The government have set out new Building Regulation requirements regarding ventilation procedures to protect the health of occupants of a building.  Without adequate ventilation condensation can build up which, if left, can lead to harmful mould spores.  Poor internal air pollution might become a health hazard.  There are two ways to get fresh air into our homes; purge ventilation (by opening doors and windows) and background ventilation which is a way of allowing fresh air into the property at a low level, continuously.

Background ventilation can be achieved by using trickle ventilators in windows or wall vents.  For whole house systems, PIV (positive input ventilation) or MHRV (mechanical heat recovery ventilation) can be used. 

The government say that whenever over 30% of a property's windows are replaced, then background ventilation should be provided to habitable rooms (living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms) as the new windows may be more airtight than those being replaced.  Kitchens and bathrooms generally have mechanical extraction (fans, extractors) and hallways and utility rooms are not affected usually.

Trickle vents are generally the cheapest method of complying with background ventilation requirements.  They can ventilate your home without security risks although some customers have issues with noise, draughts, lack of control and providing a home for spiders!  If we install trickle vents, holes are drilled through the frame then an external and internal cover is mounted over the holes.  The internal side has a plastic flap to open or close the trickle vent as required. 

The choice of background ventilation is all yours.  As the homeowner, the responsibility is yours.  You may have trouble selling your house if the work is not compliant with building regulations, plus it could be damaging to your health. 

It is therefore very important, that at the time of ordering new windows and doors, you must choose the type of background ventilation you require and tell us.  Please find our disclaimer below, should you wish to use this.

If you require more information, please let us know.