Should air bricks go on top or bottom of wall

[diyplumber1980]

Hi all, i'm getting a lot of damp in my upstairs bedrooms and had a specialist out who says the probably cause is lack of ventilation as there are no air vents in the room. He suggested installing air bricks/air vents. However he made no mention where they should go.

So i've decided to do this but i'm not sure if the vents should be on the top of the wall or on the bottom. Also what wall should it go on? the wall with window or any other wall?

 

[dann09]

Condensation seems to be what is being suggested - you could research lots of similar situations/material on here.

Typically, condensation needs lots of heat and lots of thro ventilation. Before knocking holes, perhaps apply some room heat, and leave a window(s) slightly open. Do this for a few weeks and see how it goes.

Sometimes interior, wall air bricks, set at about 1800mm/6ft high, are papered over.
Go look from outside for any air bricks.

 

[diyplumber1980]

Thanks for quick reply. Yes he said the cause was condensation on internal walls.

I've had a look on the outside walls and there is definately no air vents visible. However another issue i have is the outside wall upstairs is not brick but similar to roof tiles. Here is pic of it, not sure how i would put an air vent onto this.

 

[Nige F]

you can`t put a vent thro` the tiles - and probably don`t need to - you might find those opening windows have a facility where you can lock them slightly open with the handle ( assuming they are Upvc )

 

[diyplumber1980]

you can`t put a vent thro` the tiles - and probably don`t need to - you might find those opening windows have a facility where you can lock them slightly open with the handle ( assuming they are Upvc )

they are UPVC however they seem rather old as they have no in-bui8ld venting grill on the window frame. The guys we had out to check the damp issue said we definately needed air bricks. However the only other wall where i could put them is the side wall as thats all brick, but as its a "flank" wall, is it advised to put vents on that?

Also, silly question maybe, but why can't i simply remove a tile from front wall and place a vent in its place?

 

[JohnD]

you can make holes in the side wall.

Easier than air bricks is to hire a core drill and insert plastic duct and grilles as used for extractor fans.

Water vapour is lighter than air so it rises towards the ceiling, so that's where to let it out. You can get cowled vents which will prevent backdraught. Don't get the ones like little plastic venetiian blinds, which rattle annoyingy in light winds, and break off in strong winds.

 

[^woody^]

That house looks like a Bryant Wallframe, and if it is, the front wall will be reinforced concrete, and unsuitable for an air brick. If its one of the other systems, then the side wall may be concrete too

I doubt that you have had an expert visit if they have not told you how to deal with the problem - i.e. what type and location of air vents

These system built properties are difficult to deal with for condensation issues, and its not just a case of plonking an air brick in

Has your 'expert' considered the rest of the property, and the actual cause of any dampness, and other remedies?

For vents, there are air bricks or passive vents which would go at 1.8m high and 0.3m from a corner, and diagonally opposite a door. But air bricks may just introduce damp cold air into the room without solving anything in this type of property.

There are slot vent options for the window frame or to the top of the glass too

But you really need to be advised of other options