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HRV and building regulations

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  • 21-08-2006 6:07pm
    #1
    sunnysoutheast
    Registered Users Posts: 2,072 ✭✭✭


    Hello

    We're 99% sure we're going to install a HRV system in our new-build, but can anyone clarify the exact position regarding HRV and building regulations?

    We've left the standard hole vents. in the walls for now (just in case we didn't install HRV) but we'll seal these with a plug of blockwork/insulation when we go ahead with the HRV - our builder though says that he has to leave these in for building regs. compliance but there's nothing stopping us blocking them up later!

    Clearly we'd rather have the plastering/rendering done in one go rather than having to patch later, so has anyone come up against this situation before?


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    #2
    Mellor
    Registered Users Posts: 39,405 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    sunnysoutheast wrote:
    Hello

    We're 99% sure we're going to install a HRV system in our new-build, but can anyone clarify the exact position regarding HRV and building regulations?

    We've left the standard hole vents. in the walls for now (just in case we didn't install HRV) but we'll seal these with a plug of blockwork/insulation when we go ahead with the HRV - our builder though says that he has to leave these in for building regs. compliance but there's nothing stopping us blocking them up later!

    Clearly we'd rather have the plastering/rendering done in one go rather than having to patch later, so has anyone come up against this situation before?
    You builder is wrong. It is a classic example of people confusion the building regs and the technical guidance documents.
    The building regs state, in a round about way, that a building must be adequetly ventilated. Thats all.

    The technical GUIDANCE documents give suggested ways to comply with the regs. For this issue they give the recomended sizes for wall vents. If you went with the traditional wall vent option and used much smaller vents then you wouldn't comply. But it does not suggest that you HAVE to do it that way. Every system cannot be cover is a small document like a TGD.
    HRV comply in a different way to those covered in the TGD. They are not covered in a TGD, but they still comply with the requirements of the building regs.
    This problem comes up with everything, and it is down to people confusing the build regs and the guidance documents


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