From 15 June 2022, trickle vents will be a compulsory inclusion in most new or replacement windows and doors. The new Ventilation: Approved Document F Building regulation aims to improve ventilation, thereby maintaining indoor air quality in buildings across England.

We’ve decided to put together this short Kettell Windows guide to help our customers better understand what trickle vents are, and why they matter.

What is a trickle vent?

Trickle vents can be found in the upper frame of a window or door, and are a controllable vent which can be opened and closed.

What are the benefits of a trickle vent?

There are a number of key benefits to a trickle vent:

Reduction in condensation
Adequate natural ventilation is an important part of an energy efficient home. By introducing cooler air in this way, the occurrence of condensation is reduced. (Learn more about tackling condensation on our blog, How do I stop condensation on my uPVC windows?)

A cleaner, less polluted home
Internal pollutants are generated from cleaning solutions and household appliances such as ovens. Over time, they build up in the home and impact the health of its occupants. Trickle vents provide adequate opportunity for polluted air to escape, and for cleaner air to be introduced, even during the night or whilst you are away from home.

Greater security
Trickle vents offer the opportunity to ventilate your home without opening a window and without putting your home at risk from intruders.

When do the new trickle vent rules come into effect?

The Amendment Regulations and accompanying Approved Documents F: Volumes 1 and 2 come into force on 15 June 2022.

The new Regulations apply to all window framing materials including PVC-u, timber, steel and aluminium.

What happens if the window I’m replacing was fitted with trickle vents?

The trickle vents in the replacement window should be the same size or bigger when compared to the vents in the original window.

What happens if a window is installed without a trickle vent after 15 June 2022?

Any new or replacement window that does not comply with these Building Regulations will fail the FENSA inspection, and will therefore not be eligible for a FENSA certificate.

Are there any exceptions?

The changes will not apply to building work where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 15 June 2022 (provided that the building work is started before 15 June 2023).

What are the new rules on thermal efficiency?

All new and replacement windows and doors are now required to meet a thermal efficiency U Value rating of 1.4 W/m²K or less, or a Window or Door energy rating of B.

Kettell Windows and trickle vents

As a FENSA registered installer, you can be assured that all Kettell Windows’ new and replacement windows and doors are in full compliance with building regulations.

Compliance is clearly important but so too are aesthetics.

We’re a family business known for our commitment to bring Leicestershire homes to life with beautiful windows and doors. So it stands to reason that trickle vents should be beautiful too!

To that end, our Managing Director, John Kettell, has created a hood which can be fitted to the top of the window. The addition of the hood does not impact the performance of the vent in any way, rather it offers the perfect trickle vent concealment.