Blocking Window Trickle Vents

MOPI

Hi, I purchased a new build property during 2016, which came with double glazed windows and trickle vents. To cut a long story short I am sick of the amount of noise being let in through these vents, even when the vent is closed over with the cover. I spoke to the builders about the issue, who subsequently contacted the window fitters. The window fitters attended and inspected the windows, with no obvious issues identified. However the window fitter did state that he dealt with multiple call outs every day relating to the exact same noise issue I was describing and stated the causation is likely to be the trickle vents, as they are practically a cover over a hole in the window frame. He stated that other people have filled the vents with insulation but he could not recommend this.

I have lived in the house for a number of months but I literally can't live in the house any longer with the noise issue, I am constantly waking up (even with earplugs in) and it is affecting my health.

I realise the possible consequences of blocking the vents in terms of ventilation but I will just have to work around this by leaving windows open slightly when I am at home.

My question is - can anybody recommend suitable material(s) to block the vent with the primary purpose of blocking the noise as much as possible? Also I would like to use a material that isn't too difficult to get out of the vent if I later decide to unblock them for any reason?

Thanks in advance!

Any

I cannot understand how trickle vents can make so much noise?
What sort of noise?

Slinky

Wind noise blowing across the vents if ours are anything to go by

MX5huggy

Can you start by putting Duct Tape over the vents on the outside?

thebaldwindowfitter

As a double glazing installer these are the bain of my life due to having to fit them in houses of a certain age .They do wistle i sealed the ones up in my own new build due to same issues just left the toilet ensuite and bathroom windows mine are head vents and not in frame .Not had any condensation issues

EssexExile

We just stuffed them full of insulation, problem solved.

Any

I was thinking of putting some on, in the bathroom and kitchen, now thinking twice about it

TheCyclingProgrammer

Maybe worth it in the bathroom, we had one retrofitted in our downstairs shower room, though not sure if it makes a great deal of difference.

Certainly not a replacement for proper ventilation and extraction though.

SuzieSue

Any wrote: »

I was thinking of putting some on, in the bathroom and kitchen, now thinking twice about it

I have them and do not hear any noise. Mine are in the frame so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Grenage

I used expanding foam in the one trickle vent in the last house; much quieter.

That said, if you can 'no longer live in the house' due to the noise, I suspect sealing the vent will not solve your problem.

lg13mza

My dad cut up pieces of car sponge to fill his up. He was happy with the result.


We just had replacement windows and thankfully our council still let the homeowner decide whether to have trickle vents or not.