Effective sub-floor ventilation speaks volumes in benefits to the home as well as its occupants.
Cost To The Home – Effect On Floor Structures
The longevity of the sub-floor structure is preserved by effective sub-floor ventilation. The toll that uncontrolled damp can take on timber structures can have a major impact. When subject to this kind of damp this enlarges the timbers cell, expanding the timber itself. This creates flexibility in the timber which can cause bouncing in floor structures. This is the first of processes which will be followed by ‘dry rot’. Damp can cause timbers to increase in volume thereby pushing itself on internal or external wall structures, thereby cracking them. If the cracking persists these walls may need to be rebuilt.
Attraction to Termites
Sub-floor damp which is not controlled can expose the home to a termite attack. This is obvious as termites are attracted to moisture and the food source they thrive on in these moist conditions. Effective sub-floor ventilation will provide a control mechanism in this regard as this will deter termites to establish themselves within the property in conjunction with the ‘Termite Inspection Report’ AS3660.
Internal Effect
Most materials used in the construction of building are porous. When humidity (internal damp) is above acceptable levels this allow a bacterial spore to get a foothold into these crevices and propagate. Where the infection has reach overwhelming proportion this will release more spores into the air, contaminating it also. Where there are people occupying this dwelling, this can have a profound effect on their health as they are ingesting these spores into their respiratory tract. If this condition persists this can make those exposed to them quite ill. Headaches, nauseating, breathing difficulties, eyes, nose, throat irritations and allergic reactions etc which children would be more sensitive to. Internal humidity may be contributed by poor underfloor ventilation. At what cost will effective sub-floor ventilation be administered.
Conclusion
You owe to yourself and loved ones to correct insufficient sub-floor ventilation not only for the good of their health but for the health of the home. Envirofan sub-floor ventilation systems will provide the best installation practice and ventilation solution.