These days, properties being too warm is as much of a problem as them being too cold. Assessment Hive can provide a house overheating assessment report in London and across the UK. Here we look at the reasons behind the rising temperatures, why it’s a problem, and how we can help developers, architects and occupants comply with the rules and regulations which have been brought in.
Warmer Weather…
The increased use of greenhouse gases has contributed to the phenomenon known as global warming – although there are some sceptics who still have doubts about the science.
In the UK, however, the Met Office reports that the most recent decade (2014-2023) has been on average 0.42°C warmer than the 1991-2020 average and 1.25°C warmer than 1961-1990. This is broadly in line with global temperature changes over land. This additional heat can contribute to the need for an overheating assessment.
..and The Modern Environment
This problem of high building temperatures has been exacerbated by the built environment, particularly in urban areas. The increased use of hard, impervious surfaces such as roads, paved areas and rooftops – rather than natural surfaces – all add to the air temperature.
The increased use of modern electrical appliances such as dishwashers, tumble driers, and even computers and laptops all generate heat as well – as does any human activity.
However, overheating can cause some serious health problems, particularly in the elderly or young children. The summer heatwave of 2003 led to an increase of 2,000 deaths across the UK due to heat exposure, and this figure is predicted to rise even higher in future.
The Increased Energy Efficiency of New-Builds
Modern homes – although this also applies to older or period homes which have been modernised – have been built with energy efficiency in mind. This includes many different forms of insulation, including cavity wall, solid wall, floor and loft insulation. Materials such as mineral wool and other fibres all help reduce heat losses.
Tighter rules around Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) mean that this trend of cutting back on heat losses is likely to continue. (At Assessment Hive we can also compile new-build SAP EPCs for properties across the UK).
Double and Triple Glazing
Almost a fifth of the heat loss in every home is down to warm air escaping through the windows. However, most homes in the UK are now fitted with double glazing (around 93% according to the Government’s own figures).
Triple glazing is on the rise as well. Although the numbers of homes involved here are much smaller, an extra layer of glazing may become necessary in new-builds as part of the UK’s Future Homes Standard.
Whatever glazing is used, it does mean that properties can get hot very quickly, particularly if the home’s windows are south-facing. Solar radiation not only heats up internal surfaces, but glazed windows also reduce heat loss through conduction.
Regulatory Compliance
All of these above factors mean that the idea of encouraging heat loss in certain circumstances has now been enshrined in UK design legislation. Part O of the 2021 Building Regulations is aimed at limiting unwanted solar gain in any new property, and to provide any occupants with a means of removing excess heat from inside it, particularly during the summer months.
There are two methods of achieving compliance with Part O – a Simplified Method and a Dynamic Thermal Modelling Method. The former is less complex and takes into consideration window sizes, free area of openings, orientation, building location and cross- ventilation.
For more complex projects, or where the property has failed to demonstrate compliance using the above method, dynamic thermal modelling may be required. This involves assessing any internal heating issues on a room-by-room basis. Ideally, this should be carried out at the design stage so that any necessary modifications can be incorporated into the construction process.
Part O applies to all new residential buildings in England and Wales, including schools and other properties where people sleep on the premises, as well as multi-use residential buildings (such as student accommodation).
House Overheating Assessment Reports in London from Assessment Hive
At Assessment Hive, we use both Simplified and Dynamic Thermal Modelling methods to produce our overheating assessment reports. We aim to arrange an appointment within three to five working days, and we will need a full set of plans of the property to proceed. For more information, follow this link or call us on 020 3745 1093. You can also email us at [email protected].
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