The importance of using air bricks properly
The use of air bricks is fundamental in the UK, but there are quite a lot of regulations to consider when using them that need to be factored in.
These regulations adhere to both NHBC Standards and Building Regulations Part F, which covers all ventilation in building developments, so utilising air bricks is useful given the ventilation regulations.
In this article, we will cover what air bricks are, what these regulations are and why air bricks are so important.
An air brick is a specially designed brick that has holes in, which allows air to circulate through them and add ventilation to cavity walls, lofts or underfloor areas.
Not only does this improve the air quality within the building, which is especially pertinent for older buildings, but they can also make buildings cooler in the summer.
With proper ventilation in place, the lifespan of a building’s structure will last longer as it will be less likely to suffer from mould or internal structural damage, so having them is very important.
When using air bricks, there are a few things that need to be factored in. For a start, air bricks should be no more than two metres apart and within 450mm of the end of the wall.
How many air bricks you use is dependent on the length of the wall, but ideally, you’d want your air bricks to be a metre and a half apart, as that is the optimum space apart to maximise airflow.
On the topic of airflow, air bricks need to be kept clear of any obstructions that could hamper that.
The reason why the spacing is so important, especially for underfloor voids, is to make sure the airflow is adequate enough to meet NHBC Standards, which at the spacings listed, will do so.
Finally, for those following DPC construction regulations, a large air brick will meet these and also boost ventilation, making them very useful.
Yes, you can, which is why it is recommended to have them spaced out between 1.5m to 2m apart. Too many air bricks can cause drafts, energy inefficiency due to heat loss and structural weaknesses.
As an example and by using the method of spacing them 1.5 metres apart, if you had a building with a perimeter of 20m, you’d use 14 air bricks in total.
No, you don’t necessarily have to use them in every wall, but it is advised to have them in walls that surround things like bathrooms or kitchens.
Generally speaking, they won’t be needed for internal walls, but are advised and recommended for use on outdoor walls.
As a result of the better ventilation, air bricks do a great job of ensuring that condensation is largely prevented, which rules out the possibility of mould or damp spots on the walls.
They are also relatively simple to install and don’t need anything special or complex to get them bedded into the building’s design.
In addition, they also prevent wood from rotting in timber floors, as anything wooden will likely remain dry thanks to the ventilation.
Taking everything into consideration, it’s easy to see why air bricks are so important and why they are so frequently used.
Using them properly has a huge amount of benefits, all of which do wonders for the buildings themselves.
You can see what types of air bricks that we stock at Multifix here.
These regulations adhere to both NHBC Standards and Building Regulations Part F, which covers all ventilation in building developments, so utilising air bricks is useful given the ventilation regulations.
In this article, we will cover what air bricks are, what these regulations are and why air bricks are so important.
Firstly, what is an air brick?
An air brick is a specially designed brick that has holes in, which allows air to circulate through them and add ventilation to cavity walls, lofts or underfloor areas.
Not only does this improve the air quality within the building, which is especially pertinent for older buildings, but they can also make buildings cooler in the summer.
With proper ventilation in place, the lifespan of a building’s structure will last longer as it will be less likely to suffer from mould or internal structural damage, so having them is very important.
What are the key regulations surrounding air bricks?
When using air bricks, there are a few things that need to be factored in. For a start, air bricks should be no more than two metres apart and within 450mm of the end of the wall.
How many air bricks you use is dependent on the length of the wall, but ideally, you’d want your air bricks to be a metre and a half apart, as that is the optimum space apart to maximise airflow.
On the topic of airflow, air bricks need to be kept clear of any obstructions that could hamper that.
The reason why the spacing is so important, especially for underfloor voids, is to make sure the airflow is adequate enough to meet NHBC Standards, which at the spacings listed, will do so.
Finally, for those following DPC construction regulations, a large air brick will meet these and also boost ventilation, making them very useful.
Can you have too many air bricks?
Yes, you can, which is why it is recommended to have them spaced out between 1.5m to 2m apart. Too many air bricks can cause drafts, energy inefficiency due to heat loss and structural weaknesses.
As an example and by using the method of spacing them 1.5 metres apart, if you had a building with a perimeter of 20m, you’d use 14 air bricks in total.
But would I need to use them in every wall?
No, you don’t necessarily have to use them in every wall, but it is advised to have them in walls that surround things like bathrooms or kitchens.
Generally speaking, they won’t be needed for internal walls, but are advised and recommended for use on outdoor walls.
Aside from what’s been mentioned, what other positives are there to using air bricks?
As a result of the better ventilation, air bricks do a great job of ensuring that condensation is largely prevented, which rules out the possibility of mould or damp spots on the walls.
They are also relatively simple to install and don’t need anything special or complex to get them bedded into the building’s design.
In addition, they also prevent wood from rotting in timber floors, as anything wooden will likely remain dry thanks to the ventilation.
An essential product
Taking everything into consideration, it’s easy to see why air bricks are so important and why they are so frequently used.
Using them properly has a huge amount of benefits, all of which do wonders for the buildings themselves.
You can see what types of air bricks that we stock at Multifix here.