PVCu Extra
Ventilation and UPVC Windows and Doors
2025 will see Future Homes Standard become law and as such will be fully integrated with the interim changes to Building Regulations made in June 2022 . This means that , the changes to Approved Document F ( means of ventilation ) are most likely to remain for both retrofit and new build .
Given this likely situation , companies will still have to comply with Approved Document F ( ADF ) when replacing windows and doors .
Since 2022 , UPVC fabricators and installers have found the most affordable , practical and quickest solution to comply with ADF is to install trickle ventilators in the window and / or door profiles or in the frames as the ventilation measure has to be installed ( or in place ) at the time of replacing the windows or doors .
The changes to legislation in 2022 brought three notable challenges .
Firstly , the trickle vent performance has to be compliant with Building Regulations to meet the minimum ventilation requirements to make the property habitable .
Secondly , the homeowner ’ s acceptance of trickle vents , for example , are the trickle vents aesthetically pleasing ? Are the vents adjustable to continue air flow but also reduce drafts .
The third challenge for companies is changing their general practice and including trickle vent installation as a key part of their manufacturing , installation and selling processes .
To help system houses , fabricators and installers overcome the challenges , Glazpart , the leading glazing component and trickle vent manufacturer , has provided arguably the best solution with its award winning Link Vent range .
In 2013 , Glazpart launched the Link Vent , a compliant-ready , homeowner-friendly product that more than addresses the challenges and perceptions of trickle vents .
Until the changes in 2022 , the Link Vent was only available in two sizes , 2500 and 5000 EQA , but in June 2022 ( in time for the regulatory changes ), Glazpart added the Link Vent 4000 EQA to meet the ventilation requirement - to cover an area of 8000mm2 for habitable rooms ( e . g ., 2 x Link Vent 4000 would be installed in the windows / doors to achieve this ). The addition of the Link Vent 4000 provides the flexibility to install an appropriate Link
Vent for any UPVC window or door . The Link Vent 4000 is most commonly used for smaller rooms such as bathrooms , kitchens and utility rooms .
With clever design , the Link Vent provides greater control of the air flow due to an innovative closure plate that helps reduce draughts by directing air away from occupants .
The Link Vent also comes in a vast range of colours and finishes matching practically any window or door colour or finish . This feature means the Link Vent can be easily hidden ( camouflaged ) in the profile making it aesthetically pleasing for homeowners . The colours are also extremely stable in all weather conditions , so there is no noticeable fading .
With easy installation in any type of UPVC window and door profile / frame and meeting the compliance requirements , companies in the UPVC window and door market are now factoring the Link Vent into their manufacturing and installation processes . The Link Vent can also be fitted to sashes and over frame solutions where there is the possible use of flat and recessed grills . With the majority of UK fabricators now choosing the Link Vent as their go to ventilation solution , Glazpart is certainly not resting on their laurels as Dean Bradley , Sales Director explains , “ With so many advantages from compliance to easy installation and control through to colour matching , the Link Vent continues to be a huge success story across the supply chain . Not only is the Link Vent the preferred choice for UPVC fabricators , the range is also well received by homeowners due to its availability in a vast spectrum of colours and finishes .”
Earlier this year Glazpart launched new handy packs of Link Vents which contain a minimum order quantity of 10 vents or canopies for premium finishes . This new order quantity means companies can order premium vents as and when they need them for specific jobs .
www . glazpart . com / linkvent /
48 JANUARY 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM