Understanding overheating: where to start – an introduction for housebuilders and designers

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Posted on: 10 July 2012
By: mackene
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Filed under: News

The NHBC Foundation has launched a new guide to tackle the concerns of overheating in new homes. Traditionally, overheating has not been a problem in housing due low levels of insulation and gaps in building fabric that allow ventilation.  As we make progress towards the zero carbon homes standard, new homes built to high standards of airtightness and insulation may be at risk of overheating. While there is no clear definition of the term or the specific conditions under which overheating occurs, it is generally understood to be the accumulation of warmth in a building to an extent where it causes discomfort to the occupants.  There is currently no statutory maximum internal temperature in UK Building Regulations or current health and safety guidance. This new guide is a useful introduction to the topic of overheating and covers the principles of overheating as well as factors that increase or reduce the risk.  Seven case studies are provided to demonstrate a number of reasons for overheating, including location of the site, errors in design or the way in which the home is being used by its occupants. Registration is required to download the document.

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