When there are changes to the official Building Regulations, it’s important to take note. Since June 15th, a significant change meant that all new and replacement windows must have trickle vents.
It’s likely you may not be familiar with trickle vents if you’re not an expert in home improvement, so we’ve written this blog to help you understand what they are and why they’re needed.
About Trickle Vents
Fortunately, windows and doors are much more energy efficient than they once were, which helps keep our energy bills down and enables us to experience a draught-free home.
In winter, it’s our windows job to trap heat inside and prevent the cold air from getting into our homes.
The issue is that this results in less ventilation within the home which can be a cause of dampness. Not only is damp unsightly, but it can also trigger health problems in some people. Therefore, it is important that trickle vents are fitted within windows to allow for ventilation when they are closed.
The trickle vent is a small hole in the winter that will generate better air quality by reducing pollutants in your home.
If you choose a reputable company to replace your windows, like Pennine, the installers should check that the new windows comply with the new Building Regulations regarding the need for trickle vents. They should also advise on the ideal type of trickle vents for the particular windows you are getting installed.
Every new window needs to be installed with trickle vents unless it is within a building with heat recovery systems, in certain Listed Buildings or in a home in a Conservation Area.
If your old windows have vents currently, the new trickle vents will need to perform just as well as the existing vents or better.
As this is a legal requirement, failure to comply would likely hinder the sale of your home in the future. It could also negatively impact your health without the correct levels of ventilation in your home. It’s important to receive and keep a completion certificate once the work is finished.
All our replacement windows comply with the new regulations regarding trickle vents. Request a call back to discuss further.