Many Australian homes have been built with suspended timber floors, and a large percentage of those houses suffer to some degree from problems due to poor sub floor ventilation.

Inadequate sub-floor ventilation can be due to either non-existent or insufficient ventilation of the sub-floor. Often owners are unaware of the problem, or the potential for trouble until advised by a plumber, builder, pest controller.

This condition is not limited to old homes. Both new and older homes are susceptible, and do commonly suffer these problems.

Dampness and mildew are common signs of poor ventilation in homes and buildings. Not only does excessive dampness have a damaging effect on the structure of a building, it may also cause health problems and also provides a perfect breeding ground for termites and other pests.

Damp clothes, rotting floorboards curling photographs, residue on leather-goods and musty odors can all be indications of mould and mildew in the house. All timber flooring is susceptible to rot or decay.

The need to install absorbent crystals in wardrobes is a strong indicator of sub-floor ventilation and/or drainage problems! .
Poor ventilation can be a common problem that is usually solved both simply and relatively inexpensively.
Left unchecked, it can lead to damaged floors and walls and eventually structural damage. From that point it can be very expensive to rectify and may adversely affect the value of the property.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Start by having the sub floor ventilation in your home checked.
Although existing vents may not be achieving an ideal subfloor environment, the reasons may be external:

Ensure that poor drainage is not allowing ground water to seep into the subfloor area. External diversion drains and agricultural drains may need to be considered.
Check that shrubs and plants are not covering existing vents. Gardens often shield vents, preventing natural breezes that carry warmer, dry external air into the subfloor area, thus impeding the cross flow effect that picks up moisture and draws it out via opposite positioned vents. Removal or thinning of shrubs that are too close and shied the vents is extremely important. Be sure to also clear accumulated snails and spider webs that may be blocking the vents.
Goods stored in the subfloor area may be restricting adequate airflow and hindering ventilation.

Frequently, additional ventilation must be provided. Installing extra vents can prevent mould and timber decay.
These may include:

Additional vents such as brass mesh vents (passive vents) can sometimes be useful.
Fan ventilation. (Solar powered or low voltage) Recommended!
Wind powered turbo ventilation systems that can be installed in situations where it is not practical to install Anti-Damp vents, such as areas with high soil levels or homes with little access (semis or terrace houses). They are mounted on a 100mm or 150mm pipe.

Sub Floor Ventilation Fan
Subfloor fan single brick unit

The advantages of good sub floor ventilation:

Prevents fungi, mould, rotting boards, musty smells, bowing timber and lifting lino or vinyl tiles. (See section on Timber decay)
Discourages termites by creating an airy, light environment.
Provided six times the airflow of standard terracotta vents.
Promotes a healthy living environment for people with respiratory conditions.
No running costs and minimal maintenance required.
Minimises Pest infestations such as Spiders, Cockroaches, Portuguese Millipedes, Slaters, Earwigs and other nuisance insects.
Eliminates timber decay and musty smells
Can add resale value to your property.

Sub Floor Ventilation Fan
Four fan, double brick unit

How we can help with your ventilation problems?

RID Pest Control supplies and can install sub floor ventilation fans and vents that help maintain the moisture content of flooring and underfloor timbers at levels that will avoid the development of fungal decay and distortion.
Sub floor ventilation fans and vents provide a constant exchange of fresh air to the sub floor area by the process of cross flow ventilation. As dry air is drawn or moves into the sub floor, it absorbs moisture vapours contained in the sub-soil and then carries it out from under the building. Sub floor fans can be either solar powered or electrically operated (12 Volt). Approximate cost of 12 volt fans is around $6.00 per year.

Fix your ventilation problems now!

Solve your ventilation problems and reduce the risk of Termite attack at the same time, and enjoy a healthier living environment without the unpleasantness of mould, damp musty odours and dampness!
Contact RID Pest Control now for an effective and environmentally friendly solution to your ventilation problems!

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