How to install an air brick in garage

[simoncollins48]

Hi All

Would just like a little advice if possible. I have a single garage with usual up n over door at one end. It's single-skin brick wall with no windows or vents.

I've noticed that it can get a little damp in there over the winter - I left a bag of cement in there last winter which had gone rock solid when I came back to it the next year!

Ordinarily wouldn't be too concerned, but I have two motorbikes in there and want to keep them in sellable condition. I've noticed a little condensation on parts of the bikes. Someone on a bike forum suggested that I can solve the damp problem by simply fitting an air brick. Does this sound right to you guys?

If so, how do I go about it? I'm fairly capable when it comes to DIY, but have never tried something like this before... If anyone could offer step-by-step instructions that would be really helpful.

Do I need to place it anywhere particular, or would any of the walls be fine?

Many thanks for your help.

 

[wavetrain]

Simon where is the damp coming from? Does the floor get damp after rain? Does the roof leak? Is the garage detatched from the house?

 

[Alastairreid]

You will need to place vents both low and high, and at opposite sides of garage to create an airflow.

 

[simoncollins48]

Hi. There isn't any leaking from the roof, nor is the floor wet. It's condensation I guess. And yes, garage is detached from the house. It's on its own, not part of a garage block.

Do you think air bricks on opposite sides of the garage will work?

Why do I need to place some high and low though? So it's a minimun of 4 bricks?

Many thanks

 

[wavetrain]

The reason for placing high and low at opposite sides is so there will be thru flow when breezy outside, but when not breezy, as long as there is a temperature differential between the high and low vents (eg the sun is heating the roof a little) there will be still be some air flow via the process called convection.

If the garage doors leak air enough, you could get away with just one vent on a wall opposite the leaky doors.