What is subfloor ventilation you ask? It is a ventilation system that is installed under the ground floor that extracts damp air from underneath your home. This ventilation is also preventative of unwanted moisture creeping in.
But I already have ventilation!
Now what is the necessity for such a system? Often you will find that your home already had a very simple ventilation system built into the foundations when the house was built, however, these basic systems can easily get blocked or be obstructed by gardens, and a frequent problem with the ventilation supplied at the house build is there are not an adequate number of vents for the size of your home. The recommended minimum ventilation for T&G timber floors is 7500 mm2 per meter length of wall, so if you are having problems with what is already there, you may need to do a head count on your vents to see if enough air is passing through.
By installing underfloor ventilation, you are eliminating many avenues of potential damage to your home, and the safety risks that go along with it. If your home is not ventilated, then moisture is likely to gather in that airspace between your flooring and the earth. Over time that moisture can turn into dampness and mold that will infest your home and untreated could cause major damage, not to mention the health risks it poses.
Ventilation & mold issues
Not only does poor ventilation lead to mold issues, but it is also an open invitation to unwanted visitors that are Termites. Termites thrive in dark damp areas so without ventilation allowing dry fresh air to flow through, termites will be making their own cosy home while eating their way through yours. In the worst cases, if the timbers are already beginning to rot with mold, the termites will eat through it rapidly like the spread of wildfire.
Now I know what you’re thinking, something like this is going to break the bank. But fear not, prices vary depending on the specifications but averaging at $2500 supplied, installed, including GST and 5 years warranty, doesn’t seem too much of a price to pay when weighed up next to the safety it provides you and your family. In the long term, it will save you spending most likely even more than that on repairs and rebuilding your foundations.
Is subfloor ventilation necessary?
All in all, it is essential to think about subfloor ventilation in your home if you haven’t done so already. But first, check for any existing damage, it’s no good adding a solution to already damaged goods, this type of damage is not something that can be salvaged. You’ll need to make sure you clean up any moldy mess before installation of your subfloor ventilation system. And finally, a handy tip for once you’re all set up and ready to keep the air clean, run your sub-ventilation system in the daytime while the air is at its driest, the air is moister at night so remember to switch off before you go to bed to avoid any misfortunes.
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