Our Guide to Trickle Vents

Ventilation is critical to creating a healthy atmosphere in your home.

In our guide to trickle vents, we will explain why the little vents above your windows are the best way to create adequate airflow and ventilate your home.

Find out more about how trickle vents benefit all kinds of property.

Trickle Vents explained

What do we mean by trickle vent?

A trickle vent is a small opening within a door or window frame. It allows air in and provides background ventilation. The steady stream of air expels moisture and contaminants from the indoor environment and helps to maintain a constant temperature.

What is so good about a trickle vent?

Modern homes in the UK are designed to keep the heat inside, which is great for conserving energy in the winter, but it also means that they are pretty airtight.

Blocking all airflow into your home exposes it to a build-up of moisture, which can cause mould and other health problems.

FENSA suggest trickle vents are the simplest solution to ensure all rooms have adequate ventilation, maintaining the pressure between the inside and outside of your home and letting pollutants escape.

What is the secret about trickle vents?

Trickle vents work because they are simple. They allow air exchange between the inside and outside of your home. That means the stale air flows out, and fresh air flows in.

The principle is all about pressure difference. Even the gentlest of breezes will force fresh air into your property via the vent. Meanwhile, the denser indoor air will be pushed outside.

The steady trickle of air exchange keeps your home ventilated and fresh.

Are there different types of trickle vents?

There are three main types of trickle vents.

1.     Fixed Trickle Vents

Fixed trickle vents are the most basic type of trickle vents.

They are permanently embedded within the window or door frame at a set angle and cannot be manipulated for opening or closure. Typically crafted from plastic or metal, these vents feature a modest aperture facilitating a regulated airflow.

Such vents are well-suited for environments necessitating consistent ventilation without requiring additional modifications.

2.     Adjustable Trickle Vents

Adjustable trickle vents allow you to have some control over airflow and are the most popular choice.

Usually, this means you can adjust how much you want the vent to open or close. They are the best option if you want more control over the level of ventilation depending on the weather and time of year.

3.     Thermostatic Trickle Vents

Thermostatic trickle vents are a more advanced option. These premium trickle vents have a sensor to detect temperature changes, and they will open and close automatically to maintain a constant indoor temperature.

When your room gets hot, the vent will open to allow cooler air in and when room temperature drops, the vents will close to reduce drafts.

They are ideal for energy conservation and as part of an automated system.

Installing Trickle Vents

The good news is that trickle vents can be installed professionally on existing windows. If you are buying new windows, make sure to ask for trickle vents to be included in your frames, as this will be the most cost-effective solution.

Want to know more about trickle vents? Get in touch with our team at Colne Valley Windows to find out more about the options on our frames.