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Ventilation

Ventilation is the intentional movement of air from outside a building to the inside and is essential for the health of the building

Damp

A damp sub floor does not start showing up until there is damage or odour in the building. As a damp sub floor is unseen, it can persist for years unhandled. Ventilation is critical for the longevity of the building construction, for health of buildings interior and the health of those occupying buildings. In general terms sub-floor ventilation is divided into two sections, natural cross flow ventilation and mechanical ventilation. Mechanical or forced ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air by means of mechanical fan. In hot humid localities, mould, mildew, dry rot, and damp insulation, is frequently found where proper ventilation is not provided. Poor ventilation is most often the cause of bad indoor air quality, building up pollutants, moisture, irritants, and odours.

General Building Ventilation

Every building has numerous voids, and these need ventilation to stop condensation forming. Condensation can promote fungal growth or mould and also termites as they are attracted to moist areas. Sub-Floor Ventilation or under floor ventilation is important for homes with suspended flooring. This ventilation removes moisture and thus helps prevent mould forming. Vent openings must be positioned for cross flow ventilation and if this is not possible a powered fan must be considered. Many old house were build very close to the ground with little or no ventilation. Small vents would not allow for enough air to be exchanged thus a powered extraction fan should be considered. These powered ventilation fans are available in a solar powered form and mains power.

Cavity Wall

Wall cavities that are open to the sub-floor and the roof void provide a free flowing connection between the sub-floor void and the roof void assisting in the natural raising of humidity thus it is important for the roof cavity to be well ventilated. If the roof cavity is not well ventilated the sub floor can have a build up of condensation which is unhealthy for the building.

Roof Cavity ventilation

Good roof cavity ventilation is important for the longevity of the building fabric, for the health of the building interior and the health of those living in the building. Roof cavity vents can be static at the end of the roof or wind power rotating vent and solar powered fan vents. Solar powered fan vents exchange the most air then the wind powered vent. Both are good options and will remove moisture and stale air from the roof cavity. Also these type of vents assist in summer to keep the house cooler.