How do you install an air brick

DaftyDuck

Air bricks in roof gables... pretty well every survey I have had suggests roof ventilation may be deficient, humidity may build up, causing mould, and stating the need for air bricks or roof ventilation tiles or... and pretty well every house has had roofing work in the next year or two by a good roofer who has either done it, or said it didn't need doing. Sure, it may need doing, but get it done in due course, when there's some scaffolding up, or a bloke willing to do it from a ladder... or your guy will just tidy up some of the insulation away from the eave ends. Has the lack of ventilation actually caused any current damage... or didn't he specify that tidbit?

For an open fire or stove, there's a need for some air flow into the room, both for carbon monoxide prevention, and for a decent flow in the chimney (where did that chimley thread go???). Sure, I'd want one, I wouldn't rely on a window. But, you won't need it for the next six summer months, it's a DIY job if you like, or a bloke will do it for a hundred quid, if he's doing other stuff. You can opt for a simple airbrick through both skins, you can have a round vent drilled in with a fancy brass plate, or you can still opt for sub-floor, even with concrete (but it will be pricey).

Both jobs easy, no worries. Might just suggest current owner not keeping up with maintenance... but doesn't even justify that concern.

Where's the "possible corroded wall ties", "woodworm may be present", "consult a drainage surveyor" and "electrical testing may be required".... :rotfl: Go on, what else is making you sweat?

noli nothis permittere te terere

Edit to add: So, of the dozen similar/identical houses on that street, how many have a problem with their gable end ladder? Any evidence of partial re-roofing if you walk around? Thought not!

Smiley_Dan

Dan-Dan wrote: »

The survey on the property we are buying has recommended an air brick in the living room due to a wood burner installed in there..concrete floor...

I think it rhymes with clucking bells... How do these people get trained.

Get an air permeability test done. This tells you how much air is leaking through the fabric of the house. Building regs suggests vents are fitted when permeability is below 5.0m³/h.m² @50Pa. It's highly unlikely your house is that well built. Note, the belief that new houses will hit that mark is ridiculously misplaced, so don't rely on hearsay, get it tested.

If the stove is > 5kW and it's not room sealed (again highly unlikely, we don't like doing things properly) then its time to consider ventilation. You should size the hole as per: http://www.stovefittersmanual.co.uk/articles/do-i-need-an-air-vent-for-a-wood-burning-stove/