Efficient 'Decent Homes' Upgrading

Published by Angela May for Glidevale Ltd in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Latest Government statistics reveal some ¾ million social housing dwellings are still not up to the ‘Decent Homes’ standard required, to be achieved by 2010- homes which could face major damp and condensation issues in the loftspace.

Under the scheme, homes have to offer decent levels of thermal comfort, achieved by increasing cavity wall and loft insulation. But as insulation levels increase, leading to even colder loft spaces, it is essential to ensure that roofspace ventilation is installed to ensure adequate airflow to remove potentially harmful condensation, warn Glidevale Ltd.

Nick Beswick, Glidevale Sales Director explains, “Condensation in the roof, taking place out of sight of the occupier, can cause serious damage, including severe structural weakening by wet or dry rot, loss of effectiveness of insulation, and damage to decoration through staining and mould growth. That in turn can create significant repair and maintenance work which could easily be avoided by a little thought, and inclusion of appropriate roofspace ventilation. It is also useful to remember roofspace ventilation for this purpose comes out of a separate budget to roofing, so frees funds up to deal with condensation control”

The Glidevale range of slate and tile ventilators provides one simple method of introducing roof ventilation with minimal disruption to occupants, and can be easily retro-fitted. Glidevale offers a free site survey service, to assess the requirements for each property in terms of ventilation requirements as part of the insulation upgrade, and enable any work to be integrated into the refurbishment programme. The comprehensive survey includes an in-depth assessment of the roof covering, analysis of requirements, and specification of appropriate ventilation in line with all regulatory requirements including the type and quantity of each vent for each property.

Glidevale provides the widest range of slate and tile ventilators on the market, profile- and colour-matched to existing roof slates and tiles, including weathered and discontinued designs. They are the only complete range of slate and tile ventilators to be AA fire rated, enabling unrestricted use on the roof, regardless of proximity of neighbouring properties.

Nick Beswick, adds, “It is difficult for clients and maintenance staff to know every roof tile and slate made, and understand the requirements for ventilation of the roof space. It makes sense for social housing providers to delegate this element to the experts in the field, such as Glidevale, saving themselves time and money on the original assessment, and eliminating the risk of potentially costly remedial work curing a roofspace condensation problem.”

Bolsover Council is just one social housing provider that already ascribes to Glidevale’s philosophy, and has included Glidevale G5 tile ventilators in the upgrade of 2,500 properties. A spokesperson for Bolsover District Council said, “With the increased thermal insulation there was a risk that if the roofs were left unventilated, condensation could accumulate and cause structural damage to the property, and the damp could cause physical illness for the tenants. We therefore felt it in the best interests all round to add roofspace ventilation. Tile vents were the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective solution, and would cause minimal disruption to tenants. We have an established relationship with Glidevale, and receive good service.”

Details of roof ventilation requirements and survey are available from Glidevale, 2 Brooklands Road, Sale M33 3SS tel 0161 905 5700.

Glidevale is the leading supplier of roofspace ventilation solutions, and specialises in developing innovative yet practical products in line with changing market requirements.
ENDS