The Glass and Glazing Federation is inviting bookings for a limited Southern England launch of its pulse testing initiative aimed at challenging the necessity of trickle vents for Doc F compliance, prior to a planned New Year roll-out to all members UK-wide.
Pulse testing, which was revealed in detail at the organisation’s recent Members’ Day, enables fitters to test the airtightness of a whole building before and after installation of replacement windows and doors, as Dave Mechem, the organisation’s director of inspection & assessment, explained:
“If the reading doesn’t change, which we have found is often the case when like for like PVC-U windows are installed, there is no need for additional ventilation.
“Many installers have managed to meet the new regulations by offering the necessary additional ventilation, but there are still circumstances whereby the requirement for extra vents are losing sales. Perhaps because of a previous bad experience on the part of the homeowner, or perhaps other installers have already convinced the consumer more ventilation is not a good thing. For these situations, pulse testing is a good alternative way to prove compliance.
He added that the GGF has researched the available technology for this type of testing and found a solution that is quick, simple, safe, repeatable, and usable in an occupied home.
Dave concluded: “It’s not always easy to decipher complex legislation, let alone prove compliance, which is why we want to support our members to do just that. We’re not suggesting installers don’t offer extra ventilation, but we do believe it’s important to have an alternative so that reluctant homeowners don’t miss out on new windows, and installers don’t miss out on valuable sales.”
Bookings are being invited from members in South/South East England from November 21 with plans to roll out to all UK members from January 1.
https://risaltd.co.uk/pulse-testing-trickle-vents/
