The extract system is effectively a flue connecting to vents in the kitchen and bathroom and relying on thermal differences and the wind to create air flow, air enters the house via slot vents over windows. Theproposed system has been installed in a timber framed house.

An air infiltration model for modern single family dwellings.

Discusses five different models for predicting air infiltration. Presents a new model developed at the Institute of Gas Technology. The model is based on the results of tests to obtain the contribution of the existence of a chimney, and furnace operation, to house air infiltration. Reports verification of model by simulating results from 23 test homes. Concludes that model simulates with reasonable accuracy the measured values for a single-storey home equipped with an oil-fired central furnace.

The natural ventilation of unheated closed rooms.

Reports investigation of the relative effectiveness of wall gratings and flues as means of naturally ventilating unheated closed rooms. Ventilation rates of several rooms were measured using carbon dioxide as tracer gas and wind speed and direction were recorded. Presents results and finds for the flue, ventilation increased with wind speed irrespective of direction. For grating, ventilation rate increases slowly with size of grating and is dependent on both wind speed and direction. Concludes flue with base opening of 15 sq.ins. is as efficacious as grating having 50 sq.ins.

Pages