Does an Acoustic or Soundproof Trickle Vent Really Reduce Noise?

There are a lot of myths when it comes to soundproofing. One of the most common is that acoustic or soundproof trickle vents reduce noise levels in a room. But does this actually hold true? In this article, we will explore whether or not these vents make a difference and how you can go about choosing the right one for your needs!

Do trickle vents let noise in?

Before exploring whether acoustic vents prevent noise, it’s first worth looking at whether normal trickles actually let sound it.

If you’re not familiar with trickle vents, they are small openings that are installed in the top of a window frame, and are designed to allow fresh air to enter the room while also preventing drafts.

However, some people believe that trickle vents can also let noise in from outside.

While it is true that the vents provide a small opening for sound to enter, the amount of noise that comes through is usually quite minimal. In most cases, trickle vents will have very little impact on the overall noise level in a room, but this of course can vary based on where you live. If you for instance live close to a busy road, it might be the case that some of the outside noise can make it’s way into your home.

What is an acoustic trickle vent?

Acoustic trickle vents are nearly identical to a normal window trickle vents with a small opening that allows air to flow into a room, but also help in reducing noise levels.

These acoustic trickle ventilators operate slightly differently internally, similar to how acoustic windows are different to normal windows, these vents add additional levels of insulation that basically works by adding more of a sound buffer between you and the outside world, or with internal mufflers that work in a similar way to help noise reduction.

Do acoustic vents reduce trickle vents noise?

So now for the big question, do acoustic trickle ventilators actually work when it comes down to noise reduction?

The constant flow of air can be quite noisy, particularly in older buildings with less soundproofing. Installing acoustic vents can help to reduce the noise coming from trickle vents, making it easier for people to relax and enjoy their space. In addition, acoustic vents can also help to improve the overall acoustic quality of a room by absorbing excess sound waves.

As a result, installing acoustic vents in your existing or windows and doors is an effective way to reduce noise coming from trickle ventilators.

Can you add soundproofing to an existing vent?

If you decide you would rather not install a new trickle vent in your double glazing or windows, and would instead prefer to try and reduce you noise with you current ones, the simple answer is it might be difficult.

Some people have done things like adding expanding foam to a trickle vent in the hopes of reducing sound pollution, we would advise against this as it simply undermines the point of having ventilation and by blocking it will actually lead to overall poor ventilation, condensation and the other general issues experienced.

Doing this could also mean you won’t meet building regulations if you’re in a shared building, so be please careful.

We instead would advise on getting new vents added to your frame if possible.

Should you leave trickle vents open all the time?

As the name suggests, trickle vents allow a small amount of air to enter the building at all times, even when the windows are closed. This can be beneficial in terms of both airflow and energy efficiency.

However, some people worry that leaving trickle vents open all the time will result in increase sound pollution or a loss of heat. As explained previously, inn most cases, this is not a cause for concern, as the amount of sound coming in or loss of heat through the vents is typically quite low.

If you do feel this is an issue though, you can choose to periodically close the vents. For instance at times when you’re in the room a lot and needed additional quiet or heat.

But don’t leave them closed all the time as this will lead to a loss in your background ventilation.

How to choose acoustic trickle vents?

Any good architect or home designer will tell you that one of the most important aspects of design is creating a space that is properly ventilated. That will often mean more than just having open windows.

Poor ventilation can lead to a variety of problems, including condensation, mould growth, and even structural damage.

Acoustic trickle ventilators are an effective way to ensure that your home is properly ventilated, and also reduce noise levels.

When choosing acoustic trickle vents, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• First, consider the size of the vents. They should be large enough to allow for adequate airflow but small enough to avoid blocking the view.
• Second, pay attention to the material they are made from. The vents should be made from durable materials that will not corrode or deteriorate over time.
• Third, check reviews, these can be an great way to gauge what other people think and whether they have help others in noise reduction.
• Lastly, make sure that the vents are properly installed. Improper installation can result in air leaks and drafts, negating the benefits of the vents.

Final thoughts

Whether you are looking to change one trickle vent by itself, or are in the process of changing from single glazed windows to new windows throughout our entire house, it could be worth spending a little extra to get acoustic or soundproof trickle vents to make sure you have a nice quite house. If you are finding you are having a lot of noise coming through your windows as well as vents, it could also be worth looking sat soundproof windows as they can also be very effective at reducing excess sound coming in.