What Is Ventilation ?
Ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical means to and from any space. Ventilation creates a positive flow of air that allows the dwelling to “breathe” which helps prevent moisture build-up all year round. The air inside a room should be circulated with the air outside.
When people or animals are present, ventilation is especially necessary to remove carbon dioxide and renew the oxygen used. It also aids in the removal of stale odours caused by smoking, painting and cooking, etc. A lack of ventilation can lead to many health problems especially those who suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and breathing disorders.
Generally in the Winter months there is a significant rise in ventilation problems. These problems are caused by the use of constant heating devices where the windows are kept closed to keep the cold air out. Of course we are going to keep our windows closed in winter. But when condensation occurs and their is a lack of air circulation, it creates the perfect growth conditions for mould and mildew.
Signs of mould and mildew will be found on many items such as windows, leather items, furniture, articles of clothing and bedding, reading materials, bathrooms and artifacts. Within a couple of colder months, some of these items will be destroyed with the attack of such fungus. Mould and mildew lead to musty odours, allergies, smelly basements, ruined textiles, damaged artifacts and reading material. These signs all indicate to a lack of ventilation.
Why Install A Ventilation System
The only way to increase the natural air flow under and within a dwelling, is to install vents under the sub-floor, at high ceiling levels, in pantry/kitchen cupboards and built-in wardrobes.
Vents create a good cross flow of natural air, removing and preventing a build up of stale damp air, which mould and mildew thrive on. Ventilation creates a much healthier living environment especially for those who suffer from breathing difficulties,asthma and allergies.
What Causes Mould and Mildew
1. Air Circulation
Along with humidity and temperature control, adequate air circulation will help prevent mould growth. Air circulation helps control moisture levels through evaporation.
2. Temperature
Most moulds thrive in warmer temperatures. Temperatures below freezing will not kill mould, but will inhibit their growth.
3. Humidity
Generally, it is recommended that relative humidity remain at 50% with a max. change of plus or minus 5% per month.
4. Light
Sunlight, and in particular UV radiation, generally retards mould growth. However, sunlight and ultra-violet radiation cause serious fading of library materials and can speed up chemical reactions leading to the formation of acids in paper therefore is not recommended.
5. Chemical composition
Mould growth can also be affected by the chemical composition of the book or paper food source. Many fungi prefer slightly acidic material.
DID YOU KNOW: Studies have shown that the average human being breathes in an incredibly high amount of toxins from the environment. In fact, with each breath, we take in more toxic substances and less of the vital oxygen that we need, than ever before.
Types Of Ventilation Systems
Sub Floor Vents
Buildings with timber floors, built up on piers suffer from a lack of ventilation due to a bad cross flow of air. Installation of brass mesh wire sub-floor vents allow a natural cross flow of air under your home. These vents come in an array of sizes and colours to match the existing brickwork. Plain coloured vents can also be installed and painted later to match any coloured desired. Each vent is constructed from pre-coloured concrete with corrosion resistant brass mesh wire to ensure durability. Sub-floor vents provide a natural air flow throughout the property which minimises condensation, inhibits the growth of mould and maximises the sub-floor air flow.
A good cross flow of air is achieved when air travels through a vent on one side of the building, through the sub floor area, and out the other opposing side through another vent. Sub-floor vents must not be below the soil level, and must not be covered by gardens or landscaping. The sub-floor area must not have hinderance from rubble or any other form of obstruction. The vents should be regularly checked and cleaned of grass clippings, leaves, etc, to ensure maximum air flow is achieved.
Sizes: Various colours available:
18″ x 6″ (455mm x 160mm)
18″ x 3″ (455mm x 80mm)
9″ x 6″ (227.5mm x 160mm)
9″ x 3″ (227.5mm x 80mm)
External Louvre Vents
Louvre terracotta vents are also known as clay brick vents. Made from natural clay they blend easily into existing walls due to their subtle earth tones.
The louvre vent, when teamed with an internal plaster vent, will also act as an upper wall ventilator. External louvre- interior plaster vents are installed up the higher part of the the wall, closer to the ceiling height. These vents allow stale, musty air to expel from the internal living areas of a dwelling, replacing it with clean fresh air. The louvre design of the vent stops any rain from entering.
When brickwork is not present, an alternative Aluminium non corrosive vent would be installed into walls that consist of fibro, timber and other masonry. These vents have a brushed matt silver/shiny silver look and are aesthetically pleasing to any existing wall.
Internal Plaster Vents
Internal plaster vents are installed to the interior upper wall, closer to the ceiling height. There are many designs to choose from plain to Heritage looking patterns. Allowing stale air to pass into the plaster vent and expelling it through the adjacent external louvre vent enables a healthier living environment.
Mechanical Ventilation
Homes that are terrace houses with common walls, duplexes, have mounds of earth, rubble or stored goods in the sub-floor area, erected on sloping blocks or poor access to the sub-floor area do not achieve a consistent cross flow of air. In these cases it may be necessary to install a fan to extract and replace the air mechanically,
Ecofans are installed to improve sub-floor air quality and reduce humidity levels beneath the floor. This 25cm diameter fan consists of five blades and an electronic brushless D.C motor. The fan is installed in an aluminium powder coated frame.
The Ecofan extracts 432 CFM of damp stale sub-floor air. This air is then replaced at the same time with external fresh air.The Ecofan is fully controlled by power .
The Ecofan Is installed in the sub-floor brickwork by removing one brick and part removal of adjacent bricks above and below. No electrician is required.