Trickle vents in new windows - necessary?

[bushbaby_de]

We are finally replacing our single-glazed windows with uPVC double glazing, to reduce heat loss and noise nuisance in our flat. The existing frames contain trickle vents.

The contractor has advised that it is possible to install the new windows without trickle vents to improve the noise reduction. However to do this he has asked us to sign a disclaimer which reads:

"I confirm that I have been advised that, although required under current Building Regs, I do not require the contractor to install trickle ventilators to my order. I will make alternative arrangements myself and accept full responsibility in ensuring that current Building Regs are adhered to"

Whilst I have some knowledge of building regs, I am not overly familiar with this level of detail. Can someone who knows what they are talking about (Preferable Buildersmate or the Builder please - no random opinions please) kindly explain to me what the requirements actually are and what alternative arrangements I could legitimately make?

The contractor makes a fair point that there is a night ventilation locking position on the windows which would be sufficient, but being a Council officer myself I can't really afford to get into trouble over this one!

Thanks very much.

[woofgang]

not buildersmate but not a random response either. You are not the only one puzzled by this. Here's a web answer from June of this year.
http://www.telegraph....ts-trickle-vents.html

[bushbaby_de]

Hi Woofgang, thanks for that, it was rather informative :)

I think I still need someone 'in the know' to comment on my precise situation though. I have no idea what other means of ventilation may already exist in the property (it is a purpose built flat completed in about 1987). As I am not doing any other building work other than the windows it isn't an option to install a wall vent. Preferably I don't want any holes anywhere as I need to reduce the noise nuisance!

[jomifl]

I fitted sliding shutters to my trickle vents. Try Screwfix.

[The Builder]

OK Bushy here goes ............. I've just re-read Part F of the Building Regs ( I know .......... sad ).
Three types of ventilation needed ............
1 Rapid (windows doors etc)
2 Background (trickle vents, hole in wall etc)
3 Extract (kitchens, bathrooms, utilities, rooms with no window)

Background: 6000sq.mm average per room .............. minimum for room: 4000
e.g. one room has 8000, next room has 4000 etc, therefore average = 6000
I know, I know, but stay with me anyway ..................

In simple terms ......... you gotta have background ....... either trickles or hole in the wall with slider which you can keep closed thus defeating the object completely. Welcome to my world lol

New windows come under Building regs ....... UNLESS fitted by a FENSA registered company (similar to the old CORGI thing)
Your contractor is obliged to comply with the Regs. In order for him to "break the rules" you sign the disclaimer .......... putting the responsibility on you to make other arrangements to make it comply. You've worked that out for yourself.
I can't think of any alternative other than a through the wall vent I'm afraid.
There are more complicated alternatives though ............ Google "Passive Stack Ventilation" .................. but I don't think you would want to go there :o)))

[bushbaby_de]

Thanks - so basically despite what the disclaimer says I will need to go with the trickle vents or face the ramifications of breaching building regs? (contractor is FENSA registered)

[bushbaby_de]

Well I spoke to our building regs people and they said the recent Building Regs amendments removed reference to open locking positions as suitable alternatives to trickle vents.... so as I have no other means of ventilation and the existing windows have trickle vents, the new windows must have them fitted too.