Roof Ventilation

With increased insulation in buildings and higher internal air temperatures, the problem of condensation in roof spaces has become much more important.

The Building Regulations require that measures be taken to prevent the harmful effect of interstitial condensation (the condensation that develops within closed spaces). An acceptable approach is to follow the recommendations of BS5250:2002 Amendment 1:2005.

The Richmond range of Roof Ventilation products provides an effective and economical means of dealing with this problem.

Richmond offers a number of methods for ventilation at the eaves. The most popular and practical way for new build is to use Over Fascia Vents. These are totally concealed under the roof covering, are simple to install as they are normally fixed on top of the fascia board and are supplied for 10000mm² and 25000mm2 ventilation requirements.

Another method is by using soffit ventilation. This can be in the form of continuous strip fixed to or slotted into the soffit or by individual twist and lock or spring-wing vents. This can sometimes be an advantage for refurbishment work where there are no vents present and the roof covering is to be retained.

In the case of an open soffitted eaves, a rafter ventilator can be used that incorporates a screen, thus preventing insects and birds from entering the roof space.

In order to prevent the insulation from blocking the ventilation path at eaves level, we would recommend the use of either individual rafter vents or continuous rafter roll.

For more information and advice about the extensive range and application of tile and slate vents, please refer to our literature request section or contact your Richmond Technical department.

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There are several options available for ventilating the ridge and a full range of products is stocked by Richmond.

One way is to use a continuous ridge ventilator in conjunction with a dry ridge fixing system. This is an unobtrusive and effective method, coupled with the advantages of speed and neatness associated with a dry fixing system.

Another option is to place suitably matched ridge tile ventilators at 2.4m spacing along the ridge. This method is suitable for both dry and wet fixing.

A third way is to use tile or slate ventilators as close as practicable to the ridge and spaced to provide the necessary 5000mm2, on average 2m apart for a G3 vent. This usually needs to be to one side of the roof only and can therefore be used at the rear of the building.

For more information and advice about the extensive range and application of tile and slate vents, please refer to our download literature section or contact your local Richmond Technical department.

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Not all roof designs are straightforward and there is a wide selection of products for those special applications.

A few examples are:

• The rafter ventilator or continuous rafter roll, designed to ensure a clear air path between the insulation and the underlay.
• The cross flow rafter ventilator, that not only provides a high-level air path between rafter voids in roofs where the insulation is at rafter level but can also be used on hips, ridges (where a ventilated ridge is not feasible) and below pitched roof windows.
• Monovent and Leadvent ventilators. These provide an unobtrusive high level ventilation to lean-to abutments, circumstances where a lead roll ridge is used and below the sills of pitched roof windows.

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Each Glidevale Loft Access Trap comprises:

1. A frame which is fixed into a trimmed opening and has a seal to the ceiling, and
2. A trap door which is thermally insulated and has a flexible closed cell seal between door and frame.

• The trap door is injection-moulded polypropylene with rigid insulation or expanded polystyrene infill and a black PVC back.
• An integral latch and anti wind uplift mechanism prevents the trap from becoming dislodged if there is a severe wind gusting.
• Options: two lockable bolts.

• The trap door is injection-moulded polypropylene with rigid insulation or expanded polystyrene infill and a black PVC back, attached to the frame by two hinges.
• Options: one lockable bolt.

• The standard trap is 6mm stoved finish hardboard with glass fibre infill and PVC back.
• For 30 minutes fire resistance the face of the trap is 6mm Masterboard with spray-applied vinyl finish and rigid insulation. The trap incorporates pressed metal support brackets. The frame is also fitted with an intumescent strip.

This neat unobtrusive design offers 1hr fire rating and is fully insulated and sealed. It comes with a drop down door and is compatible with the LA4 loft ladder.

Door and frame are formed from 1.0mm and 1.2mm Zintec electro-galvanised mild steel finished in polyester powder coating.

The finish is a lightly textured white surface which blends with a white ceiling but can be painted if required.

For further information, download the Glidevale Loft Access brochure or contact any of our offices.

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