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Everything you need to know about trickle vents

Thinking of having replacement windows or doors fitted? If so, there are a few things you need to know about trickle vents and the new regulations that require the majority of replacement windows and doors to be fitted with them.

This is actually good news for homeowners, as the new regulations have been put in place to ensure that your home has adequate background ventilation, an important, as with insufficient ventilation, excess condensation build up could otherwise cause damage to the structure of your property. 

What are trickle vents?

The clue is in the name. Trickle vents are designed to allow fresh air to trickle into the house and circulate, whilst letting stale, polluted air out.

With steeply rising energy costs, improved home insulation has become a priority in recent years. As a result, windows and doors have been designed to keep out the cold whilst keeping the warmth in.

The inevitable result has been a lack of ventilation where harmful pollutants and moisture can remain trapped in the air you breathe, along with other problems caused by condensation and mould that can cause respiratory problems.  

Trickle vents provide permanent ventilation and improved air quality, besides being a draught-free and more secure way to create a healthier and more comfortable living space than simply opening a window.

When did trickle vents become law?

The new regulations affecting trickle vents came into effect on 15th June 2022 in England, and on the 23rd of November 2022 in Wales.

From these dates, all new window and door installations must have been fitted with trickle vents to comply with Approved Document F of the Building Regulations covering Background Ventilation. This is to ensure every home receives adequate ventilation through trickle vents positioned in the upper frame of a window or door.

Your installer will be responsible for ensuring that your replacement windows and doors comply with Approved Document F regardless of the date on which the contract was signed.

What if I don’t want trickle vents fitted?

Since the new building regulations came into force, trickle vents are in fact required by law in most cases where replacement windows are to be installed.

There are cases where exemptions do exist, however, such as for listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. If these apply in your case, you should speak to your installer to find out what exactly what kind of trickle vents will be required.

In the government’s guide on ventilation in homes, it’s recommended that to ensure the ventilation in your building works as well as possible, you should always leave trickle vents open and unblocked.

You are also advised, where possible, to leave doors between rooms open to ensure cross-ventilation and further improve the amount of fresh air drawn into the building.

Residence Collection’s new trickle vent cover

On a final note, if you’re concerned that trickle vents might spoil the appearance of your new windows and doors – the answer is Residence Collection.

The Residence Collection’s new trickle vent cover conveniently hides the trickle vent from view so the stunning finish of the windows and doors is not compromised. The trickle vent cover also acts as a head drip to divert water away.

Discrete, in a choice of colours to match your chosen windows or doors, Residence Collection’s trickle vents are specifically designed to fit with The Residence Collection’s R9, R7, R2 window collections and the aluminium cover is available in a range of finishes to match the window’s main profile, including powder coated and foil finish, to ensure they are as hidden and concealed as possible.

The trickle vent cover is available to all of our installers, ensuring that your windows are as visually appealing as they are practical.