Approved Document F: Trickle Vents
When Were The New Building Regulations Published?
The updated guidance to Approved Documents F, L & O of the Building Regulations were published on the 15th December 2021. It is Approved Document F that has proven to be the most controversial and we will detail the changes below.
What Do The Changes Mean?
The changes to Approved Document F – Background Ventilation require the majority of replacement windows and doors to be fitted with trickle vents.
When Are The Changes Coming Into Effect?
The changes to Approved Documents F, L & O come into effect from the 15th June 2022. Please note that these changes are for England ONLY. There are no current changes to the Building Regulations in Wales. When there are, we will keep you updated.
It is also important to note that the date on which the contract was signed by the customer has no bearing on the registration of the work with FENSA. If the installation takes place from the 15th June 2022 onwards it will be expected to comply with the new building regulations.
Where Can I Read More?
We would recommend you read the Approved Document in full to make sure that you understand all of the changes and requirements. Approved Document F: Volume 1 applies to dwellings (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Disclaimers and Indemnity Policies
It is important to note that signed disclaimers and indemnity policies taken out by the homeowner are not valid and will not be taken into consideration. Please bear this in mind when registering your work with FENSA.
What Do I Need to Consider?
It will be up to every FENSA Approved Installer installation company to comply with the Approved Document and the following questions should be considered at every sale and/or survey:
Are There Any Exemptions?
There are certain exemptions that can be considered. These are listed in clause 0.4 of the Approved Document and are for Listed Buildings and conservation areas and other historic buildings.
Are There Any Other Considerations I Should Take Into Account?
Section 2 sets out the provisions for minimising the ingress of external pollutants.
- Clause 2.3 states ‘Where urban traffic is a source of pollution, the air intakes for dwellings next to busy urban roads should be both of the following. a. As high as possible. b. Located on the less polluted side of the building. Mechanical ventilation may be the most practical way of achieving this requirement’.
What Size Trickle Vents Should I Specify And Fit?
Note: clause 1.24 states ‘Background ventilators should be at least 1700mm above floor level, to reduce cold draughts, but still be easy for the occupant to reach. NOTE: Background ventilators are intended to normally be left open’.
How Will FENSA Assess The Changes?
Using the questions set out above and the exemptions listed, FENSA will expect to see on the survey sheet whether trickle vents were present in the existing windows and doors, whether any existing energy efficient measures have been installed and if there is any other ventilation provisions that can be proven will not make the previous air infiltration of the property worse. Helpful ResourcesFAQFrequently Asked QuestionsYou can find here any answers to questions that you may need to know about where and why trickle vents are required, and information about exemptions. 
Printable GuideTrickle Vents brochureDownload our easy to print brochure. 
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