What are the new regulations?
As of 15th June 2022, all new and replacement windows installed in the UK will need to be fitted with trickle vents in line with the new regulations. These regulations apply to both domestic and commercial properties and regardless of whether the windows being replaced had trickle vents before or not. Any windows that do not meet the new standards will fail the FENSA inspection and will not be eligible for a certificate. This could potentially cause delays and added costs for the homeowners in the process of home renovation/extension. As such, it is important to be aware of these changes and to ensure that your home improvement project is compliant with the new regulations.
Why are they being introduced?
This building regulation update specifically focuses on ensuring adequate ventilation in order to improve thermal comfort for occupants. This is achieved through the installation of appropriate ‘trickle vents’ in windows and doors that allow a controlled airflow into the building. The amount of airflow can be increased or decreased depending on the season and the level of occupation, and the building’s ventilation system can be controlled to maintain optimum conditions. By ensuring adequate ventilation, the building regulations aim to improve the thermal comfort of occupants and reduce the risk of health problems associated with poor indoor air quality.
What are trickle vents?
Trickle vents are little openings fitted in the upper frame and are an important part of the window or door. By providing a constant, small amount of ventilation, they help to improve the quality of air in a room and reduce condensation. They are available as both fixed and controllable vents, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
What do I need to do as a homeowner?
Nothing! It is our job to take the worries away from you and make sure we adhere to the new rules when installing your windows and doors. At Spire Glass, we understand the importance of complying with building regulations – and we take this responsibility very seriously.
As a FENSA registered installer, we are recognised by the government-authorised scheme that ensures all replacement windows and doors are installed in compliance with building regulations. This means that you can be confident that your new windows and doors will not only look great, but will also meet all current building regulations.
If your home doesn’t currently have trickle vents fitted in its windows and doors, get in touch with us today to see how we can help improve the ventilation of your home and keep the indoor air fresh.
What’s changing?
Current rules (before 15 June, 2022)
According to current building regulations, it is only mandatory to install trickle vents within a replacement window or door if there was already a vent present in it originally.
The rationale for this requirement is to ensure that buildings that were originally designed to have background ventilation continue to do so. Not having adequate ventilation can lead to serious problems with condensation. Consequently, it is important to follow building regulations in order to maintain a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
New rules (after 15 June, 2022)
In line with the new rules, all windows and doors must be fitted with trickle vents, unless there is an alternative, dedicated ventilation system fitted. This includes windows and doors in newly built homes, windows and doors in newly built extensions, as well as all replacement windows and doors, regardless of whether they have trickle vents currently or not.
For all windows and doors that are being fitted after 15th June 2022, the following table specifies the ventilation required for each room:
| Room | Minimum equivalent area of background ventilators for dwellings with multiple floors | Minimum equivalent area of background ventilators for single-storey dwellings |
| Habitable rooms | 8000 mm² | 10,000 mm² |
| Kitchen | 8000 mm² | 10,000 mm² |
| Utility room | No minimum | No minimum |
| Bathroom | 4000 mm² | 4000 mm² |
| Sanitary accommodation | No minimum | No minimum |
These requirements are in place to ensure that homes remain adequately ventilated after window replacements, which can often increase the airtightness of a home. Having windows replaced in-line with the new regulations will help to ensure that there is adequate ventilation throughout your home.
We hope we have made the new guidelines a bit clearer for you but feel free to contact our team here at Spire Glass if you have any more questions and we will be happy to help!