Part F needs enforcing

The Property Care Association has seen a record increase in the number of condensation-related claims made by householders across the UK. Cold weather snaps, inflation and increases in heating costs are all thought to be behind the surge in damp and mould. The PCA says ventilation is critical to tackling problems in humid homes but believes the current system is failing to address the issue.

Pointing to Approved Document F of the Building Regulations, PCA technical manager James Berry comments: “Part F does not get the attention it deserves and is not enforced to the same extent as other areas of the Building Regulations, but the effects of failing to provide adequate ventilation should be taken much more seriously. This was one of the core reasons we set up our Residential Ventilation Group to promote greater compliance with Building Regulations when installing ventilation systems.”