CIBSE TM52 Assessment Service
Our CIBSE TM52 overheating assessment consultants at Compliant EPC are able to work across the UK to assist your project, regardless of size. See also, our TM59 page.
Call us on 01623 573009 or email here: info@compliant-epc.co.uk
What is overheating in buildings?
Overheating in buildings refers to the state where the internal temperature of a building rises excessively, leading to discomfort and potential health risks for the occupants. It will occur when the heat gain within a building exceeds its ability to dissipate heat through natural ventilation or cooling systems. Which is where many of the distinct assessments we conduct for our clients have a symbiosis, such as air tightness tests.
Why are CIBSE TM52 Overheating Assessments Required
In recent times the risk of overheating in buildings has become more prevalent, as changing climates and global warming make controlling the required indoor climate of a building ever more problematic. Failing to mitigate the risk of overheating can lead to issues for occupants and the building itself.
- Health Risks – High temperatures can lead to discomfort, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and reduced productivity. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can also result in heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Structural Risks – Excessive heat can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to thermal stress and potential damage to building components such as walls, roofs, and foundations. In extreme cases, prolonged overheating can contribute to the degradation of structural integrity, affecting the long-term durability and safety of the building.
- Air Quality Reduction – As a by-product of the effects of overheating, inadequate ventilation systems in overheated buildings can lead to poor air circulation and accumulation of pollutants, compromising the indoor air quality and potentially causing respiratory issues or allergies.
What is the CIBSE TM52 Assessment
CIBSE TM52 Overheating Analysis has been created to assess these issue with a view to mitigating the problem through an efficient design, appropriate management and adequately sized HVAC equipment ensuring the longevity of a buildings design, use and function.
The aim is to ensure that the building maintains an optimal temperature throughout the colder winter months and doesn’t exceed excessively high temperatures throughout the summer months. The analysis is carried out by running full year dynamic simulations of a building, taking into account the building design and service strategy – Current and future weather data is used to assess the buildings indoor climate.
At Compliant EPC Ltd we use the most comprehensive software packages available and our assessors and consultants are trained and qualified to the highest possible standards (CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants | CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor: Level 5) to assess buildings by way of Dynamic Simulation Model.
The CIBSE TM52 Process
In order to produce a compliant CIBSE TM52 Thermal Comfort Analysis there are 3 criterion to assess. A building that fails two or more of the criteria is deemed to be at an unacceptable risk of overheating. The first item, which is known as criterion 1 is the mandatory item, which demands not more than 40 hours exceedance.
The 3 CIBSE TM52 Overheating Assessment Criteria:
1. Criterion 1: Hours of Exceedance
2. Criterion 2: Daily Weighted Exceedance
3. Criterion 3: Upper Limit Temperature
Source: Government guidelines for England and Wales
Why choose us for Thermal Comfort Analysis?
Through years of training and qualifications in the respective field, our experienced consultants have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of CIBSE TM52. We have worked on a wide range of projects from offices to schools, university building and hospitals. Using our enhanced software packages and advice we can guide you through the process, right from concept to completion ensuring that every building assessed will achieve a pass.
Get in touch
If you have a commercial building project anywhere in the UK, and are looking for a professional company to provide thermal comfort analysis, we can help. Give one of our friendly team a call today on 01623 573009 for more information and expert advice.