Double Glazing

[anniebird]

I want to install Double Glazing in my house and would like some advice please.
Do I need trickle vents?
If the answer is yes - Do I need them on all windows?
If they are not needed on all windows - Which ones will require them?
Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

Anniebird

[woofgang]

we have no trickle vents at all. Our previous house had them. Condensation is about the same...we have to ventilate bathrooms in this house as much as we did in the last. I think there might be building regs though.

[The Builder]

Annie ........ since a few years ago, new windows come under Building Regulations standards. That shouldn't worry you because, I guess, you'll have a window company supply and fix. They'll knoe the Regs.
If they're FENSA registered, Building Control doesn't have to be involved.
You do need trickle vents under the Regs. I won't go into the detail here (you can easily Google it) because it depends on which room, how many windows in the room, whether the room has an exterior door etc etc ............

[The Builder]

............ er ......... ^ know

[gazzawazza]

I remember the trickle vent thing being introduced, and the FENSA regs. Since then I think I've only ever seen one place that actually had trickle vented windows installed and that was my workplace. They are rubbish!!! The vents have seized and are constantly open so the place is blinking freezing unless you bang the heating right up! I would avoid them at all costs.

[KARL]

Trickle vents are not necessary in any normal dwelling because, if you want to let outside air in or have something unpleasant you want to let out, then you can simply open a window or doorway. On the other hand they may be mandatory but if you are told they are I suggest you confirm the actual position independently yourself by asking your local planning authority - a simple telephone enquiry should clear that up. There are none in our house and I would risk being fined rather than install them (or else simply fill them with foam and seal them off if they were already installed). What does matter though is if you have a gas appliance that requires a constant flow of outside air in then you are seriously required to leave the draught coming, in which case I would urge you to get rid of that appliance unless you are happy either to waste heat or else accept being cold. As for condensation risk, insulation is important but properly heating the house (all of it and not just for a few hours a day) is what really matters - that way you can prevent/eliminate condensation.

[bushbaby_de]

I've just had new windows fitted so have been through all this. Basically under the latest Building Regs if you already have trickle vents on your existing windows, you must have them on the new ones. If you don't have them its fine not to have them on the new windows because you wouldn't be worsening the existing situation.

If you don't already have them I'd advise not bothering on the new windows either because they reduce the capacity of the windows to stop noise and heat loss. You can just open the window if you need air!