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The new clean air strategy is a breath of fresh air for Vortice

Vortice Limited has always been committed to educating its customers about the importance of ventilation and is now thrilled to get behind DEFRA’s new clean air strategy consultation. This new draft outlines very simply that ‘Air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK, and the fourth greatest threat to public health after cancer’. The draft clearly shows the connection between suitable, correct ventilation and good indoor air quality which maintains the health and wellbeing of the occupants.

Vortice knows only too well the importance of this and has made it its mission over the years to be a voice within the industry ensuring customers get a correct and compliant ventilation system by offering a complete design, aftersales and training service.

The DEFRA consultation also discusses how occupant behaviour can affect the ventilation requirements of a home. Vortice has listened to housebuilders and specifiers and works hard to provide a range of ventilation solutions for many different applications to improve indoor air quality in airtight dwellings.

For new build properties, Vortice offers a range of whole house solutions such as the compact Vort HR 200 BP heat recovery unit which has a 100% fully filtered bypass meaning no outdoor pollutants can enter the home. The unit also has a smart controller which indicates when the filters require cleaning and changing. For existing households there is a wide range of stylish bathroom, utility and kitchen fans, complete with many sensor options such as the attractively designed Punto Evo Flexo axial fan.

Marketing Manager Jennifer Quinn said ‘Vortice welcomes this new Government strategy as this will underscore what we have been talking about for years. It is important for us as a ventilation manufacturer always to offer a compliant solution suitable for the end application and to provide education to the installer and end user. We find lack of education is the key issue here so it is great to see this consultation highlighting the risks of bad ventilation and what damage this can have on the occupant’s health.”

Vortice will be promoting good practice during Green Great Britain Week, which begins on 15 October 2018 and is designed to engage the public in the debate on air quality alongside climate change and highlight the economic opportunities it offers for the UK.

For more details about Vortice products visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Fusing the options

Ventilation design and specification for multi-occupancy buildings is now as simple as A,B,C through an innovative approach pioneered by Gilberts.

Britain’s leading air movement specialist is the first to develop a stock, single-unit hybrid solution focussed on natural ventilation with heat recovery- its Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). The company’s pioneering approach has continued, with the evolution of the system that now enables simple addition of extra elements.

Thus, the core MFS is manufactured as a standard product, with ‘add-on’ items to meet the varying specifications of each project. Elements such as heating coils, filters, silencers, duct connection outlets and louvre transformation, plus a range of air volumes for warm up or purge ventilation, to supplement the standard airflow rates, ensure the MFS brings a comprehensive hybrid solution to the extensive, variable building demands for ventilation.

“Using this modular approach makes it as simple as possible for the precise needs of each room to be met, in line with the latest F.O.S and BB101 requirements,” explains Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones. “It means the MFS is retained as a standard, individual module to which bespoke parts are added in compliance with the architectural requirements, simplifying and accelerating the whole building services design, supply and installation process.

Further, because Gilberts undertakes all R&D in-house, it can still efficiently tailor-engineer the MFS to create a bespoke answer to individual project demands. Thus, all involved in the construction supply process benefit from a commercially viable single source strategy.

The approach has been exemplified in delivery of a number of schools- new build and refurbishment. Gilberts’ MFS enabled the precise requirements of each classroom to be accommodated- level of occupation, room orientation, site geography- even in those learning spaces with complex needs such as IT suites, science laboratories and SEN special needs classrooms.

It also meant project-specific design constraints could be overcome- for example one façade included a 6° deviation from the vertical, so Gilberts engineered a bespoke duct transition piece and special louvre system to ensure an airtight fit. In another, there was no suitable external façade, so Gilberts engineered a vertical solution to provide intake and extraction through the roof.

“The flexibility of the product are limited only by the building designer’s imagination!” adds Roy Jones. “The standard permutations cover almost every core requirement; our ability to develop, engineer and test bespoke strategies means that an issue which may normally be a deal-breaker can be addressed and turned into a deal-maker: a true one stop shop solution with the benefits of modular design.”

MFS is just part of Gilberts’ diverse range of ventilation systems, grilles, louvres and diffusers which, coupled with its in-house expertise, have established it as the leading independent supplier of air movement solutions in the UK.Family-owned, Gilberts has a 55 year pedigree in developing and manufacturing innovative air movement solutions. It is unique in its sector in its ability to design, engineer and supply its products with all processes undertaken in-house at its 85,000ft2 head office and manufacturing facility in Blackpool.

For more information please visit www.gilbertsblackpool.com.
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Vortice ventilation fans ensure good air quality for Grange First School

As Grange First School in Gosforth embarked upon a school extension project, ensuring good ventilation and air quality was an important element both for the comfort of the teachers and children and for their learning. The new classrooms for Early Years have now opened and the Vortice heat recovery systems installed have proved a great success.

Roy Brown, Area Sales Trade Manager for Vortice said “After considerable research, Newcastle City Council specified the Vort NRG 1500 ECR EH Diva heat recovery units for each of the new classrooms. These units are complete with CO2 demand control to ensure the correct amount of fresh air is delivered into the classroom dependent upon its requirement and occupancy levels. Stale extracted air is passed over a heat exchanger so that warmth is recovered and goes into the incoming fresh air, enabling good energy efficiency. “

The NRG units are all floor mounted as they are situated within resources store cupboards in the classroom, which have skylights to allow in natural daylight. This also means that the units are easily accessible to enable filter changes.

Roy Brown continues: “When you have around 32 occupants in a classroom all day, it is important for their health and wellbeing that the air is fresh. The Vort NRG range is ideally suited for schools and offices and with several configurations available there is sure to be one that suits your project.”

For more information about Vortice visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Cembrit takes the high road with Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation

Cembrit has expanded its growing portfolio of roofing accessories with the Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation, a practical fibre cement product that provides ridge capping for pitched roofs.

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation is specifically designed to provide a high level of ridgeline ventilation. Colour matched for use with Cembrit fibre cement slates, the ridge is suitable for monopitch roofs ranging from 20° to 40°. The range includes start and end caps for a neat finish. Weighing 4kg, the product is lightweight, making it easy to transport and carry up to roof level. At 530mm in length, it is possible to carry two linear metres of ridge at a time.

“Monopitch ridges are regularly requested and we are pleased to offer a ventilated option that allows designers and building owners to comply with roof ventilation standards,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager of Cembrit. “The slate mono ridge ventilation provides a visually appealing and weathertight roof. With its quick and easy installation, we are confident the product will tick all the boxes for our customers.”

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation is a fibre cement product that complements the smooth, flush look of the fibre cement slates. The ridges are lighter in weight than concrete alternatives, making them easier to install for a roofer working at height. The ridges do not require electric power for cutting, or any dust suppression equipment, equalling a much easier and quicker fitting process. They can be dry fixed with readily available colour matched “sela” type screws and installation is not dependent on getting the correct mortar mix, or having to wait for dry weather.

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation has an air capacity of 5,000 mm2 per linear metre. The ridge meets the requirements of British Standard BS5250 ‘Control of Condensation in Buildings’ when fitted to the requirements of BS5534 ‘Code of Practice of Slating and Tiling’.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 208 320 1184.
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Breathing easier with smart technology

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The revolution in indoor climate control and security spearheaded by smart technologies is the subject of a UK Construction Week seminar being given by GEZE UK’s head of window technology.
Spencer Allen for will share the spotlight with the likes of architect and television presenter George Clarke and representatives of the BRE, Carbon Trust and Sunday Times, during the showcase event, staged at the NEC Birmingham, 10 – 12 October.

He will explore the concept of smart natural air ventilation, how it works, outline its benefits and examine the findings of recent studies on its effects on workplace productivity and reducing ‘sick building syndrome’.

The session, which takes place at 2.30pm within the Smart Buildings Hub, on 10 October, will look at how smart solutions are used in life-saving buildings such as hospitals and how they can be used to save lives in the event of fire by allowing safe and smoke free escape.

It will also address security – eliminating ‘windows left open’ and the benefits of safe and secure night ventilation on buildings for optimum ‘next working day’ environments.
Said Spencer, GEZE UK’s National Sales Manager for Window Technology: “We spend 90% of our time indoors, so it’s not surprising that improving air quality inside buildings is in all our interests.

“With climate change resulting in ever-increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves within the UK, it is time that we looked at efficient ways of improving building ventilation which will require less energy usage.”

Event attendance is free. For further information click here.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of products and system solutions call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.
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Titon remains market leader in trickle vents

For 45 years, Titon’s core product has been the window trickle (or ‘background’) ventilator, with the company renowned as the biggest manufacturer and supplier of these products in the UK. Titon has maintained its position as the industry leader through constant research and product development, ensuring the company is still able to offer the largest range of trickle vents on the market today – having sold over 50 million vents to date.

Titon’s trickle ventilators assist in compliance with ventilation regulations in the UK & overseas, and are suitable for all types of window – including timber, aluminium or PVCu, offering increased ventilation that other manufacturers cannot match. As a result, specifiers can pick Titon products to ensure compliance for a choice of ventilation systems in different dwelling types, without constant specification changes. Additionally, fabricators can remain safe in the knowledge that only the minimum number of ventilators required need to be used to achieve compliance.

By providing adequate levels of background ventilation, trickle vents also play a key role in removing air pollutants from inside a property and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality (IAQ). While this subject has made headlines during the last 18 months, Titon’s products have been ensuring excellent levels of IAQ for over decades now.

Movement of air helps disperse general moisture in other habitable rooms (besides bathrooms and kitchens); if the moisture doesn’t escape, it can build up, leading to potential mould growth problems, affecting not only occupants’ health but also damaging the building itself. It also ensures volatile organic compounds (VOC) do not stay in the air indefinitely.

Latest developments

High performance acoustic vents such as Titon’s SF Xtra Sound Attenuator also offer vastly improved levels of sound attenuation. The basic versions of this surface mounted aluminium slot ventilator are the shortest available capable of providing 5,000mm2 EA – while being equally suitable for domestic or non-domestic applications. This short length means fewer vents are needed to comply with an application’s required EA. Plus, there are two width variants (one for use over a 13mm slot, the other for a 16mm slot), as well as made-to-measure sizes or bar lengths for self-assembly, all of which can be used with either a plastic or aluminium canopy.

Commenting on the company’s extensive product range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “We have been producing trickle ventilators for 45 years now, and window manufacturers, specifiers and fabricators rely on us for our knowledge and advice. This has become more commonplace since the recent increased industry and consumer awareness of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, plus more focus on sound attenuation requirements. At Titon, we have the expertise and the product portfolio to ensure there is always a trickle ventilator option available, which will perform to the required standards and be competitively priced.”

For more information on Titon and its range of trickle vents, visit: www.titon.co.uk
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Titon provides efficient ventilation for Essex barn conversion

Nine Solitude constant flow decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) units from Titon have been installed throughout two residential barns – collectively known as “North End Barns” – in Felsted, Essex. Not only is Solitude the most efficient dMEV available according to BRE tests, it also meets stringent 5 Pa back pressure requirements.

Of the two North End Barns properties, the first – the two-storey “Barn 2B” – has five bedrooms and benefits from three Titon Solitude units fitted on its ground floor. Elsewhere, “Barn 5” is a single floor property, boasting six Solitude products installed throughout.

In addition to the dMEV fans, the converted barns also benefit from a ground source heat pump-powered central heating system and high levels of insulation. The entire project was managed and built by local builder R.E. Butler Construction, while M&E works were carried out by Bates FMC Ltd. All work was completed in April 2017.

Discussing the installation, James Hughes, Business Development Manager at Bates FMC Ltd, said “We’ve used Titon on previous projects and have always been impressed by the quality of their products, as well as the sales team and level of customer service. In addition to offering exceptional levels of performance, the Solitude dMEV units also proved straightforward to install. It was simply a matter of the builders setting the flow rates according to the architect’s brief and then reporting back to building control.”

Solitude dMEV fans can be wall, ceiling, panel or window mounted and benefit from a unique impeller design, resulting in a combination of powerful performance and minimal noise. Additionally, the units use a boost with overrun timer that is adjustable between 0-30 minutes, manually activated via a remote switch (in the form of a room light switch).

All Titon dMEV fans are fully compliant with Part F of the Building Regulations and are supplied with a 30-month guarantee in the UK.

For more information about Titon and its range of whole house ventilation products, please visit: www.titon.co.uk
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Vortice Twin Fans selected for Axiom Belfast

The prestigious Axiom building situated in Great Victoria Street, Belfast has undergone an upgrade of its washroom and shower areas across five floors and Vortice fans have been chosen for the ventilation installation.

Belfast based Crystal Air undertook the project and Director Mark Mawhinney said: “This is a well specified project where every element has been selected both for its quality and subtle appearance. The new 250 diameter silent twin fans by Vortice were chosen for their excellent performance levels as well as their sleek Italian design.”

The Vort TF acoustic twin cabinet range of fans is IPX2 rated and comes in four different models which can be selected according to the specific fan power required. The range is ideal for the application required in the Axiom building where quiet running, high performance ventilation was needed.

For more information about Vortice ventilation fans visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Titon helps keep the noise down at new Birmingham apartments

75 SFX Sound Attenuator vents from Titon have been installed at the newly constructed Honduras Wharf project in Birmingham. Located in the heart of the city centre, the building comprises 99 residential apartments and penthouses, each with between one to three bedrooms. The project, which was completed in June 2017, was overseen by Leicester-based Unique Window Systems Ltd, while the contractor was J.A. Ball Ltd.

Titon’s SFX Sound Attenuator is a compact slot ventilator which provides high levels of sound attenuation compared to similar ‘acoustic’ products. The vents and accompanying canopies for the Honduras Wharf project were coloured RAL7024 Matt Graphite Grey in line with the décor of the building’s façade and window frames.

Commenting on selecting the vents, Gary Burrows, Project Manager at Unique Window Systems, said “Due to the city centre location, acoustic vents were required in order to adhere to the necessary building and planning regulations. Having used Titon’s products for many years now, we knew the SFX Sound Attenuator was perfect for the application in hand. Not only are these vents easy to fit, they are excellent at minimising noise while maintaining the required levels of background ventilation.”

The SFX Sound Attenuator is part of Titon’s renowned SF Xtra range – and is widely specified throughout the UK. It can be purchased in a number of combinations based on different sizes of inner (ventilator) and outer (canopy). Combinations can be chosen depending on the acoustic requirement and can achieve up to 44 D,n,e,w attenuation when the vent is open.

These vents have also been subjected to independent EA testing (measuring airflow through the product) conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and acoustic testing by SRL Technical Services Ltd. The EA tests were carried out in accordance with UK Approved Document F (ADF) 2010 and the Scottish Technical Handbook 3.14.6 using the recognised test method to BS:EN 13141-1 clause 4. The independent testing substantiated the claimed performance data of the Titon Trimvent Select, SF Xtra and SFX Sound Attenuator trickle vents.

The SFX Sound Attenuator is a cost effective method of reducing incoming noise in situations where conventional slot ventilators are unable to assist with acoustic issues. It comes fitted with a Titon SFX and/or SF Ventilator Canopy and fits over the standard SF, Trimvent Select or Select Xtra slot size.

For more information about Titon and its range of window and door hardware, as well as its whole house ventilation products, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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“It’s a Wrap!” Optimise airtightness and seal awkward areas with new Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ tape

To ensure structures perform as designed, every detail counts. Tyvek® FlexWrap tapes are ingenious solutions from DuPont created to maximise the functionality of breather membranes and air and vapour control layers (AVCLs) by adapting to the most challenging penetrations in the building envelope. In addition to Tyvek® FlexWrap NF, now there’s an even easier to fit and attractively priced version of this highly valued tape: Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ, which comes in a narrower width of 60mm and a roll length of 10m.

A clever concertina style design means that Tyvek® FlexWrap tape can shape itself to create a highly effective seal for the membrane around any irregular shape or complex joint, whether around services, piping or cabling, into the corners and junctions of an aperture, around doorways, rafters, joists, etc.

Supplied in ready to use rolls, Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ is simple and straightforward to apply and compatible with most building materials, while being quicker to fit than many standard tapes. Premium butyl adhesive with a Tyvek® top-sheet, it offers all the long term dependability you would expect of a DuPont product, ensuring that insulation, timber frames, interior cladding etc., are properly protected from air and moisture ingress and so function to capacity. UV resistant, prior to covering, it also allows for structural movements and performs over a wide temperature range.

Don’t let the headache of properly sealing your project drive you around the bend…for complete peace of mind install expandable, curve-able Tyvek® FlexWrap EZ as part of a proven, optimal system.

About DuPont™ Tyvek® & DuPont Building Membranes and Products:

DuPont™ Tyvek® advanced building membranes are unique in the market due to their high-quality single layer construction. Tyvek®, in all its specialised versions, is naturally vapour open but also durably wind and water-tight. Lightweight yet robust, it is easy to install and offers long-term, proven reliability. Designed to protect the building envelope against the effects of weather and moisture, this family of membranes also offers optimal air-tightness and can help to improve the thermal performance, energy-efficiency and interior climatic stability of a building.

Tyvek® is also designed to work as part of a holistic and optimal system with a range of other proven DuPont products for the building envelope, including the DuPont™ AirGuard® advanced AVCL series, the highly versatile Tyvek® FlexWrap tapes, plus other specialised tapes and sealants. All DuPont building products come with the renowned service, expertise and technical back-up of a world-class science company.

For more information about DuPont™ Tyvek® FlexWrap NF / EZ and AirGuard® in the UK please visit: www.construction.tyvek.co.uk or call 08444 068 722 (087 922 2740 in ROI)
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