Trickle vents

[bmwmike]

I've had a gander at what regs I can find but wonder if anyone here knows for sure. For new uPVC windows which now require trickle vents is there any guidance on max number per room?

I've had new windows fitted in the summer and due to having four windows in my bays, I am the lucky owner of four trickle vents in each of my front rooms. This seems excessive.

I've asked the window firm and they said "it's the regs".

Anyone know for sure please ?

Due to the noise and drafts I'm going to seal up 3 of them as I'm not a complete dullard and quite capable of opening a window when it's needed. However if I can get the sashes replaced for ones without trickles that would be even better.

Thanks

[cliffords]

I am in similar position. When I had a look at the new regs this summer, I recall it was a trickle vent in each opening window . How are you thinking of closing them up ?

[tux850]

I'm not an expert so probably prudent to wait for someone who is, but looking at the regs it is not an issue of number of trickle vents (with such vents being a recognised form of providing 'background ventilation') but rather equivalent area of them. Hence, relatively speaking, you could have many that are small, or few that are large, if you see what I mean. What matters is the total equivalent area on a room-by-room basis. Table 1.7 (pg 15) in the linked document appears to quantify what's required for different room types, but I suspect it ought to be read in context with the wider document to properly understand it. Paras 3.14-3.16 might be particularly relevant as they cover replacement windows specifically.

Edited by tux850 on Tuesday 21st November 20:44

[covmutley]

I understand they can do them without trickle vents, but then can't issue the fensa certificate? How long are you staying in the house?

[finlo]

Remove the vent tape over the slot refit the vent job jobbed.

[bmwmike]

finlo said:

Remove the vent tape over the slot refit the vent job jobbed.

That's sort of what I'm going to do - gorilla tape intern and external sides, and acoustic foam or insulation in between.

[bmwmike]

tux850 said:

I'm not an expert so probably prudent to wait for someone who is, but looking at the regs it is not an issue of number of trickle vents (with such vents being a recognised form of providing 'background ventilation') but rather equivalent area of them. Hence, relatively speaking, you could have many that are small, or few that are large, if you see what I mean. What matters is the total equivalent area on a room-by-room basis. Table 1.7 (pg 15) in the linked document appears to quantify what's required for different room types, but I suspect it ought to be read in context with the wider document to properly understand it. Paras 3.14-3.16 might be particularly relevant as they cover replacement windows specifically.

Edited by tux850 on Tuesday 21st November 20:44

Thanks will take a look. I would be onboard with it if anyone had actually done some calcs but the two rooms have x4 windows each forming a bay but the windows arrived onsite with the vents installed. Fitter said he has no choice and they won't let them out of the factory. All the vents are identical (crap plastic kind) and the sashes have been routed very roughly. They are not sleeved and there was definitely not consideration of flow rates.

These windows are already installed if it wasn't clear. I just am not happy with the thermal or accoustic performance. The old windows were quieter and warmer, so it feels at least.

[bmwmike]

tux850 said:

I'm not an expert so probably prudent to wait for someone who is, but looking at the regs it is not an issue of number of trickle vents (with such vents being a recognised form of providing 'background ventilation') but rather equivalent area of them. Hence, relatively speaking, you could have many that are small, or few that are large, if you see what I mean. What matters is the total equivalent area on a room-by-room basis. Table 1.7 (pg 15) in the linked document appears to quantify what's required for different room types, but I suspect it ought to be read in context with the wider document to properly understand it. Paras 3.14-3.16 might be particularly relevant as they cover replacement windows specifically.

Edited by tux850 on Tuesday 21st November 20:44

Wish I'd checked that doc before going ahead with the windows - looks like alternative ventilation methods are acceptable.

So a single vent like one of these approx 400mm is 4000mm2, I've got four of them.

https://www.titon.com/uk/products/window-door-hard...

regs said:

Incorporating background ventilators in the replacement windows equivalent to the following.

i. Habitable rooms – minimum 8000mm2 equivalent area.

clearly 2x is excessive but not massively excessive.

Having an extension early next year and lots of windows so I'll be clued for then at least.

Thanks all.

Edited as I linked the wrong vent which was 1m = 10,000mm2.

Edited by bmwmike on Tuesday 21st November 22:09