bradleypallister
What is a Basement?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025In relation to a dwelling, a basement is a part of a dwelling that is partly or entirely below ground level and is designed for habitation. It is distinct from a cellar, which is typically used for storage, housing heating plant, or other non-habitable purposes. Basements can include living spaces, bedrooms, or utility rooms, provided...
What is a Balanced System?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025A Balanced System refers to a ventilation strategy where the supply and extract airflows are precisely matched to maintain optimal indoor air quality and thermal comfort. This equilibrium ensures that the pressure inside the building remains neutral, preventing issues such as draughts, moisture build-up, or excessive heat loss. In the UK house building, residential retrofit,...
What is Backlog Management?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Backlog management refers to the systematic process of identifying, prioritising, and addressing accumulated repair and maintenance tasks within a property portfolio, particularly in social housing. It involves assessing the urgency, cost, and impact of each task to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and residents’ needs are met promptly. In the UK, backlog management is a...
What is a Background Ventilator?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025A background ventilator, often referred to as a trickle vent, is a small, controllable ventilation opening integrated into windows, doors, or walls. It is designed to provide continuous, low-level ventilation to maintain indoor air quality by allowing fresh air to enter and stale air to exit a dwelling. This type of ventilation is particularly important...
What is Background Ventilation?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Background ventilation refers to small, controllable ventilation openings designed to provide continuous, low-level airflow throughout a building. These openings ensure a consistent supply of fresh air while maintaining indoor air quality and reducing the risk of condensation, mould growth, and stale air. In the UK house building, residential retrofit, home renovation, and extension sectors, background...
What is a Back Draught Shutter?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025A back draught shutter (also spelled back draft shutter) is a mechanical device installed within ventilation ducting to prevent reverse airflow—stopping cold or contaminated air from re-entering a room when the fan is inactive. It is particularly critical in UK residential and retrofit projects to maintain thermal comfort and comply with Part F (Ventilation) of...
What is Back Draught?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Back draught (also known as back draft) refers to the unintended reverse flow of air into a property through ducting or ventilation systems when the extraction unit is inactive. This phenomenon can occur due to pressure differentials between the indoor and outdoor environments, leading to stale or contaminated air re-entering the property. In the UK...
What is Average Annual Humidity (AAH)?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Average Annual Humidity (AAH) refers to the mean level of water vapour present in the air over the course of a year, typically expressed as a percentage. It is a key metric used to assess the moisture content in the atmosphere, which directly influences indoor air quality, building materials, and occupant comfort. In the UK,...
What is an Axial Fan?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Axial fans are the most common style of bathroom wall-mounted fan in the UK, and are a specific design of fan impeller or blades used to move air where the air flows parallel to the axis of rotation. They are widely used in domestic settings, particularly in bathrooms, for ventilation purposes. Axial fans are characterised...
What is Asset Management?
Last Updated: 21 August 2025Asset Management refers to the systematic process of planning, operating, maintaining, and upgrading housing stock to ensure its long-term performance, sustainability, and value. It involves strategic decision-making to balance costs, risks, and benefits over the lifecycle of residential properties. In the UK housing sector, Asset Management is critical for ensuring that residential properties, whether new...