Trickle vents - good or not?

cognitiveghost

Hi,

I'm getting double glazing replaced in my house, and was advised by a relative to get trickle vents added to help ventilation as we have a slight damp/condensation problem. However when I mentioned them to the window company they said they would add them, though usually they wouldn't unless they were already there in the old windows. They indicated that it was a bit silly to get brand new windows and then drill a hole in them. Which makes sense!

I can't leave the windows open during the day as not in the house and there's been some burglaries, so just wondering if anyone has any experience/knowledge of trickle vents?

Thanks

wallbash

I think the question should be , how many times do you open/shut your vents.
In our case they are permanently closed.

iamcornholio

People see condensation on single glazing, and then think that when they have double glazing it will go away.

In fact, just because the condensation is no longer forming on the new glass, does not mean it has gone away - it merely settles on other parts of the structure ... such as cold corners or floors. Then it is harder to see and to deal with the subsequent mould

Also, as the new windows tend to seal air in, then you get a load of stale smelly air - especially in bedrooms overnight

So you will be better off having ventilation in the new windows.

Current building regulations would require ventilation to either windows or walls. And whilst this would not apply to replacement windows, it is a sign of good practice.

A good replacement window firm should be recommending them or fitting them as standard, not as an option

leveller2911

Hi OP, I make windows for a living and trickle vents are NOT compulsory in building regs.Building inspectors can't insist on having them installed.

My personal view is the same as Wallbash 99% of people keep them shut.My advice is not to bother with them and when you do get a bit of condensation fron cooking in the kitchen just open a window .Many window fasteners have two locking positions ,one shut and the other a night vent.... PS your window guys are right, why make windows with draught excluders and double glazing only to make them draughty with a vent.......

cognitiveghost

Thanks all. I'll give them a ring back tomorrow now that I know what I'm talking about more. Think I prefer the thought of a window fastener with two locking positions, sounds like it would do the same job without the drilled hole...

leveller2911

cognitiveghost wrote: »

Thanks all. I'll give them a ring back tomorrow now that I know what I'm talking about more. Think I prefer the thought of a window fastener with two locking positions, sounds like it would do the same job without the drilled hole...

There is a limited choice though;)...

27col

I've got no vents and no condensation. I have never seen the slightest trace of mould either, on windows or walls, as far as I'm concerned there are enough changes of air just by coming in and going out. All vents do is to ensure that cold air can enter the house and what I am trying to do, is not to have cold air entering the house.
People seem to be quite ready to have the inconvenience of condensation and mould, when what they need is adequate heating and the insulation to keep it in place. I would not mind betting that in 99% of cases of heavy condensation there is inadequate heating and possibly a "damp" life style that is aggravating it.
It is evident from the posts in this forum that a good number of houses are inadequately heated and poorly maintained. In the case of rented property I think that the problem is quite likely to be beyond the solution of the unfortunate tenant. In an ideal world, rented properties would be equipped with a sufficient means of heating the place. Whether the property would then actually be heated, would be down to the finances of the tenant.

olly300

wallbash wrote: »

I think the question should be , how many times do you open/shut your vents.
In our case they are permanently closed.

Mine are permanently open.

globalds

olly300 wrote: »

Mine are permanently open.

What happens if you close them ?

wallbash

I posted the question

how many times do you open/shut your vents.

So you never change yours .... same use as mine.

What happens if you close them ?

The draught stops.

eco-friendly_2

Strange how people confuse a draught with a little fresh air!

"A good replacement window firm should be recommending them or fitting them as standard, not as an option"

Absolutely correct.