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Original poster

Trickle Vents & Noise

21 replies

AtomicRitual · 07/12/2022 18:18

Now, firstly, I know trickle vents are installed to ensure a property stays ventilated, etc, but mine are driving me mad!

I honestly don't see the point in having double glazed windows that the benefits of which are to be energy and noise efficient, then whack a hole in the frame that negates the benefits of both!

My main bugbear with them is the noise they let through. I got woken up the other weekend by my neighbour standing outside his house on his phone at 7am. He wasn't talking loudly. He was just holding a normal volume conversation on his phone, 5m away from my house, yet I could hear every word like he was standing at the bottom of my bed. And don't get me started on the bloody tawny owl that I could have gladly shot at 5am this morning!

The only way the noise can be coming through is through the trickle vents.

I was doing some googling and have seen comments on other forums about using insulation from the loft and shoving it in the vents, or expanding foam, but I wonder whether anyone has some suggestions?

As I say, I know the purpose of the vents is to prevent damp and condensation, but I'd much rather ventilate the house during the day by opening a window while I'm awake, then have a nice peaceful sleep at night!

Many thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Dougieowner · 07/12/2022 19:27

All the ones I have ever seen can be (very effectively) opened / closed.
Some have a sliding flap, others a hinged one.

Daftasabroom · 07/12/2022 19:31

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, there are single room solutions available.

BlueMongoose · 07/12/2022 20:57

Change the vents to closable ones if that's possible, so you can open them when you're not in the room?

FurierTransform · 07/12/2022 21:13

Yes its normal thst they leak noise & yes you can seal them off (silicone or foam will be best) but you will have to be aware of the effects this can potentially have and will need to mitigate (reduce indoor humidity generation, operate a regime of opening windows, monitor indoor air quality- no candles burning all evening etc etc)

My house doesn't have any & I have no issues.

Original poster
AtomicRitual · 08/12/2022 06:39

Thanks all. I should have said that they are closable vents but a thin bit of sliding plastic doesn't do much for noise reduction.

Will have to give the insulation thing a try and keep an eye on moisture levels etc.

OP posts:
OhAmBackAgain · 08/12/2022 06:58

I know exactly what you are talking about and feel the same, it just so stupid.

I noticed it a few years ago, when moving from the house we sold had really good expensive double glazing (as lived near a busy road) when the windows were shut couldn't hear a thing, we never had condensation on windows as had windows open for airing when convenient for us.

We then moved briefly into a rented a house (whilst waiting sale to go through on next house) and it had those trickle vents I couldn't believe the noise from outside! and it seemed to to take the tiniest noise and amplifier it through the vent. plus the little strip of plastic flap did a big fay zero in reducing it, god knows how much heat was funneling out aswell.

luckily the house and subsequent houses we've lived in haven't had trickle vents, I think they'd drive me mad.

I don't know what we do differently to other people but have never had condensation on windows.

Dougieowner · 08/12/2022 08:41

Ours have hinged flaps (with a positive closed position) fitted with foam-rubber seals which do a really good job at sealing & noise reduction.

Original poster
AtomicRitual · 08/12/2022 10:27

Dougieowner · 08/12/2022 08:41

Ours have hinged flaps (with a positive closed position) fitted with foam-rubber seals which do a really good job at sealing & noise reduction.

That's interesting re rubber seals. Ours definitely don't have that. I suspect the technology has improved since our windows were fitted.

I did discover that I can open the vents further than I thought this morning as they slide then tilt up.

That'll be handy for when I want the extra ventilation at least! Also will make access easier to put something in them.

As I was examining them this morning a siren went along the main road 250m away and I could hear it clearly through the closed vents.

Our conservatory is quieter than the house as it doesn't have vents.

Trickle Vents & Noise
OP posts:
Original poster
AtomicRitual · 08/12/2022 10:28

P.S. Yes, I will attempt to clean them too! 😅

OP posts:
picklemewalnuts · 08/12/2022 10:35

We have the same as you, and agree about noise. I'll look into seals, but think I'm going to seal up the ones in my bedroom. We have did. Dow's on three walls, so can use the other trickle vents!

GasPanic · 08/12/2022 11:46

Hmmm. Interesting.

I have been refurbing one of my windows recently and have covers just like yours. I popped out the vent and yes, it's basically a hole to the outside.

I did think of stuffing glass fibre in there as well, so it's not just me !

As you say, the problem is not just the noise, it's the fact that generally the whole profile piece (plastic where the vent is embedded is exposed to the outer air, which makes it very cold. So it kind of negates the whole point of having double glazing. I was thinking of making a profile cover that fits entirely over the vent piece (you would need an L shaped length of white PVC) because I like the idea of the trickle vent still being available in the summer.

Original poster
AtomicRitual · 08/12/2022 16:52

GasPanic · 08/12/2022 11:46

Hmmm. Interesting.

I have been refurbing one of my windows recently and have covers just like yours. I popped out the vent and yes, it's basically a hole to the outside.

I did think of stuffing glass fibre in there as well, so it's not just me !

As you say, the problem is not just the noise, it's the fact that generally the whole profile piece (plastic where the vent is embedded is exposed to the outer air, which makes it very cold. So it kind of negates the whole point of having double glazing. I was thinking of making a profile cover that fits entirely over the vent piece (you would need an L shaped length of white PVC) because I like the idea of the trickle vent still being available in the summer.

Being able to use them in the warmer months is why I was contemplating pinching a bit of loft insulation and stuffing it in there. It's more easily removed than expandable foam. We're going up in the loft to get the Xmas decs out at the weekend, so I'll grab some while I'm up there!

I understand why the vents are there, but blimey, give people some credit to be able to ventilate their own property by choice, not through force!

OP posts:
IreneJones · 08/12/2022 16:57

Ours are just like yours OP. Our house is four years old and cold! The trickle vents let in cold air and noise even when shut.

GasPanic · 08/12/2022 17:25

AtomicRitual · 08/12/2022 16:52

Being able to use them in the warmer months is why I was contemplating pinching a bit of loft insulation and stuffing it in there. It's more easily removed than expandable foam. We're going up in the loft to get the Xmas decs out at the weekend, so I'll grab some while I'm up there!

I understand why the vents are there, but blimey, give people some credit to be able to ventilate their own property by choice, not through force!

Show quote history

I have ordered a profile (long piece of L shaped plastic). it should cover the entire vent area. Not quite sure how to hold it in place but I will meet that problem when I come to it.

It is also hollow, so the air gaps should be insulating. I will try and fit it and let you know what happens.

TBH I went over the vent profiles with an IR thermometer and they didn't seem as bad as I thought they would be for heat leak.

I don't really like the idea of stuffing insulation inside the vents, 1 because it probably won't be that effective in stopping noise or insulating and 2 because it probably would be horrible to get out again, plus every time you try to snap out those plastic vent covers (mine are similar to yours) you run the risk of breaking them.

it does make me wonder if a lot of sound gets in through the vents how much actually gets out IYSWIM !

fancyacuppatea · 08/12/2022 18:03

They clean up really well if you take the covers off each end with a small flat headed screwdriver, then unscrew the whole piece.
Fairy liquid, hot water and a soft toothbrush. Grin
I stuck some heavy duty clear tape (the sort you'd use as a temp repair on a cracked car indicator) across the opening and then screwed them back on.
Only on the ones in the living room - I was worried about flying ants getting in a couple of yrs back.
It's a bit quieter and warmer.

Reesespieces92 · 25/02/2023 17:04

Has anybody had any success on this?

we’ve been in our new house 2 years now, but the amount of noise that comes through our windows is driving me insane! Pretty sure it is the trickle vents. What makes it annoying is that as of last year all windows now have to have them.

bop9 · 21/07/2023 22:50

i've had some luck taking the vents off, stuffing sponges and taping over with some thick white tape, makes a big difference in noise. Not done in every room, just the nosiest ones. Just been opening windows occasionally to let fresh air in & no signs of damp so far.

Not the best solution but it'll do until i figure a better way to stop noise

TimeFlysWhenYoureHavingRum · 22/07/2023 23:37

You can replace them with acoustic trickle vents.

boating32 · 23/07/2023 08:15

I installed whole house MVHR to avoid trickle vents and kitchen/bathroom vents.

Reesespieces92 · 23/07/2023 11:20

@boating32 what sort of cost would you be looking at for this?

Do you find the MVHR is good at keeping exterior sounds out? I’m just conscious it’s another entry point for sound.

ScillyGirls · 06/05/2024 00:27

boating32 · 23/07/2023 08:15

I installed whole house MVHR to avoid trickle vents and kitchen/bathroom vents.

Boating32 if you read this I would also love to know the cost and if there is exterior noise with your solution? Thank you.

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