F is for ventilation

Until very recently, we all concentrated on insulation as a means of increasing the efficiency of our homes, but airtightness is now also established as an imperative if an energy efficient result is required.

Insulation is great, and more is better (to a point), but even a highly insulated wind tunnel will not hold heat. If your house isn’t airtight then the insulation applied cannot work properly, as the heat is simply lost in the air.

As you make your home more airtight the insulation will be working properly but you will also get increased condensation due to the lack of air movement. You have to move the vapour out of an airtight building and this has to be done in a controlled manner.

Building Regulation Approved Document F covers ventilation in properties in England and most of the details can be found in the Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide. This