Trickle vents - yes or no?

JustAnotherSaver

Should've asked this sooner really. We're going to have new windows installed on the front downstairs of the house real soon. I have asked for trickle vents, but now i'm thinking against it.

The only one we have a trickle vent in in the whole house is the patio doors at the rear which we constantly leave open throughout the year.
We have tried with it shut & it's fine in summer but in winter if you leave it shut there's so much condensation on the glass & frame in a morning. If it's open then sure there's condensation but not nearly as much.

This was my thinking for the front of the house - leave the vents open & less condensation forming. Also safer than leaving the window slightly open on the 'night lock'. Not that we live in an unsafe area, but it only takes 1 idiot.

I personally think they LOOK horrendous, but it was more the purpose it's serving that i decided to go ahead with them.

But i've read of them whistling under heavy wind, even when closed.


Just in general now, i'm wondering if i should bother with them.

A little feedback would be great before it's too late to change my mind

Lorian

I would hate not to have them, for the reason of reducing condensation. none of mine whistle.

Kiran

If condensation is your issue then look to cure the cause of it first. If you are getting new windows they will more than likely have a night latch facility which allows you to secure the windows with a gap allowing ventilation if you need it, for example if you leave the house during hot weather. This method of ventilating allows a greater free area than the trickle vents would.

moneyistooshorttomention

I'm in a (very!) windy area:(

....and no whistling noise through mine. Blinkin' exterior doorlocks do do whistling - darn them (on my "to do" list to figure out how to sort that at some point - probably just keyhole covers?).

But the trickle vents don't whistle.

Hoploz

I hate trickle vents and where I've had new windows I've said no. I had to have them in new extension though apparently.

They are draughty and impossible to clean so end up full of spiders webs lol. They also let in traffic noise and eg bonfire smells from outdoors.

Window companies do all they can to meet thermal requirements and then you go and cut a darn great hole in them!

keith969

I'd agree with Hoploz. I had them in my old house, they are a b****r to clean. Don't have them in the new house, if I want some ventilation I just open the window a small amount (it will lock just about 1cm open).

Furts

I specified them for my windows. Perhaps they are ugly, but who looks and studies this?

They can appear flimsy, and they can come adrift on the outside - but I do not have a heavy handed window cleaner bashing them about so mine are fine. Mine are also sealed to the frames - most are not sealed because the fitters cannot be bothered to do so.

They work, I use them (most people do not bother here), they do what they say, they control condensation, they are not a problem to clean but people who complain here frequently have them fitted in the head of the frame (why specify this - it is asking for trouble)

They do let in noise when open, but then so would an open window even if on night latch setting - perhaps more so.

Passiv Haus folks hate them, because it is not a controlled ventilation. Window companies do not automatically supply them - extra work, and extra cost being two reasons.

Back to OP, but it appears you would benefit from them for condensation control. If so, just make sure you get them fitted in the sash heads and not the frame head.

Grenage

When I moved in to my last house, I filled the few trickle vents with expanding foam; they let a surprising amount of noise through.

cyclonebri1

I personally don't like and prefer to have my windows clamped tight, on the 1st latch or wide open. I've seen too many damaged ones.

The 1 thing I haven't seen is a serious amount of condensation on pvc windows, ok some but never much.

You do appear to have real damp/condensation/ventilation issues as I seem to recall you have or had a sump pump installation? I think you need some additional control in place. I don't normally like the advice "get a dehumidifier", but maybe it may suit in your case.

Of course insulation, heating and ventilation should always be in balance, but somewhere there seems an issue with that house of yours.

cajef

Kiran wrote: »

they will more than likely have a night latch facility which allows you to secure the windows with a gap allowing ventilation if you need it, for example if you leave the house during hot weather.

Living in a bungalow there is no way I would leave my windows on the night/1st latch if we are not in the property and I am pretty sure any insurance claim could be invalidated or reduced if we did and there was a break in.

We have trickle vents and personally would not be without them, we don't get any noise, have no difficulty cleaning them and they have never been damaged.

saverbuyer

Recently installed new windows. Trickle vents... Not a chance.