Air bricks

[fattony]

hi

Our house was built in the 80's, boiler in the kitchen and no cavity wall insulation.

Last year we had cavity wall insulation, installed and we were happy with the results, however recently noticed a damp patch in a kitchen cupboard.

directly behind the patch is an air brick, as far as I'm aware this is the only one and I'm assuming it's there as the boiler was in the kitchen?

The previous owners moved the boiler to the loft so I'm wondering if I can fill the air brick?

Thanks in advance

 

[JohnD]

don't fill it. Show us a photo.

 

[fattony]

Thanks, images below

 

[fattony]

That seems to be the only vent in the house

 

[JohnD]

is there an extractor in the kitchen?

It's a wall cupboard, I think (not under the sink?) What do you keep in it?

What's under it? there seems to be a brown mark on the remaining cabinet

 

[fattony]

Yes there is an extractor over the hob, in the cupboard I removed we keep glasses and mugs, cupboard to the right (left on the wall) we keep plastic containers and kids cups.

This is a wall unit, below on the worktop is kettle and toaster.

There is a damp patch in the cupboard which had quite a bit of condensation when I removed it this morning

Thanks

 

[fattony]

Looking at the neighbours house, the boiler would have been in this position so I presume it's the old flue.

The proposed extension would block it off so I have little to lose by filling it and if it creates problems vent it at a later date

 

[JohnD]

It's possible that the kettle beneath is contributing to the condensation.

if you were to drill a hole through the back of the cupboard, allowing it to ventilate to the outside, the condensation would probably stop. I think your current position is that the cabinet being close to the wall prevents ventilation of the room. There was a time when kitchens were required to have a ventilated food cupboard, which would be somewhat cool and not full of stagnant damp air, it might be that the airbrick is left over from then.

Rather than block up the airbrick, try putting a hit-and-miss vent over it. This can be closed, experimentally, but will allow you to open it and ventilate the room better if/when you change the layout. It is easy and cheap.

edit
It's not an old flue.

 

[fattony]

Thanks will look for hit and miss vent

Appreciate the help