Expert Advice: Should I Block Air Bricks In Winter?
February 14, 2024
Winter brings a variety of challenges, and one common dilemma homeowners face is whether to block air bricks during the colder months. As temperatures drop, concerns about insulation and energy efficiency arise.
In this guide, you will find out whether or not you should block air bricks in winter along with the pros and cons.
Crucial Functions of Air Bricks in Homes
In homes with solid fuel fires or gas heaters, these bricks play an important role. They help get rid of fumes and bring in oxygen for burning fuels safely.
During winter nights when central heating is off, they work to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mould or rot in wooden floor joists. For houses at risk of flooding, special flood-proof air bricks are available to protect against water damage while still allowing for proper ventilation.
Common locations in a house
Houses with suspended timber floors often have air bricks fitted into the outer walls. They are below floor level to let fresh air flow underneath. This keeps the area dry and stops moisture from damaging the wood.
Many homes with block and beam construction or cavity walls also include these bricks for similar reasons.
You’ll find them near solid fuel fires, stoves, and gas heaters too. They provide essential ventilation that prevents harmful gases from building up inside. Without proper airflow, living spaces could become damp or even dangerous due to poor air quality.
Pros and Cons of Blocking Air Bricks for Winter
Blocking air bricks in winter can help keep your home warmer by preventing cold drafts, but it may also lead to issues with condensation and damp. It’s important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks before making a decision.
Benefits of blocking air bricks
Blocking air bricks in the winter can stop cold winds from getting in. This means your home stays warmer, and you could save money on heating bills. It also cuts down on drafts that can make rooms feel chilly.
Keeping the cold out isn’t the only plus; it also helps keep water out. When it rains a lot, water might seep into homes through air bricks. By covering them up, you’re less likely to have damp issues.
Another perk is keeping pests away. Air bricks are often entry points for bugs and small animals looking for warmth in your house. Covering air bricks keeps these uninvited guests outside where they belong.
Maintenance is easier with blocked air bricks too since there’s less chance of them getting clogged or damaged by bad weather or outside debris.
Potential risks and drawbacks
While blocking air bricks may seem like a good way to keep the cold out, it can cause more harm than good. Covering these vital vents stops fresh air from flowing into your home. This lack of airflow leads to damp and moisture buildup.
Damp conditions are perfect for wood rot and mould growth. Your floors and walls could get damaged.
Keeping air bricks open is key to letting your house breathe. If they’re blocked, condensation often forms on windows and walls. Over time, this wetness encourages mildew and affects indoor air quality.Plus, if you block the bricks, you might not notice other property protection issues that need fixing right away. It’s important to think about these risks before deciding what to do with your air bricks in winter.
Alternative Solutions for Winter Insulation
Draught excluders and secondary glazing can help keep the cold air out while insulating wall panels provide added warmth during the winter months. These alternatives can effectively improve insulation without blocking air bricks completely.
Draught excluders
Draught excludes work wonders in stopping cold air from sneaking through air bricks. They act like barriers, trapping heat inside your home and blocking chilly breezes. This means you don’t have to block the air bricks completely, keeping good ventilation while still staying warm.
Using draught excluders can bump up your energy efficiency too.
These simple tools are easy to fit around air bricks and come in handy for winterising your house. With the right draught excluder, you’ll enjoy a cosy indoor temperature without wasting heat or money.
Plus, they’re a smart choice if you’re looking to avoid major changes like insulating wall panels or secondary glazing.
Secondary glazing
While draught excluders are a simple fix for chilly winds, secondary glazing goes further to trap heat. It adds an extra pane of glass or plastic to existing windows, creating another barrier against the cold.
This method keeps your home warmer without changing the external appearance of your property. It’s perfect for listed buildings where you can’t swap out old windows.
Not only does secondary glazing cut down on heat loss, but it also makes homes quieter by blocking outside noise. Plus, it steps up security since there’s an additional layer that unwanted guests have to get through.
When thinking about window insulation for better thermal comfort and energy efficiency, secondary glazing is a smart move.
Insulating wall panels
Insulating wall panels offer energy-saving benefits and improved thermal insulation for properties with air bricks. These panels can be particularly effective in conjunction with flood prevention air bricks, especially for homes in flood-prone areas.
It’s important to note that insulating wall panels should not be used as a means to block air bricks entirely, as this may lead to damp and mould problems. When used correctly, insulating wall panels can enhance the overall insulation of a property without compromising ventilation or causing potential issues.
For properties using solid fuel fires, stoves, or gas heaters that require ventilation through air bricks, insulating wall panels can complement the existing ventilation by providing extra thermal efficiency without obstructing necessary airflow.
Tips for proper ventilation
- Ensure that air bricks and vents are unobstructed to allow for the free flow of air.
- Regularly check and clean air bricks to prevent blockages from debris, dirt, or pests.
- Consider using wire mesh coverings to prevent pests from entering while maintaining ventilation.
- Use extractor fans in areas prone to moisture build-up – up such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Install trickle vents in windows to maintain airflow while reducing heat loss.
- Seek professional advice on the appropriate placement and maintenance of air bricks for optimal ventilation.
- Invest in specialist flood prevention air bricks in flood-prone areas to balance ventilation with protection.
Potential consequences of blocking air bricks
Blocking air bricks in winter can lead to serious issues such as damp, wood rot, and mould growth within the property. This can result in structural damage, affecting the longevity of the building.
Air bricks play a vital role in preventing these problems by allowing proper ventilation and controlling moisture levels, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the property.
Neglecting to maintain proper airflow through air bricks can cause condensation build-up, leading to an increased risk of dampness and mould growth. These consequences highlight the critical importance of ensuring that air bricks remain unobstructed to protect against potential structural damage and maintain a healthy living environment.
Considering alternative solutions for winter insulation is crucial to avoid these potential consequences and preserve your property for years to come.
So The Answer Is No, Don’t Block Air Bricks.
Air bricks play a critical role in safeguarding properties from damp and condensation. Their purpose is to allow necessary ventilation. Blocking them will result in moisture build-up.
By exploring alternative solutions such as draught excluders and secondary glazing, one can effectively insulate their home for winter without blocking air bricks.
Professionals emphasise the importance of maintaining proper ventilation and highlight the potential consequences of obstructing air bricks.
Implementing these practical tips can lead to significant improvements in damp prevention and overall home insulation. Further exploration of mouse-proof measures like mesh covers offers added protection against pests entering through air bricks.
