When did Trickle Vents become law? Approved Document F came into effect on the 15th of June 2022 in England and on the 23rd of November 2022 in Wales. All window and door installations from that date must comply with the new building regulations regarding trickle vents.
Trickle Vents and Building Regulations 2022
The Building Regulations Approved Document Part F was updated in June 2022. The focus was to improve ventilation in houses as buildings become more airtight.
What If I Don't Want Trickle Vents Fitted? The new building regulations state trickle vents will be required by law in the majority of situations. There are exemptions to the rule (eg listed buildings and conservation areas) and these should be discussed with your FENSA Approved Installer.
Trickle vents only need to be on if the previous window on had them , if you are replacing a window that doesn't have them on then the new one doesn't need to have them . New builds and extension windows will need to have them.
It is mandatory for windows and doors to have trickle vents, whether going into new openings or when replacing your old windows. The information around trickle vents is confusing; even some door and window installers may provide the wrong information.
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is a suitable alternative to getting trickle vents. It uses heat from outgoing air to warm up any incoming fresh air without compromising the quality.
The Disadvantages of Trickle Vents:
Trickle vents, particularly when open, can increase noise pollution in the home by creating an opening in the sealed window. Maintenance: All windows require regular maintenance throughout the year, particularly during Spring cleaning.
Yes, it is possible to retrofit trickle vents to existing windows, provided the top of the window frame is wide enough to accommodate them.
Trickle vents are so effective because they work constantly in the background without making the home uncomfortably cold. *Any reduction in the temperature of your home from a trickle vent is very marginal and unnoticeable.
Spiders don't wait for you to come home from work or the school pick-up and then stroll through the front door, hoping you won't see them. They're a little more ambitious. They'll come through open windows, trickle vents (the narrow plastic openings above windows used to control air flow) and exterior air bricks.
Another great benefit of them is that your security will not be compromised by having them open as you are able to close your windows. Keep your trickle vents open and they will reduce moisture buildup – they really do work. Our advice is to leave them fully open at all times.
Cost of Trickle Vents
Generally, depending on quality and features, they can range from £15 to £40 per vent. For through-frame, over-frame, or glazed-in options, the costs typically fall between £15 to £25 per window. Additionally, the cost may differ for new installations versus retrofitting an existing window.
They are your Trickle Vents and it's your home, so there is little stopping you from removing the inside cover, filling the holes with silicon, or any filler and replacing the cover. However, 5 Star do not advise blocking Trickle Vents, as simply closing them, takes any airflow to near zero.
New rules (after 15 June, 2022)
In line with the new rules, all windows and doors must be fitted with trickle vents, unless there is an alternative, dedicated ventilation system fitted.
Use your trickle vents
By leaving your trickle vents open during the summer, air can travel freely throughout the home without letting in the hot and humid air as well as keeping out those pesky flying insects.
Trickle vents are designed to allow a small amount of 'background' air circulation. This will assist in reducing condensation, damp and mould inside properties especially around windows as these are normally the coldest place in a room so therefore the first place that condensation will form.
The potential for trickle vents to cause heat loss is a common concern, but the amount of heat that trickle vents actually allow to pass through is very minimal, and doesn't enable a lot of heat to escape.
Lost Efficiency
Closing the vents doesn't do it any favors. In fact, instead of helping the air conditioner cool less, closed registers force the same amount of air through other ducts. This builds pressure in the system and makes your HVAC system work harder to distribute the air where you need it.
Do trickle vents let water in? Trickle vents are designed to allow a small, controlled airflow, but they are specifically designed to prevent the entry of water. The opening of the trickle vent is small enough to prevent the ingress of rainwater, while still allowing air to flow in and out of the room.
Passive wall vents are generally far superior to using window trickle vents. Two examples of wall vent products are shown here. There are many other options available. This system is a through wall system requiring a core drilled hole.
Trickle vents are designed to cut condensation, both on the inside of the windows, and on the walls. Older windows tend not to have trickle vents, but that doesn't mean you have to replace perfectly good glazing. You can retrofit trickle vents fairly easily, providing you're competent at DIY.
The result of this is that some sound will get through via these vents, even with double or triple glazed windows. While you'll still be able to enjoy a good level of sound proofing, it's important to remember that trickle vents will always let in some exterior noise.
No. Trickle vents have insect screens that prevent bugs and dirt from getting through. Should trickle vents be installed in commercial buildings? Background ventilation like trickle vents are required in commercial spaces.
Night-vent or night-latch positions – where the window is held slightly ajar by the handle – are a security risk. Windows should be fully closed when a house is unoccupied. Trickle vents are a secure form of ventilation and can be left open even when you are on holiday.
For a start, not all windows or doors have them – but even if yours do, you may not give them much thought. They're generally unobtrusive and often located at the top of the frame. However, recent changes to legislation mean that trickle vents are now something everyone fitting new windows or doors has to consider.