Upvc sash windows - trickle vents or no trickle vents

lucypilates

Hi all

i’m having upvc sash windows installed to replace wooden sash.

i have to decide on whether to have trickle vents added or not so was hoping those of you with experience or opinion of those could share with me to help me decide.

i definitely understand the importance of ventilation but wondering if it’s practical to just have a small gap open to allow ventilation or whether trickle vents are the better option.

I’ve not had sash windows before (been in this house just 3 months now and none of the existing sash windows are functional) but in the past,  I’ve just left  my casement  windows slightly open (on the latch) for year round ventilation.

many thanks

Ps - I’m not looking for opinions on my choice to install upvc v. wood 

knightstyle

How draught proof is the rest of the house?  If I were you and it is possible I would install a ventilation system which recovers heat from exhaust air and windows without vents.  Expensive but as fuel prices rise worth it.

NSG666

If you leave a trickle vent open when you go out no-one will break in through it? Is it possible to 'secure' sash windows in the partially open position?

koalakoala

\i would always choose trickle vents

coffeehound

It would be ‘no vents’ for me, but the cult of the trickle vent is strong in this forum, so you’ll probably get a majority saying include them. 

Bendy_House

We had trickle vents included in our recent windows and bifolds - I think it may have been listed on the Archi's plans as a BRegs requirement? I hate them - they are ugly, and the sticky-out covers on the insides and out makes painting the reveals a pita.

I'd much rather have the option of cracking open a window to vent setting.

So, do your proposed sashes have a secure vent setting (I suspect they do)? I know what I'd choose in future.

FreeBear

coffeehound said: It would be ‘no vents’ for me, but the cult of the trickle vent is strong in this forum, so you’ll probably get a majority saying include them. 

Same here. Why spend all that time and money fitting draught free windows only to cut holes in the frames and allow a howling gale through 24/7. If you need ventilation, crack the window open. If there is a damp/condensation issue, fix it at source or install a MHRV system.

BUFF

NSG666 said:

If you leave a trickle vent open when you go out no-one will break in through it? Is it possible to 'secure' sash windows in the partially open position?

Yes, you can get 2 position keeps & of course limit stops.

plumb1_2

Have trickle vents that can be closed, simple.

Bendy_House

plumb1_2 said:

Have trickle vents that can be closed, simple.

They all are, afaIk - at least the ones on our new windows are. But that's half the issue - the ugly additions of these adjustable trickle vents.

Doozergirl

You need trickle vents to conform to building regulations, so you can set yourself a budget for indemnity insurance when you come to sell. 

I'd rather have multiple options than none or one.  I'm not sure why MHRV is being batted around as an alternative.  A trickle vent is what, £15?  My MHRV was £6,500 without VAT and the first thing to go into the house before any plasterboard, and you need an airtight house for it to work, not just missing trickle vents. 

I'm hugely design conscious but trickle vents are not on my radar.    The new windows will behave differently to the old ones and if reduces or eliminates the risk of condensation, they are a good buy.   I'm not sure how night latches would work with sash windows.