Do I need such big air bricks?

[Staxi]

Hi,
We have air bricks every two metres or so around the bottom of the house, presumably to ventilate the raised wooden floor.
The house is freezing and so I’m having to keep the heating on all day as my son has tutors and therapists coming and going.
I appreciate the need for air bricks but can anyone tell me if I really need such big ones in my early 80’s house?
I’ve bought some cowls to screw over the air bricks to try and avoid some of the draughts, which I have attached some bug mesh to whilst I was at it. Ideally though I’d like to consider blocking up half of the air brick before attaching the cowls to avoid so much cold entering the house.
I figured this would still let an element of airflow to prevent the joists rotting, etc.
Any thoughts welcome. Thank you.
I dream of one day insulating between the joists and having a toasty house but here’s to dreaming!

 

[opps]

Those are awfully large gaps. A mouse will easily go through them.

I am a decorator, not a builder, but if you restrict the airflow, you may have problems further down the line.

 

[footprints]

I would look at the flooring you need a draft under floor, Do you have bare boards, if so those gaps add up! Hardboard under carpet and underlay for a start with mastic between the skirting and flooring, also board cupboard floors like under stairs.

 

[Staxi]

Those are awfully large gaps. A mouse will easily go through them.

I am a decorator, not a builder, but if you restrict the airflow, you may have problems further down the line.

Yes they’re huge! Thankfully we’ve been lucky enough not to have any problems so far (and have a cat) but I’m keen to get the cowls with mesh over them in place this weekend.

 

[Staxi]

I would look at the flooring you need a draft under floor, Do you have bare boards, if so those gaps add up! Hardboard under carpet and underlay for a start with mastic between the skirting and flooring, also board cupboard floors like under stairs.

Thanks for the reply. I have carpet and underlay except for the kitchen, where there’s lino. I’ll take a look under kitchen cabinets when I can though because I assume it’s bare boards under there and the kitchen and bottom cupboards are really cold.

 

[bernardgreen]

Do you live in an area where Radon gas is a problem that is solved by the high level of ventilation ?

UKradon - Radon at a glance

www.ukradon.org

 

[Staxi]

Do you live in an area where Radon gas is a problem that is solved by the high level of ventilation ?

UKradon - Radon at a glance

www.ukradon.org

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve looked into it and no, Radon gas isn’t an issue here

 

[Staxi]

Thanks for the reply. I have carpet and underlay except for the kitchen, where there’s lino. I’ll take a look under kitchen cabinets when I can though because I assume it’s bare boards under there and the kitchen and bottom cupboards are really cold.

I wanted to thank you again. I’ve had a moment to pull up a bit of carpet and the draught coming through between the skirting and floor boards is unreal. I’ve ordered some draughtex (I just know I’ll get mastic on the carpet!) and this is something I can do at the weekend, which will make a big difference straight away. I’d never have thought of this.