Windows / trickle vents letting in cold

[juggsy]

Our 3.5 year old house has trickle vents on every window, which let in a huge amount of cold air even when closed. As I type this I can feel a draught from the window I'm sitting next to, despite both window and vent being closed. We're also quite exposed on windy days which doesn't help matters.

I understand the need for these so don't want to block them up, but want to replace them with something which seal better so I can control more effectively when cold/windy outside. Anyone have any thoughts? We have these if it helps, I assume cheapo ones house builders install:

[juggsy]

iambigred said:

Following as I am interested in this too. I have the same issue with my ~11 year old 'new build' house windows. On mine the draught seems to come through the join between the vent and the window, not the vents themselves.

Perhaps there is a gasket or seal that could go in this area to prevent this. I had thought about sealing them with some silicone sealant.

If you take a look at my picture I've done exactly that and sealed the gap between window and vent. However I can feel the draught coming from between the vent cover.

[juggsy]

Wozy68 said:

Sealing up a house is not the way to make a house better for human habitation imo.

Agreed and hence my original question to replace with better quality rather than seal up the vents. There are certain elevations of the house far more exposed to the elements and thus on very cold/windy days I'd like a proper seal, and open them when conditions allow. Otherwise on some days the windows may as well be open!

[juggsy]

lj04 said:

I know the reason they are specified, but if people are going to seal them up during winter. What is the point. I have never seen one left open.

I can understand the point in theory, they’re a source of ventilation and air circulation to prevent moisture build up, mould etc. A lot of the year that’s fine, but for me in practice I’d like the option of closing them for rooms on the sides of the house more exposed to wind, particularly on cold days, as they make those rooms much colder and draughtier.

I can close them, but they may as well be open for all the good the shutters on them are.