Fitting air bricks to solid blockwork.

Lungboy

I had a visit from a building regs chap yesterday to look at the works I've had done. I was hoping he'd sign it all off but he wants the exterior of the property finished first. That was a surprise as the exterior wasn't mentioned at all on the application, but I guess I can see why. However, he has also told me I need to have 3 air bricks installed in a flank wall. This wall was completely rebuilt and his colleague never mentioned fitting air bricks when he advised us as to what we needed to do to the wall. Now it's been built with solid blockwork, it seems it's going to be a nightmare to retrofit them. Is there any easy way to fit them? With bricks I know you simply cut the mortar out and remove the brick but can that be done with blocks?

jackyann

We had that done, when gas regulations changed, but I got someone in to do it, and can't remember the details.

cyclonebri1

It's quite easy and not a nightmare at all.
Remove the brick or bricks from the outside by chain drilling and then chiselling. Next a small diameter drill needs puting through the whole wall from the outside in each corder of the hole you have made by removing the bricks.
Simple enough then to draw a rectangle on the inside and repeat the dril/chisel operation. Score the plaster to prevent it spelching off.

Smiley_Dan

It's easy to do. But what's the reasoning?

Lungboy

There are currently no air bricks in that wall for that room. Quite why it has become necessary for successful building regs sign-off is beyond me.

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

It's quite easy and not a nightmare at all.
Remove the brick or bricks from the outside by chain drilling and then chiselling. Next a small diameter drill needs puting through the whole wall from the outside in each corder of the hole you have made by removing the bricks.
Simple enough then to draw a rectangle on the inside and repeat the dril/chisel operation. Score the plaster to prevent it spelching off.

I know that's the process with bricks, but the wall is blocks. Also, the inside is not accessible as it's below floor level.

Silver-Surfer_2

Lungboy wrote: »

There are currently no air bricks in that wall for that room. Quite why it has become necessary for successful building regs sign-off is beyond me.



I know that's the process with bricks, but the wall is blocks. Also, the inside is not accessible as it's below floor level.

What's the floors construction?

Lungboy

Vinyl tiles on plywood on floor panels on joists. Brand new. Not coming up.

Mojisola

Lungboy wrote: »

Vinyl tiles on plywood on floor panels on joists. Brand new. Not coming up.

So there's no underfloor ventilation?

Lungboy

There's an air brick in another wall.

Silver-Surfer_2

Mojisola wrote: »

So there's no underfloor ventilation?

Exactly so that's why they are needed

Simple job to do, as the air brick maybe smaller than a block some filling will be needed but can be done in brick. Won't be seen when it's rendered. Same with the inside, it's under the floor so finish is not important.

Smiley_Dan

Lungboy wrote: »

There are currently no air bricks in that wall for that room. Quite why it has become necessary for successful building regs sign-off is beyond me.

Well I'd want to know why! You're adding some holes to your house, it's going to cost you money both to do the work, and all the extra air around your house you'll be heating.

Get BC to explain, it's why they are there.