Trickle vents in replacement windows

[David Hearn]

When we had some windows replaced about 7 years ago, they didn't come with trickle vents (BTW, I don't mean night vent locking position feature). We like this as it seems bizarre to buy new energy efficient windows and then drill holes in them to let cold air in. A friend got some around the same time (from Anglian) which did have them - I've no idea if they were requested.

Anyway, we're due to get some more replaced soon, and I wondered what the current position was regarding trickle vents. I'm aware they're there to avoid damp, but the existing windows we have (old aluminium double glazed windows without a thermal break) are airtight and we don't have damp problems in rooms. The only problem we have with the windows is they get covered in condensation because of the lack of thermal break. This is one of the reasons we're replacing them.

So, do people see trickle vents as necessary, ideal, waste of time, legally required? If we want some air in, we can open the window a little.

Thanks

David

[Huge]

We've had a number of windows repklaced in the last couple of years. No trickle vents on any of them. Stupid, pointless, ugly things.

[Peter Johnson]

I've been puzzling over this recently. None of the 20-year-old windows that I inherited with this house had vents but the patio door had a fake one. When I had this replaced by french doors nearly three years ago the d/g surveyor insisted on a vent although the salesman thought the size of the room made it unneccessary. Two windows installed in my extension during construction last year have vents. None of the remaining windows that I had replaced in January have them. It could be a question of replacing like with like, I don't know, but vents weren't mentioned at all and I never thought about them until after the job was finished. Being thin plastic vents can't do much for the thermal efficiency of the windows.

[John Rumm]

Possibly out of date, but I did check with our BCO when I did our loft conversion, and he would have been happy with the two position lock instead of the trickle vent...

[dom]

Yes, it's still the case that a locked-partially-open position is an acceptable alternative to trickle vents.

However building regs do insist on some of permanent background ventilation.

That can be a whole-house ventilation system, ventilation bricks, or window trickle vents.

There's a formula for the vent minimum area based, based on floor area of the room, but can't recall the % right now.

[David Hearn]

Is that the case for window replacement (if the existing windows do not have any permanent background ventilation), or just for new builds/extensions/conversions etc?

D

[Ian Jackson]

In message , " [e-mail]" writes

Two years ago, I had a very small 'lean-to' extension built off the back of the kitchen. It is only 2.3m x 2.3m internally, and is divided by a wall+door into a toilet+shower, and a utility room. [Some would say a 'utility cupboard'!]

There are three windows (all two-position locking) and, after delivery, the builder 'retro-fitted' trickle vent kits to all three. "New building regulations" was his explanation.

There are also two extraction fans and vents. One is in the toilet+shower part (which I expected), and another in the utility room part (which I didn't - "building regulations" again).

Needless to say, the trickle vents have never been opened in anger!

[Andrew Gabriel]

Yes, 9 years ago when mine were done, trickle vents were required on any windows which couldn't be locked in crack-open position (which would only have been patio doors, except I didn't have any;-)

Trickle vents can be closed when you don't want the ventilation.

[Skipweasel]

I'd like some. At worst I could always close them, but sometimes it'd be nice to have just a bit of air without having the window open. It's usually open all night unless it's very windy - don't mind the cold, but not keen on the breezes.

[fred]

In article , David Hearn writes

I'm afraid the need for background ventilation is re-assessed on window replacement and it makes no difference if the old ones had it or not.

Be aware though that you are not required to use window trickle vents if you have other means of background ventilation. Window installers normally wont be aware of this option so may need some persuasion to comply with your wishes.

[David Robinson]

...but AFAIK a BCO won't be involved when windows are replaced without other building work, and DG companies will provide whatever you ask for.

Cheers, David.