Trickle vents in windows- yes or no?
Discussion
It's OK not to have trickle vents if the property is otherwise well ventilated or it is possible to have the windows open a lot. But if it isn't, or the occupiers cannot be bothered, trickle vents are important. We do largely seal up properties nowadays so ventilation needs to be introduced to vent pollutants.
As some of the comments above demonstrate, many people are ignorant of the importance of ventilation. Even when they experience the symptoms of poor ventilation, for example black spot mould, they still refuse to believe that air flow (or lack thereof) is the main cause. We have fitted non-closeable vents in one property where they claimed that they always had windows open (except when we visited) and yet were complaining about condensation. Since the vents there have been no more complaints.
So, trickle vents, definitely. Unless you can introduce a mechanism by which windows can be left ajar without compromising security.
As some of the comments above demonstrate, many people are ignorant of the importance of ventilation. Even when they experience the symptoms of poor ventilation, for example black spot mould, they still refuse to believe that air flow (or lack thereof) is the main cause. We have fitted non-closeable vents in one property where they claimed that they always had windows open (except when we visited) and yet were complaining about condensation. Since the vents there have been no more complaints.
So, trickle vents, definitely. Unless you can introduce a mechanism by which windows can be left ajar without compromising security.
Thought these were now a requirement for new builds/extensions - and believe al new windows have to have either fensa cetificate or building regulation certificate if property is sold. Suggest you check out before replacing unless you could say they were in before Fensa regs came in(2006 I think)
In my experience trickle vents do let quite a lot of noise into the room. We used to live on a street with a pub at the end of the road, every friday night we'd get woken by voices of those walking home.....Until I sealed the trickle vents from both sides with silicone sealant.
During the day we always had a fanlight open though so ventilation wasnt an issue.
During the day we always had a fanlight open though so ventilation wasnt an issue.
dvs_dave said:
The key is knowing where the "holes" are, that way you have control of them. Good ventilation is far from ridiculous, rather completely necessary.
+ 1. You will end up with mould/condensation problems and stale air unless you have openings in a modern building. Very unhealthy living conditions.
Wozy68 said:
Only an absolute fool would not have ventilation within the room, especially if the windows are double glazed
Not always true. In my old place on the 5th floor trickle vents led to a permanent whistling because the block was the only one for miles so got battered by the wind. They went. Much better. Assuming that is not something that affects the OP, if you don't have TV's then you just have to open the windows, simple as that, or you will likely get condensation and mould, and just clearing up water from the glass/ surrounds in the mornings is not ususally sufficient to prevent it. No need for crazy complex systems, just accept windows need to be opened, even when it's bloody cold outside!
There are trickle vents in all the new aluminium windows in my place.
They have plastic sliders to cover them off which I do when it's particularly cold.
Otherwise they're open.
As others have said they are a handy and secure way of venting a house - especially one like mine which, after my last drafty Victorian house, seems to be hermetically sealed (new windows all round, new roof, tons of insulation everywhere, etc)
They have plastic sliders to cover them off which I do when it's particularly cold.
Otherwise they're open.
As others have said they are a handy and secure way of venting a house - especially one like mine which, after my last drafty Victorian house, seems to be hermetically sealed (new windows all round, new roof, tons of insulation everywhere, etc)
Without wading through the full regs. and diktats, I'm not sure if this summary is the latest info., but it can't be far off.
http://www.glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilati...
http://www.glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilati...
Ventilation is very important.
We have a number of rented properties and tenants just don't "get" ventilation. I have just got back from one that is wringing wet with condensation, all the UPVC windows and doors tightly shut. The tenant runs a second hand clothes business from home; washing and drying all the clothes indoors on the radiators.
They swear blind that they always have the windows open. Except on the occasions when I visit obviously. If they keep doing it I will install trickle vents that cannot be closed.
I've got vents fitted to all my windows, I never have any problems with condensation.They can be closed in really cold weather, well worth having IMO.The last time I spoke to a building inspector about them he said they are mandatory in new builds, but windows fitted with a handle/lock that has a vent position can also be allowed.
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