24 | FEBRUARY 2023
New Regulations Challenge the Industry
Yale is proud to sponsor the Industry Issues Guide
MEETING THE NEW GUIDANCE ON TRICKLE VENTS
Grant Stratford , Technical Director for Window Hardware at Yale Door and Window Solutions , outlines the new guidance on trickle vents and how window fabricators can ensure they are meeting it
The new Approved Document F of the Building Regulations came into effect on 15th June last year . Launched as part of the government ’ s ongoing efforts to achieve net zero emissions , it sets out updated requirements for ensuring that UK buildings provide adequate ventilation . Background ventilation – often in the form of trickle vents for windows – plays an important role in this . But what exactly are the new requirements for trickle vents – and how can you ensure you are meeting them ?
What the guidance says
The new Approved Document F sets out the requirement that “ there shall be adequate means of ventilation provided for people in the building ” to protect the health of occupants by preventing mould and internal air pollution that might become hazardous to health . One way of achieving this is through the use of background ventilation , such as trickle vents . There are a number of requirements that background ventilators must meet , including :
• All ventilation should be controllable , either manually or automatically
• Background ventilators should be at least 1700mm above floor level , to reduce cold draughts , but still be easy for the occupant to reach
• Any background ventilators with automatic controls should also have a manual override
• If a habitable room does not contain windows that can be opened , adequate ventilation can be achieved via another habitable room . If this is the case , then the background ventilation of that room must be of at least 10,000mm 2 equivalent area
In addition , trickle vents must now pass the BSI standard BS EN 13141-1:2019 , entitled ‘ Ventilation for buildings – Performance testing of components / products for residential ventilation , Part 1 : Externally and internally mounted air transfer devices ’. This standard was introduced in 2019 and replaces the previous standard for trickle vents , BS EN 13141-1:2004 .
The test includes performance testing of several aerodynamic characteristics , including flow rate / pressure , reverse flow ability , air tightness when closed , free area , and air diffusion in the occupied zone , as well as performance testing for sound insulation and water tightness .
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the fallout of any failure to comply will also reflect badly on the manufacturer
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While the bulk of the legal responsibility sits with the builder , installer , or main contractor , the fallout of any failure to comply will also reflect badly on the manufacturer . Their reputation could be severely damaged with the builder and specifier , leading to a breakdown of trust that would likely damage their business opportunities in the future .
Introducing the Yale SlotVent range
In response to the new guidance around trickle vents , Yale recently launched our SlotVent range of trickle vents for windows . The range offers a choice of three variants – 2500EA ( Equivalent Area ), 4000EA , and 5000EA – each providing a different level of ventilation , depending on requirements . The product is made up of an internal vent that can be tilted 30 , 60 , or 90 degrees . It includes the option of a foam gasket that reduces noise and drafts , as well as an external hood and fly screens for the over-frame .
The vents are now available in a comprehensive range of new colour options and offset variants . Inners and outers can be ordered as a set or separately to suit the window aesthetics and specification . Easy to fit , they are attached to the window using pre-fitted clips supplied as standard , or can alternatively be fixed using the screw holes provided in the clips .
All products in the SlotVent range have been thoroughly tested at BRE in accordance with EN13141-1:2019 , confirming their suitability for residential building ventilation , and BS EN ISO 10140-1 , testifying to their ability to insulate against airborne sound .
It is vital that window fabricators read and understand the new regulations now that they have come into force . Whether you use the Yale SlotVent range or not , only by ensuring that you are using the right types of trickle vents can you avoid falling foul of inspections . The reputation of your business and its future opportunities rests on getting this right .
Read more in Yale ’ s recent white paper here : https :// www . yaledws . co . uk / uk / en / support / white-papers
www . yaledoorandwindowsolutions . co . uk