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has shown that some householders have infringed the building
regulations because they have failed to allow for adequate
ventilation. These windows, being large and heavy, do not lend
themselves to easy opening and the result is that some occupiers
have come to rely purely on fanlights for providing the necessary
ventilation.
It has been found in most instances that this is not enough
and that windows have had to be altered so as to provide the
required area of opening light, so that adequate ventilation can
be maintained. It is stressed that all householders who are
contemplating conversions of this kind should make the necessary
enquiries from the Council so as not to violate the building
regulations. These regulations require that an area equal to one
twentieth of the floor space of a room should be capable of
opening for the provision of proper ventilation.
CONDENSATION IN HOMES
Many complaints were received during the year concerning
dampness but on investigation it was found to be mainly due
to condensation. This condensation occurs in varying types
of dwellings and in the main it is caused by modern design and
methods of construction coupled with the use of modern materials.
There has been a tendency to increase the number of rooms
without chimney flues and permanent ventilation of flueless
rooms by other means is not now considered necessary. Whether
this is always advisable is questionable. In addition, certain
changes in the ways of living increase the humidity in the air,
particularly with the advent of washing machines, dryingmachines
and the like.
In the old days sculleries and outhouses were designed to
keep any steam away from the rest of the house but, of course, in
the majority of cases these are no longer provided and all work
is done in the kitchenette or kitchen/living room.
Oil and gas burning appliances are in more widespread
use, adding to the difficulty caused by condensation. Solid
floors without an insulating finish also tend to increase this
problem, as doconcrete lintels, metal windows and the like. Allied
to the complaints of dampness by condensation is the question
of mould growth. These damp areas create an ideal situation
for spores to promote mould growth. Experts on this matter state
that the only sure way of stopping mould growth and condensation
is the improvement of air circulation and the maintenance of
reasonable temperatures. This, however, is easier said than
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