Frequently Asked Questions

Active Vents are patented wind-powered ventilation devices that extract moisture from cavity walls. When wind passes across our specially designed vents, it creates a powerful suction that actively pulls damp air out - like a vacuum cleaner for your walls. This is completely different from traditional vents that just sit there hoping air will flow through them.

Traditional weep vents allow passive airflow and can let moisture enter during driving rain. Active Vents actively extract moisture using wind power and are designed to prevent water ingress, actively moving air through the cavity rather than relying on airflow alone.

Our vents are manufactured from durable, UV-resistant polymers. We offer standard colors (Natural, Grey, Terracotta, Black), a Crystal Clear Premium option, and an eco-friendly Recycled Black variant made from recycled plastics.

No, Active Vents are completely passive and require no power supply or maintenance. They operate using natural wind power and are designed to last the lifetime of the building.

Following NHBC guidelines, install 1 vent every 900mm (4 bricks) along the DPC, and 1 vent every 450mm (2 bricks) above lintels and cavity trays. For optimal results, we recommend 1 vent per 2m² of wall area.

Yes, for new builds they simply fit between bricks during construction. For retrofits, you'll need basic tools (10mm drill bit, 8mm mortar rake) to replace existing vents or create new openings. Professional installation is recommended for complex situations.

New build installation involves placing vents between bricks during construction at no extra cost versus standard vents. Retrofit requires drilling out existing weep vents or mortar joints, with an estimated installation cost of £40 per vent.

Yes, installing vents at both DPC and ceiling levels creates a stack effect for enhanced moisture extraction. Use inlet plugs on upper vents to control airflow direction and maximize the convection current.

Savings depend on how damp your walls are to begin with. The wetter your cavity insulation, the more lost performance there is to recover once it dries out; even homes that are already fairly dry benefit from keeping insulation dry and moisture moving. Because results vary by property, we don't quote a fixed percentage.

Most customers notice improved air quality within days. Cavity moisture then falls over the following weeks, and walls continue drying out over subsequent months depending on how wet they were to start with.

Yes, Active Vents work in all conditions. They're most effective in windy weather but create some airflow even in still conditions. The design prevents rain ingress even in driving rain.

Active Vents actually improve insulation effectiveness by keeping it dry. Damp insulation can let through nearly twice the heat of dry insulation, so keeping it dry keeps it performing at its rated capacity.

Active Vents are designed to support compliance with UK ventilation requirements for cavity walls, and follow NHBC guidance on weep-vent spacing.

Active Vents are suitable for cavity walls, insulated cavity walls, and can be adapted for solid walls. They're approved for use in new builds and retrofits across all property types.

No, replacing existing weep vents or installing new ventilation generally doesn't require planning permission as it's considered permitted development. However, listed buildings may have restrictions.

Yes, Active Vents come with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty against defects. They're designed to last the lifetime of the building with no maintenance required.

No, Active Vents actually reduce heat loss by keeping walls dry. The small amount of air movement in the cavity doesn't affect room temperature but prevents the much greater heat loss caused by damp walls.

No, the vent design includes barriers that prevent pest entry while allowing airflow. The openings are too small for rodents and the airflow deters insects.

Active Vents are designed to be discrete and blend with your brickwork. We offer multiple colors to match common brick types, and they're the same size as standard weep vents.

Active Vents operate silently. Unlike mechanical ventilation systems, they have no moving parts and create no noise, even in strong winds.

You can order directly through our online shop. We offer single vents, packs of 10, and packs of 50 with increasing bulk discounts. Free UK delivery on orders over £50. Trade accounts available for bulk orders with exclusive pricing.

Yes, we ship worldwide. UK orders over £50 qualify for free shipping. We provide clear international shipping rates and handle customs documentation for your convenience.

Yes, we can recommend approved installers in your area. Contact us with your location and project details for installer recommendations.

Our technical team is available to answer questions about installation, performance, or troubleshooting. Contact us via email or phone for expert support.