Jennian Homes Franklin
Jennian Homes Franklin puts Vent Passive Ventilation to the Test.
New Zealand’s updated H1 building standard ensures new builds are more airtight than ever. And, while this means healthier, warmer homes for Kiwis with greater energy efficiency, it does lead to a new building challenge. How do we let our new builds breathe to prevent internal moisture damage?
New Zealand’s Weather and a New Mould Problem.
New Zealand can experience dramatic differences in temperature on any given day, and our frosty mornings to super sunny evenings have an effect on our homes, leading to condensation and hazardous mould build up in airtight cavities.
This slow condensation build up can mean a home’s framing and insulation can be compromised by mould just 5-10 after the keys are handed over.
While there is evidence mould is growing on internal framing of Kiwi builds, New Zealand building regulations are yet to incorporate passive ventilation as standard. Overseas, passive ventilation is regulated in Europe and, most recently Australia.
Air becomes trapped in internal cavities, turning into condensation without ventilation.
Jennian Homes Franklin Trials Vent with Great Success.
Vincent Costello, Director of Jennian Homes Franklin had been thinking about the structural implications of the updated H1 regulations when he met the Vent team.
Vince has been building homes in the Franklin region for 20 years, and his team have a scrupulous commitment to quality builds, not to mention, award-winning projects to their name.
Vince’s concerns about the lack of consideration for air flow within the new H1 standard had him onboard to trial Vent’s passive ventilation system – a cost effective, easy to install solution which allows airflow without compromising on air tightness or insulation rules.
The team chose a three bedroom, 2 bathroom design-and-build project to trial Vent’s products.
The Vent Passive Ventilation System for Jennian Homes.
With the help of the Vent team, a combination of a standard truss vent (G1200N) and a roll panel vent (G502) was recommended to ensure the new build could breathe. Future proofing against any potential mould or condensation issues within internal cavities by allowing airflow through the roof cavity.
H1 ensures buildings are fully insulated and more energy efficient by increasing the minimum requirement from 120mm to 180mm of insulation, and the G502 roll helps builders comply with NZS 4246:2016 ensuring a 20mm gap is maintained between the insulation and underlay.
Installing G502 on its own ensures builds are compliant. However, to create passive airflow and ensure the longevity of your build, G502 must be paired with the relevant roof or wall vents for a complete ventilation system.
Are Vent Products Easy to Use?
Vent systems are designed to fit within NZ’s building practices, making the installation process easy. Plus, we have several installation videos on our website to ensure nothing is missed, and Vince was impressed with how simple it was to install.
“Feedback from our builders has been positive, as they have found the products quick and easy to install,” explains Vince.
Vent integrates seamlessly into new builds and doesn’t usually need to be incorporated into existing planning specifications or require any consent updates. Our products are ideally specified at the planning stage but can also be retrofitted. Bonus, there is no maintenance required once a Vent system is installed.
Vent to be Rolled Out Across Jennian Homes Franklin.
The project trial was so successful, Vent will be implemented across all Jennian Homes Franklin projects as standard. Future proofing their customers against the risk of internal mould damage.
We offer a range of cost effective products to suit any roof pitch or design, talk to our team to find out what’s right for you, or visit any leading building supplier to check out the range in person.
We’re always happy to chat all things air flow.
Over Fascia Vent – G1200N
The Over Fascia Vent is designed to discreetly ensure a positive airflow of 10,000mm² per linear metre, into the roof space between the roof membrane and the fascia board. This product is ideal for new build and re-roofing situations.
The G1200N is specifically designed for trussed roofs with pitches >15°, the G1200N is designed with 4mm evenly spaced openings specifically sized to prohibit large insects gaining access but wide enough to prevent capillary action.
It is easy to install, discrete and compatible with timber or steel fascia.
Roll Panel Vent – G502
The Roll Panel is compatible with steel or timber framing and is designed to maintain a continuous 25mm air gap between the underside of the roofing membrane or sarking board and loft insulation at the eaves, ensuring compliance with NZS4246:2016.6.2.10.
The G502 castellated profile is laid across the top of the roof trusses/rafters parallel with the eaves level and is suitable for both new build and roof renovation projects. The extra width of the panel allows for better coverage when low pitch and deep insulation details are encountered.
The G502 can be used on all roof pitches when thicker insulation >120mm is being installed.