Stroma Built Environment’s experienced Part F ventilation assessors can guide you through your legal responsibilities, identify potential issues early on, and ensure your ventilation systems are up to standard with minimal disruption to your projects.
Expert Part F Ventilation Testing and Consultancy
Modern buildings are increasingly airtight to meet energy efficiency standards under Part L. While this reduces heat loss, it also restricts natural airflow, making properly functioning mechanical ventilation systems critical for:
- Indoor air quality – Removing airborne pollutants, excess humidity, and CO₂
- Occupant health and comfort – Preventing mould growth, condensation, and respiratory issues
- Building longevity – Protecting building fabric from moisture damage
- Regulatory compliance – Meeting Building Control requirements for Building Regulations Part F
At Stroma Built Environment, we provide professional Part F ventilation testing and consultancy fully aligned with Building Regulations Part F 2021, helping you verify that ventilation systems are performing as designed and meeting regulatory requirements for indoor air quality.
Our Part F Ventilation Testing Service
Using approved methods, including pressure testing, smoke testing, and thermographic surveys, we deliver rapid, highly accurate results and reports to help you achieve your ventilation targets and ensure compliance with Building Regulations Part F. Our service includes:
Building Regulations Part F – Ventilation Requirements
Building Regulations Part F provides essential guidance on ventilation standards for both domestic and non-domestic buildings. Ventilation testing is mandatory to verify compliance with these standards.
Updated Requirements Since June 2022: Part F 2021 came into effect on 15th June 2022 alongside Part L changes, introducing stricter ventilation requirements:
- Increased whole dwelling ventilation rates – Minimum 13 l/s for one-bedroom dwellings, scaling up with bedroom count
- Higher bedroom extract rates – 6 l/s increase in minimum airflow to each bedroom to address concerns about inadequate ventilation when doors are closed
- Stricter mechanical ventilation requirements – Recognised as most effective for modern, airtight properties
- Minimum continuous ventilation – 0.3 l/s per m² of internal floor area
Why this matters: As buildings become more airtight to meet Part L energy efficiency targets (reduced from 10 to 8 m³ per h·m²), adequate mechanical ventilation is essential to maintain indoor air quality and occupant health. Part F testing verifies that ventilation systems deliver the fresh air buildings need.
Choose Stroma for Building Regs Part F Investigations
Stroma can support your project from early design stages, right through construction, to final testing for compliance. We recommend involving our team during planning to improve your chances of passing Part F testing the first time.
Our Part F ventilation testing services can be undertaken at the same time as many of our airtightness and acoustic assessments, helping you save both time and money. All our ventilation tests are carried out by certified assessors using UKAS-calibrated equipment.
What Sets Us Apart
With over 20 years' experience in building performance testing, Stroma understands the critical relationship between air tightness and ventilation. Our engineers combine technical expertise with practical knowledge to deliver accurate, reliable results.
- Nationwide Coverage: A UK-wide network of Part F ventilation assessors and airtightness specialists, supporting projects of all sizes and schedules.
- Comprehensive Service: End-to-end support including testing, commissioning, verification, and expert consultancy.
- Compliance & Reporting: Accurate results with rapid reporting, helping you meet Part F requirements and submit to Building Control on time.
- Integrated Approach: Coordinated ventilation and air permeability testing for a complete view of building performance.
- Dedicated Support: Clear communication and a smooth, hassle-free process from start to finish.
Partner with Stroma for Expert Part F Ventilation Testing and Building Regulations Compliance. Get in touch with our team today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Part F of the Building Regulations?
Part F of the Building Regulations sets out the ventilation requirements needed to maintain good indoor air quality in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. It covers the design, performance, installation, and maintenance of natural and mechanical ventilation systems to ensure safe and comfortable living environments.
The regulations specify minimum ventilation levels, requiring either purge ventilation or mechanical extract systems. Less airtight spaces can rely on natural ventilation methods like background ventilators or trickle vents, while more airtight buildings must use mechanical ventilation. Specific requirements also apply to kitchens and bathrooms, which need adequate extract ventilation.
Part F also addresses window replacements, ensuring that existing trickle vents are maintained or that any changes do not reduce overall ventilation performance. Compliance is typically verified through Part F ventilation testing, helping to prevent issues such as condensation, mould, and poor air quality.
What ventilation systems can Stroma Built Environment test?
We test all ventilation system types specified under Part F 2021, including:
1. Intermittent extract with background ventilators:
- Extract fans in wet rooms with trickle vents in habitable rooms
- Testing: Extract rates, background ventilator sizing verification
2. Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV):
- Individual room continuous extract fans (decentralised MEV)
- Testing: Continuous and boost extract rates, whole-dwelling ventilation verification
3. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR):
- Whole-house systems extracting from wet rooms and supplying to habitable rooms
- Testing: Extract and supply rates, ductwork design verification, system balance
4. Other systems (with expert verification):
- Passive Input Ventilation (PIV)
- Passive stack ventilation
- Natural ventilation (for properties with air permeability > 5m³ per h·m²
Can Part F testing be carried out with air permeability testing?
Yes, Part F and Part L testing work hand in hand. As one of the UK's largest air testing providers, we can coordinate both services efficiently:
- Combined site visits – Complete air permeability and ventilation testing in a single mobilisation
- Holistic building performance assessment – Understanding how air tightness impacts ventilation requirements
- Streamlined reporting – Single point of contact for all Building Control documentation
- Expert advice – 20+ years of experience in building envelope performance
What information do you need to complete Part F testing?
To complete Part F testing, we require the following:
- Floor plans of the property
- Details of the ventilation system (including design and plans)
- Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations
- Ventilation systems must be installed and fully operational
How do I avoid failing Part F ventilation testing?
There are several steps you can take to help prevent failing Part F ventilation testing, including:
- Avoid sharp bends or long runs in your ductwork
- Don’t kink or squash flexible ducts to fit tight spaces
- Ensure ducts aren’t excessively long to maintain efficiency
- Properly seal joints and insulate ducts to prevent air leaks
- Inspect and maintain ducts to keep them clear and in good condition