What is an Air Brick?
An air brick is a type of brick, most commonly made from clay or plastic and designed with holes, that provides a form of ventilation. They will usually be found on the ground floor or sit beneath suspended floors to circulate and improve airflow. You may also see them described as 'hollowed' or 'perforated' bricks.
This ventilation is crucial to ensuring that moisture build-up is prevented. Essentially, an air brick is a simple tool that can save homes from the damaging effects of untreated moisture.
The Risks of Not Using Proper Ventilation
You can run into a couple of issues and potential damage when you don’t practise proper ventilation, including:
- Increased risk of rot
- Increased risk of damp
An air brick can reduce the likelihood of these problems and prevent moisture from damaging the property. The long-term issues of poor ventilation can decrease a property’s value, making simply implementing an air brick system more cost-effective.
Our guide on cavity closer building regulations covers more about the practical application.
Air Brick Regulations
One regulation that should be followed when placing an air brick is ensuring it's at the right height.
The Right Height For an Air Brick
An air brick is advised to be positioned at least 75mm above the ground to prevent obstruction.
Air bricks can be blocked by a few things, including:
- Flooding
- Overgrown gardens
- Foreign objects
It is best not to obstruct an air brick due to its essential role in ensuring ventilation. We recommend following this regulation as well as being fully aware of each location to prevent accidental obstruction.
Once you’re all set with air bricks and vents, check out our range of essential tools and building products to ensure your projects are a success.
