Are you in a situation where you need to install a window trickle vent? Then you’ll be happy to know that, for the most part, installation is nice and simple. However, confusion can arise when you find that there is more than one type of trickle vent window. That means you want to make sure you get the right style installed, right? In this guide, we’ll walk you through choosing the right window trickle vent, backed by insight from Lock & Key Bradford. Use these guides to simplify your search.
Generally, each type of trickle vent is suitable for certain scenarios. That makes it quite easy to pick the right type, but you need to know what to look for first and foremost. We’ll give you some additional information that you can use to your advantage, and which should make it easier for you to go through the comparison process and find the right model for you.
Why The Correct Trickle Vent Matters
Now, we understand you might be wondering why your choice of window trickle vent matters. After all, don’t they all do the same thing? Well, yes. However, certain trickle vents provide more ventilation than others, and some are designed only for specific window types. For example, some trickle vents for UPVC windows won’t be suitable for windows made from other materials, and vice versa.
According to experts at Lock & Key Bradford, choosing the wrong type of trickle vent could potentially lead to some compatibility issues. They might still work broadly as intended, but might not be as efficient or effective as intended. Using trickle vents for a wooden window with a UPVC window can cause problems, just as using them for aluminium windows might not work well with wood or UPVC. It can be surprisingly complicated!
Selecting the right trickle vent means you will get the correct level and consistency of airflow, as well as the right efficiency. We’ll try to break down the basics of what you need to know below, but if you are ever uncertain, it would be better to contact a local window-fitting service. They can help you to find the correct window trickle vent for your window type so that you can avoid any needless mistakes.
The Key Factors When Selecting A Window Trickle Vent
The good news is that, unlike other home improvements you can make, choosing a window trickle vent is relatively straightforward. There are only a few considerations to take into account, such as:
The Material Of Your Window Frame
The first thing you need to take into account is the material of your window frames. Some window trickle vents are only made for aluminium, wood, and/or UPVC. Some are more universal. You should always read the description of any window trickle vents you plan to buy so you can find a compatible style. Compatibility is key, as incorrect materials can lead to some efficiency problems.
Part of the reason this matters is installing the window trickle vent. If you buy trickle vents for UPVC windows, for example, their fittings might not be thick enough – or may be too thick – to comply with a certain window frame material. It’s better to be safe than sorry here, so always make sure your chosen window trickle vents are compatible with your window frames.
Compatibility With Current Fittings
Do you already have window trickle vents but want to replace them? Then make sure that you measure your current vents very carefully. It’s easy to make a mistake here, but if you buy a new model that is too large or too small, you’ll have to create new holes to fit the vent in.
While that’s not the end of the world, it adds to the DIY task. If you take your time and choose fittings that match the current length and width of your current window trickle vent, you are far less likely to run into problems. It also means the installation process should be a simple remove and replace. If you need to start drilling new holes or creating gaps, it might be better to hire a professional instead.
Compatibility also comes down to material, as we touched on above, but make sure your new window trickle vent is the same size as your current fittings. If you don’t currently have window trickle vents, then this is less of an issue.
Ventilation Requirements
As you might imagine, some window trickle vents allow in more air than others. The aim is always, as the name suggests, to allow a constant ‘trickle’ of air – so don’t expect even the largest window trickle vents to feel like you’ve got an extractor fan running!
Ventilation requirements are important to consider, though. For smaller rooms that don’t have windows open very often and may also contain appliances that create humidity, it’s better to have thicker, wider window trickle vents. For rooms where you might only need some minor airflow adjustments, you can get away with thinner or shorter window trickle vents.
If you already have window trickle vents in a room and find the ventilation is good enough, you can use these as a guide for other rooms in your household that need vents installed.
Choose Your Window Trickle Vent Wisely
Now, as the above notes state, choosing the ‘wrong’ trickle vent is hardly going to make your window cave in or your trickle vents stop working. But the wrong choice can lead to some efficiency issues.
If you are going to go to the effort of installing a trickle vent, why settle for second best? Keep the above criteria in mind, and you should be able to avoid any mistakes. Again, though, if you are ever uncertain, it would be better to ask a professional window fitter in your area. They can help you find the correct window trickle vent in terms of compatibility, size, and airflow needs.
