New Build Ventilation Grilles: What You Need to Know

New build ventilation grilles play a crucial role in modern home construction, especially in the UK, where homes are typically built with mechanical ventilation systems (MVHR) or ducted extract fans that often integrate grilles as part of the system. In these cases, standalone or traditional ventilation grilles might not be as relevant unless they’re used for:

• Trickle vents in windows for background ventilation.
• Specialised rooms or areas not served by the main system, such as garages, lofts, or utility spaces.
• After-market adjustments or improvements, such as adding airflow to a partitioned area.

Choosing the right new build ventilation grilles ensures airflow efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability while complementing your home’s mechanical systems.

New Build Ventilation Grilles: What You Need to Know for Modern Homes

Historically, new builds relied heavily on passive ventilation, air bricks, soffit vents, and standalone grilles. These solutions worked, but they often struggled with energy efficiency and consistent airflow. Today, MVHR systems and ducted extract fans provide controlled ventilation, heat recovery, and improved indoor air quality, making them the standard in new UK builds.

Standalone grilles are now mostly supplementary but still essential for areas not served directly by the main system or for small airflow adjustments.

Types of New Build Ventilation Grilles and Where to Use Them

At Stadium Building Products, we stock a range of high-quality grilles suitable for different new build applications:

Hit & Miss Vent Grilles for New Builds

• With or without fly screen
• Ideal for controlled background ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, or utility spaces.
• Aluminium versions provide extra durability.

Louvre Vents

• Available in round or face-fitting options with optional fly screens.
• Used for spaces that require higher airflow without sacrificing appearance.
• Face-fitting louvres with a large flange offer neat, flush finishes.

Internal Grille Assemblies

• For ducted systems where aesthetics matter.
• Ensures smooth airflow and easy maintenance.

Through Floor Vents

• Perfect for multi-level ventilation or specific airflow control between floors.
• Reduces the need for multiple wall vents.

Gravity Trap and Terminal Vents

• Control airflow passively, often used in specialist rooms.
• Prevent backflow, damp ingress, and unwanted odours.

For a more detailed guide, see our post Understanding Different Types of Air Vents and Their Uses.

Compliance and Efficiency With New Build Ventilation Grilles

Proper ventilation is not just about comfort; it’s a legal requirement in most new builds. The UK Building Regulations Part F outlines airflow standards for dwellings, ensuring moisture control and indoor air quality.

External resource: UK Government Building Regulations – Part F: Ventilation

Selecting the right new build ventilation grilles guarantees compliance and peace of mind for homeowners and builders alike.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

High-quality ventilation grilles can improve the energy efficiency of MVHR and ducted systems. Aluminium and engineered plastic grilles reduce heat loss while maintaining airflow. Stadium products also incorporate sustainable materials, supporting environmentally conscious new builds.

Learn more in Why Stadium Building Products’ Ventilation Products Are a Smart Investment.

Installation Tips and Best Practices

• Placement: Ensure grilles are located to maximise airflow efficiency without disrupting the aesthetics of the room.
• Maintenance: Clean regularly to prevent dust buildup and maintain system performance.
• Compatibility: Check grille size and material compatibility with MVHR or extract fans.

Incorrect grille selection or installation can compromise airflow, reduce energy efficiency, and increase maintenance needs.

FAQs About New Build Ventilation Grilles

Q: Can I add a grille after construction?
A: Yes—supplementary grilles can be installed in partitioned areas, garages, or lofts to enhance airflow.

Q: Aluminium or plastic—what’s better?
A: Aluminium is durable and long-lasting, ideal for high-use or exposed areas. Plastic is lightweight, cost-effective, and suitable for most internal rooms.

Q: Do I need a fly screen?
A: Fly screens prevent insects and debris from entering ducts while allowing airflow, particularly important for trickle vents and external vents.

Summary

While new-build ventilation grilles are often integrated into modern MVHR or extract fan systems, selecting the right supplementary or specialist grilles is crucial for achieving comfort, compliance, and energy efficiency. Stadium Building Products offers a wide range of grilles—including Hit & Miss, Louvre, Through Floor, and Terminal vents—to suit every new build requirement.

For nearly six decades, Stadium Building Products has benefited from the manufacturing expertise of its parent company, Flambeau Europe, ensuring all ventilation products meet the highest standards of quality and durability.

Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or homeowner, our products ensure reliable airflow, durability, and peace of mind.

Check out our full ventilation catalogue or get in touch to find the right grilles for your project.