Air bricks in bedrooms (1st floor)

Sid134

Hi - I;ve seen a fair few threads about air bricks, but these seem to be the type that go under suspended floor boards to allow ventilation.

I recently moved into a 1920's terrace with single skin (double brick) walls. I cleared out the air bricks at ground level, which sorted out the damp plaster / floorboards I'd noticed, but there are also air bricks in the 2x front bedrooms, and the bathroom to the back of the property. The back bedroom (above the extension) does not have any such air bricks. The ceiling is slightly sloped, and the air bricks are about 4-5 feet off the ground.

The issue is the FREEZING COLD AIR that flows through these. And the fact I can almost hear people on the street outside breathing. For the time being I have screwed some cheap plastic Hit&Miss vent covers over them (interior), and caulked around them to seal the gaps, but even when these are closed there's still a cold draught, and no noise reduction whatsoever.

The entire upper floor is colder than the ground floor. There's a noticeable 'ceiling' of warm air as I walk down the stairs -_-

Does anyone have any recommendations? Are air baffles the way to go?

I know I shouldn't be completely sealing the bricks off, as that could cause damp / mildew. On the other hand I am considering moving my bed into the dining room as that's the warmest room by far...

Thank you for your time

societys_child

I'd seal them completey. inside and out (provided there's no gas heaters in the rooms) You must have windows you can open slightly if/ when needed?

Mr.Generous

These vents were designed for when homes had real fires burning, we always block them off. I usually seal a block of polystyrene cut to size in a rubble sack, taped up secure and then fix a piece of plaster board to it before we plaster over it. Job done, the polystyrene insulates against noise and heat loss, no more draughts.

Sid134

I've had new windows fitted to all but the bathroom, as the old windows weren't particularly good for air flow and had broken seals, so were full of condensation.

The walls are extremely cold to the touch,even with the heating on, so I worry there's a risk that any moisture condenses there. I once took a shower with the bathroom door half open and the (old) bedroom windows misted up....

Will just opening the windows for a few minutes each day be enough to make up for the sealed vents?

I'm planning to open up the 2x fireplaces downstairs, but not in the bedrooms, so there won't be any gas / open fires upstairs at all.

*EDIT: it just occurred to me to look at similar houses in the area on Rightmove. No visible vents in upstairs rooms, all smoothly plastered, so I am going to take both of your advice and block them up, although I will have to keep the bathroom one open until I get an extractor fan installed.

Thank you both!