What are Trickle Vents? And why should you install them?

23 February 2022

Update: The regulations for the requirement of Trickle Vents is changing. All replacement windows and doors in new-build and non new-build homes must incorporate Trickle Vents from the 15th June 2022 if there is no backgound ventilation installed.

Modern windows are more airtight than ever before with huge advancements in draught-proofing over the past decade meaning modern windows are more energy-efficient. While this is especially great in the current climate with the ever-increasing cost of energy bills, a completely airtight home isn't ideal, with moisture and poor air quality from cooking, germs, bacteria, and recycled air potentially causing an unhealthy living environment.

So what is the solution? Trickle Vents.

It's important to understand that a well-ventilated home will maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment for the occupants. And installing trickle vents into your windows is one of the most energy-efficient, cost-effective, and secure ways of ventilating your home.

At SDH, we stock a huge variety of window Trickle Vents that will ensure your home is well ventilated and free from pollutants.

What is a Trickle Vent?

A trickle vent is a small slot normally located above a window or door that allows for a small amount of ventilation in the home when the windows and doors are closed. Their purpose is to provide continuous and discreet background ventilation, allowing fresh air into the home at all times when left open; minimising poor ventilation and reducing issues such as condensation and mould build-up.

As we try to keep the warm air in our homes, the use of trickle vents has become important in ensuring that we minimise the number of pollutants such as germs, bacteria, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide inside the home. Permitting a small amount of air to flow from one side of the window to the other, trickle vents allow you to benefit from fresh air without opening your windows or doors, reducing the harbouring of germs and bacteria throughout the property.

When fitted in alongside a canopy or grille, the trickle vents installed on your windows will allow for sufficient airflow throughout your home, allowing for a healthy living environment for you and your family.

The benefits of installing Trickle Vents:

Without proper ventilation, the air in your home will become stale and potentially smell from recycled air and pollutants. By installing vents into your windows, you can remove stale air and unwanted smells, resulting in a fresh and well-ventilated home.

Condensation, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide are background air pollutants that can cause health problems, mould growth, and damage to internal surfaces.

Mould and condensation are common in homes with poor ventilation. Not only can mould or condensation damage your decor but potentially cause life-threatening health problems for those that suffer from allergies and respiratory diseases such as asthma. To avoid mould, condensation, and dampness throughout your home; it's advised to install trickle vents in your windows to allow air to circulate freely; creating a healthy living environment.

Windows are seen as an easy access point for entry to burglars, and a great benefit to installing trickle vents in your windows is that it allows you to ventilate your home 24/7 without compromising security. You can simply open the vent and the air will continue to circulate even when you're not home, meaning there's no need to leave windows unlocked and open to allow for airflow.

You don't want to be buying an expensive ventilation system for your home, not only will this set you back a huge deal to purchase but running such a system will continue to cost you. By installing trickle vents, you are adding a cost-effective solution to ventilation with no ongoing electricity costs, so once they're installed, they work their magic for free!

If you live in a busy area, the last thing you want to be doing is opening your windows to allow air circulation. Not only will this cause the warm air to escape, but it'll create unnecessary noise pollution in your home. Trickle vents ensure your home can get the fresh air it needs with reduced noise from outside meaning you can enjoy peace, quiet, and warmth 24/7.

​Is it essential to have Trickle Vents?

It depends on the windows installed in your home and the type of home you live. Currently trickle vents are not mandatory in existing properties unless the current windows have them, however, it's highly recommended to install them when replacing any window that they’re not already installed on.

At the moment, if you live in a new build property, the Building Regulations Approved Document F states that 'there shall be adequate means of ventilation provided for people in the building' and it is now a legal requirement under building regulations that the windows are to be installed with effective trickle vents.

BUT...as of the 15th June 2022 the regulations are changing. From this date ALL replacement windows regardless of whether you home is a new build or not should be fitted with trickle vents regardless of whether the windows being replaced had vents in them or not, if no background ventilation alternative is being installed.

​If your home suffers from a build-up of condensation and your windows don't have vents installed, it is worth considering installing new windows with trickle vents included as this will increase the ventilation throughout your home and reduce the chance of recurring condensation.

An important point to consider when replacing the vents in your home is that you must ensure the replacement vent is no smaller than the vent already in place.

Our extensive range of aluminium and plastic Trickle Vents, canopies, and grilles from leading manufacturer, Titon, will provide your home with optimum ventilation when fitted on timber, uPVC, or aluminium windows. Available in a range of designs, sizes, and colours, there's a trickle vent and canopy to suit your home while not compromising on aesthetics and security.

If you need help choosing the correct vent for your windows, contact our friendly sales team who will be happy to assist you and source the correct trickle vent for your needs.