Replacement windows - amendment to Part F - ventilation?

[audrey01]

Does anyone know if it is still required to fit trickle vents to your replacement windows? I thought I read on the web that the requirement has been withdrawn as of 1 Oct 2008 and they will accept FENSA guidance on this.

As a background to my question, we're renovating a newly bought flat where among many things, the windows were in such poor state that we had to replace all of them. So, when notifying all the building work to our Local Authority Building Control, I also mentioned that we are looking to replace all the windows, and they advised that if we go with a FENSA registered company, there's no need to put the windows within the scope of work notifiable to them. I understand the Fensa company is able to issue a Fensa certificate for the replacement windows to show they comply with the current Building regulations on ventilation, etc. which we will need in the future if we decide to sell.

Last week when the building inspector came to check on the progress of the relevant building work that was notified to them as it falls under Building Regulations, he also noticed that all windows were new and said they won't pass the BR requirements as they need to be fitted with trickle vents in all habitable rooms, including kitchen and bathrooms.

Fensa company assures me that this has not been done, as it is not necessary. I remember they asked me at the beginning if I wanted some of the windows fitted with trickle vents (none of the original windows had trickle vents in the first place, some of them were even painted shut), and I asked if it was necessary, and they said No.

so, if it's not a requirement, can the Local Authority Building Control say otherwise? or even worse, can they withhold the compliance approval for the other work that is done to meet BR requirements unless we fit trickle vents on all windows?

Would appreciate any advice. Many thanks!

[Bartlebee]

I'm almost positive that you don't have to have trickle vents in replacement windows. The requirement was withdrawn some time ago.

Ask your BCO to show you where in part F it stipulates it.

[audrey01]

Thanks Bartlebee! I since checked on the Planning Portal and it says it is no longer a requirement but that it is good practice to have trickle vents installed as it improves ventilation.

Do you think the Local Authority can say they require it nonetheless, as they take guidance from the Planning Portal but perhaps they still require it to be implemented as their own way of interpreting?

The windows are now in, can these trickle vents be put in retrospectively? They are a bit unsightly, to say the least....

This is Lambeth Local Authority (south west London) if it helps.

[lalalonglegs]

We fitted trickle vents retrospectively (or had them fitted) because we couldn't get building regs sign off without them. They are ugly but, tbh, once you have a blind or whatever in place, you won't notice them. We have always had them shut to stop wasps etc coming through (and because we live in a draughtly Edwardian house so extra ventilation really isn't an issue ), they seem utterly pointless. We paid someone from a local glazing firm to do it - it was a couple of hundred quid for three vents which I remember thinking was a bit pricy but we had no choice.

[Bartlebee]

Well, different authorities have different local policies but we still all work to the approved documents.

I agree, they can be ugly and quite often pointless.

[audrey01]

Thank you both for your responses.

Lala - when did you have these fitted? after Oct 2008? and was the work done by a Fensa approved company?

Bartlebee - what happens if we hold our own and do not fit these vents, can they use this against us and not want to release the compliance certificate for the other work that will of course be completed to BR standards until the windows are done to their satisfaction?

This is a rental investment for us, so we're not looking to sell nytime soon, as we just bought the flat, but it would be good to know all paper work is done without a hiccup.