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Restoration & Refurbishment

Do I need so many air bricks?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.44 PM

I live in a 1940s brick built semi with wooden floors throughout except for a concrete based single storey extension to the rear. As expected there are a number of air bricks at the base of the walls to ventilate the ground floor. However, in addition to these there are two large square air bricks higher up the external walls (ventilating what?) and standard rectangular air bricks just under the eaves. Why are they there? Do I need them (and if so why)? At present all I can see is them letting in excessive amounts of cold air resulting in cold floors on the first floor (in addition to the ground floor). Both ground and upper wooden floors are not without their gaps so that cold external air is creating drafts everywhere. With rising heating costs this is something I could do without!! Can anyone advise what I can and can't do with these higher up vents. I dream of a warm home!

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3 Answers

Zenstruction

Rating: 5 out of 5

Borehamwood

Hi. Two large square air bricks higher up the external wall for ventilation of the rooms but look at the windows above if they have ventilation Square air bricks block to cool the rooms. Tanks.

Answered6 January 2022

Anonymous user

Within older properties, there are air vents in rooms to allow the space to breathe to reduce the risk of condensation build up which can lead to mould. In newer built houses, there are vents on the windows /doors internally which provide an air flow to prevent condensation build up plus weep holes externally above windows and doors to allow moisture to escape from the cavity. All voids under timber floors require air bricks for a constant flow of air to prevent stagnant air build up

Answered9 January 2022

Anonymous user

I’m of the mind of the customer. Yes gf suspended floors need ventilation however if there are enough voids / gaps for surplus ventilation for the floors I’d be not worried about putting in solid bricks here. Just check you feel the floor is vented from other sources. Regarding cavity ventilation I’d block those vents up It’s a heat leak.

Answered5 February 2022