Home ventilation is one of those things that homeowners never think about until it is too late because they are trying to solve a problem relating to damp or mould. This is largely because ventilation is not something you can see and is often not something that you can improve on without replacing ventilation bricks because it is an integral part of your home’s structure.

However, you absolutely need to assess the state of your ventilation bricks from time to time to make sure that the flow of air is as efficient as possible around your home so that you can keep nasty little dampness out.

What Are Ventilation Bricks?

Ventilation bricks are very similar to air vents and can be found in all homes. They are literally bricks that have grates embedded into them so you can see from one side of the brick right through to the other. The small squares are big enough to circulate the air but are small enough to keep pests out for the most part.

Of course, the first function is its primary one. The fact that it allows air in and out keeps up a constant flow that is completely necessary to avoid air becoming stale and thus encouraging dampness and mould spores to form.

There are several places in your home that you will find ventilation bricks and they will often be found on the outer walls of all floors. One such place is between the ground floor subfloor and the wooden floors above. This is designed to ensure stability but also leaves a fairly large void for air to settle and become stale if ventilation bricks are absent. As such, without the bricks in place, you will find that your floor becomes damp and somewhat unstable within just a few months.

Ventilation bricks can also be found above the flooring of every home. Everyone knows that condensation forms when the temperature inside differs from that outside and the heating is not on. If condensation does form and settle then that can be incredibly damaging and cause wooden beams and joists to rot. Ensuring that you have proper ventilation bricks and your airways are clear can help to prevent this.

Clearing or Replacing?

You should check all of the ventilation bricks in your home on a regular basis to ensure that the flow of air is at its optimum level. You may find that ventilation bricks are blocked from time to time and if they are then you can clear them using industrial cleaning equipment. However, if some of the sections are collapsed, which does happen via wear and tear, then you are advised to replace them.

Replacing ventilation bricks is relatively easy and does not take that long to do at all. Firstly, drill holes in the joist around the ventilation bricks and the solid sections of the brick. Then you should chisel away the remainder of the brick before sweeping the hole out.

Daub a little mortar around the inside of the hole and then push your new ventilation bricks in. Secure it with mortar in any voids and then wait for it to set. It really is that easy and just like replacing any other damaged brick. The only difference is that ventilation bricks can really boost your ventilation and the air quality within your home for some years to come.