Blocking trickle vents - reversible solutions

Karen12345

Hello! Our wooden window frames have trickle vents in the top of the frame. They let in a lot of noise and I'm happy to leave my windows slightly open for most of the day, so I want to block them up to.

I think are attached by rivets rather than screws - and I wouldn't know how to go about removing them. (Total DIY noob here )So my question is: what would be a good, reversible option to do this? Can it be done without actually removing the vent, since I don't know how?

Doozergirl

Houses need constant background ventilation. Unless you're prepared to leave the windows open constantly, it's not a good idea to block the trickle vents.

Browntoa

Next month's post " how do I stop condensation and black mould "

Karen12345

I would be happy to leave my windows cracked open all day in the living room (the only room I want to do this in) while I'm at work and all night when I'm in bed - its just for say five hours in the evening when I want peace in my living room. All the other rooms will still have functioning vents. I imagined this would be OK, but maybe I'm wrong?

FreeBear

If you are out all day and leave the windows cracked open, your insurance won't cover you if you're burgled.

coffeehound

Seems unlikely that they are riveted into wooden frames -- perhaps you could post a photo. I just use white duct tape fairly neatly applied to cover the non-closing ones here.

Karen12345

@FreeBear that's a super valid point but all our stuff is so old and crap I'm willing to take the risk haha (how sad) :P

@cofeehound I will post a picture when I get in! Does the duct tape actually block out noise?

coffeehound

Karen12345 wrote: »

Does the duct tape actually block out noise?

Reasonably effective. You could apply it to both the outside and inside for maximum effect.

knightstyle

I have removed the exterior covers of these vents on all our West facing windows, taped over the holes in the frame and replaced the covers.
This has stopped the noise and black dirt from a nearby factory spreading across our ceilings.
We do open windows regularly and have had no problems with condensation, mould etc.
Did this over 10 years ago.