Extractor fan behind cupboards

mayfel · 26 Feb 2020

Hi,

I'm replacing the kitchen and the old one had some damp issues behind the units. It was a very very old kitchen and it was fully sealed, no gaps at kickboard level or anything. A small part of it is external wall (9" solid). Was thinking of installing an extractor fan behind the units (with access panel/grille) to keep humid air flowing out of the voids. What type would be best for noise/reliability and perhaps with some form of variable speed for humidity?

Thanks,
Matt

foxhole · 26 Feb 2020

Doesn’t need a fan , line the external wall with insulation before cupboards go in.

mayfel · 27 Feb 2020

Had considered this but the design doesn't allow much room and I don't think there'll be space behind the units for extra insulation ...

foxhole · 27 Feb 2020

maffel said:
Had considered this but the design doesn't allow much room and I don't think there'll be space behind the units for extra insulation ...

Then hows a fan going to help if there’s no space behind units ?

conny · 27 Feb 2020

Behind base units there is always a 'service' gap where you can run pipework or leads to sockets etc.
Once the base units are in place, or their positions marked on the wall, you can cut and fit Celotex behind the units before the worktops are fitted.

mayfel · 27 Feb 2020

foxhole said:
Then hows a fan going to help if there’s no space behind units ?

The sides of the units are full depth with a back board set in. All units would be connected by the vented space behind the kickboards. Plus, had planned to make cuts in the side panels to allow extra air flow.

conny said:
Behind base units there is always a 'service' gap where you can run pipework or leads to sockets etc. Once the base units are in place, or their positions marked on the wall, you can cut and fit Celotex behind the units before the worktops are fitted.

Hadn't thought of that, but wondered whether having a fuly vented and extracted space might be more beneficial than
insulation over part of the wall and with no way of fitting a vapour barrier over the top of the insulation. Not sure which would be better(?)

conny · 27 Feb 2020

I think you can get insulation blocks with a built in VB.

foxhole · 27 Feb 2020

No VB required .

mayfel · 27 Feb 2020

Okay thanks peeps. So it's pretty established that insulating is a far better option than airflow?

foxhole · 29 Feb 2020

maffel said:
Okay thanks peeps. So it's pretty established that insulating is a far better option than airflow?

Kitchen should be well ventilated and have extractor fan installed .

bobasd · 1 Mar 2020

OP,
you still dont know what kind of damp you've got or how serious it is or might become?
as above, an extractor is a must but simply covering wall damp will not solve the issue - it most probably will make it worse?

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Extractor fan behind cupboards

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