If you’re a homeowner or landlord looking to replace windows in your property, then chances are you’re wondering if you might need trickle vents installed too. A trickle vent is a common feature in modern doors and windows, helping to improve airflow in rooms with ongoing background ventilation. While it was previously an optional addition for new windows, recent government legislation means that trickle vents in windows are now required for most properties.
If you’re unsure whether you need trickle vents for new windows, our handy guide is here to help answer common questions you might have around these ventilation systems. Locks & Handles is a leading provider of trickle vent installations across the UK and has provided us with some expert advice to help find the perfect solution for your needs.
What is a Trickle Vent?
A trickle vent is an adjustable ventilation system that is integrated into the frame of modern windows and doors. The vents provide a constant trickle of airflow from the outside into the room to provide an ongoing source of background ventilation. By providing a steady flow of air inside, trickle vents help to improve overall air quality and prevent condensation buildups in rooms.
Because window vents lower condensation levels, they reduce moisture in the air that could otherwise cause damp and mould to develop. This is especially important in modern properties that are becoming more airtight, which can increase the risk of condensation build-ups that lead to dampness and mould.
Given the adverse impact that mould has on our health, trickle vents are essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and controlling moisture in our homes with ongoing background ventilation. They can also help to boost home security by providing ventilation without needing to leave windows open, while their adjustable vent slats allow you to increase or reduce the airflow for each room as needed.
When are you Required to Have a Trickle Vent?
The UK government made changes to the Building Regulations Approved Document Part F in 2022 with the goal of improving air ventilation in properties across the country. New build homes are becoming increasingly insulated and airtight to help with energy efficiency, which has unfortunately caused higher build-ups of moisture that lead to condensation, damp, and mould.
As a result, it’s now legally required for new build properties to have trickle vents on windows to ensure there is sufficient air quality and to eliminate condensation build-ups. It’s not just new build properties that require window vents, though. If you’re replacing old windows that have window vents, their replacements must also have vents of at least the same size as the original.
What about if you’re replacing windows without trickle vents? You’ll need to show that replacement windows aren’t making ventilation worse. That said, as most modern windows are much more insulated than their older counterparts, they are likely to make the property more airtight, so they usually have trickle vents integrated into the frame to meet requirements.
When are Trickle Vents Not Required?
Despite it being legally required for most new window replacements to have trickle vents installed, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Homes and properties that are designated as listed buildings or are in conservation areas typically do not need window vents installed to help preserve the historic character of the building, which could be compromised when installing new windows with trickle vents.
Properties that are equipped with a dedicated ventilation system, such as a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, are also not legally required to have tickle vents in windows. An MVHR system keeps a home airtight while providing mechanical ventilation, meaning that vents are unnecessary to improve air quality.
Conclusion: Final Advice Before Installing Trickle Vents for Windows
If you’re adding new windows to a property, then chances are they’ll need integrated trickle vents to provide adequate background ventilation. Should the windows you’re replacing already have vents, then your replacement windows must have trickle vents that are at least the same size. While it is possible to install trickle vents onto current windows, it’s highly advised that you seek professional window fitting where the vent is already integrated into the frame for the best results.
