Retrofit trickle vents

hatt55

I'm looking to get trickle vents installed in some old double glazing. I understand its about 30 years old so although its probably not as good as modern glazing, it doesn't need replacing. The rooms could do with better ventilation though.

I've had two quotes - the first one said that they weren't sure whether it would be possible to retrofit the trickle vent as sometimes these windows are metal reinforced and its not possible to tell until you try and drill through. They said that if they hit metal, there would be no way they could do it (other than some damage to the first window as they tried!).

The second quote said that there would be no problem even if the window was metal reinforced and they would just drill through the metal as well if needed.

Obviously I'd like the trickle vents installed, but I'd a little bit put off that one installer said it wouldn't be possible if the windows were metal reinforced and the other said it would be completely fine regardless. I don't want to compromise the integrity of the window.

Is anyone familiar with this and knows whether it should/shouldn't be possible? 

Albermarle

Seems a lot effort/expense just to install trickle vents, which might well not be enough to improve ventilation significantly.
Can you not just open the windows more often, or maybe install a PIV ( positive ventilation unit) if you have problems with condensation etc. 

FreeBear

hatt55 said: I've had two quotes - the first one said that they weren't sure whether it would be possible to retrofit the trickle vent as sometimes these windows are metal reinforced and its not possible to tell until you try and drill through. They said that if they hit metal, there would be no way they could do it (other than some damage to the first window as they tried!).

He needs to be told where to purchase metal cutting drill bits & saw blades - Screwfix would be the first place to start.

Trickle vents need slots between 230mm and 400mm long and 10mm to 18mm wide. The exact dimensions will depend on the make & size of vent. But cutting the holes in a frame, regardless of whether there is steel reinforcement is relatively easy. Although, if you use a router, you'll need a specialist cutter and run at a low speed.

Personally, I'm not a fan of trickle vents - You spend time and money draught proofing a house to keep the heat in, and then create permanent draughts with a vent that also let in noise.. There are better ways of providing ventilation such as PIV or MVHR. Or just open a window when needed.

Slinky

Would 30 year old uPVC be brittle? Is there a danger of you wrecking the windows by having this done? If you've not suffered significant amounts of mould in previous years do you even need the ventilation? Are you able to get the mechnisms changed so you have 'night latches' where you can lock the windows cracked open a bit? Do you windows even have locks?

When we had new windows installed we didn't have trickle vents put into the replacement windows as we didn't feel the need. We do have them in our extensions, as we had to with the building regs. I've only ever opened one of the vents.

Albermarle

Would 30 year old uPVC be brittle? 

UPVC window profiles are formulated with a small % of impact modifier, to improve resistance to any cracking or chipping.
Plus the white pigment used ( Titanium Dioxide) gives very good weathering/UV resistance.

So I would not expect it to be brittle as such, and fall apart,  but maybe after 30 years I suppose it might chip a bit when cutting it , although probably not.