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From Installation to Maintenance: A Complete Airbrick Guide

Aug 04, 2025

Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or architect, understanding airbricks, how they work and why they’re important is vital in creating well-ventilated, compliant structures.

In this guide, we share what airbricks are, why they’re essential, tips for installing airbricks, and how to maintain them effectively.

What are airbricks?

Airbricks are specialised bricks used in buildings to provide ventilation while keeping out pests. Often used in underfloor spaces, wall cavities, and other enclosed areas, they’re usually installed in the walls near ground level and help prevent numerous issues like damp, mould, and rot by enabling air to circulate. Typically made from clay, plastic, metal, or concrete, airbricks are a vital part of any new build or renovation project for builders, contractors, and architects.

Why are airbricks essential?

There are several reasons why airbricks are essential and should always be considered when designing or working on a new building. For example, airbricks:

  • Ventilate suspended timber floors which otherwise lack airflow
  • Reduce moisture buildup which can lead to a whole range of potential issues
  • Ensure a project complies with UK building regulations for airflow
  • Help avoid the risk of weakening joists or beams
  • Stop the intrusion of pests who like damp environments
  • Allow for natural airflow without the need for technical solutions

Tips for installing airbricks

1. Choose the best airbricks for your project

The first step in correctly installing airbricks is to ensure to choose the best option for your project. Plastic airbricks are durable and rustproof, clay airbricks provide a traditional look, and metal airbricks have unrivalled strength. Opt for flood-resistant airbricks that can automatically seal should you be building in an area prone to flooding.

2. Get the positioning right

Airbricks should be installed at, or just above, ground level on external walls, and installing one every 1.5 to 2 metres is standard for suspended timber floors. For effective cross ventilation, place the airbricks opposite each other and avoid installing them below ground level as this can allow water to enter. Don’t position airbricks below the damp proof course, as this allows moisture from the ground to enter the building and defeats the purpose of both the damp proof course and the airbrick.

3. Use the recommended amount

Too many airbricks can cause excessive drafts or cold floors, so always be sure to use the recommended amount for your project. The manufacturer guidelines for the airbricks you’ve chosen to use should include this information.

4. Follow NHBC standards

NHBC standards state that airbricks should be used under suspended ground floors to ventilate the subfloor void and in cavity walls where ventilation airflow to inner spaces is required. Common reasons why builders, contractors, and architects don’t comply with NHBC standards in relation to airbricks include blocking airbricks, installing them too close to soil, not fitting enough, and misalignment of ducts.

How to maintain airbricks

Airbricks are very easy to maintain and require little effort to ensure they’re working efficiently. Tips for maintaining airbricks include:

  • Never block an airbrick with soil, decking, insulation, paving etc., as this can cause serious issues, like dry rot or structural damage
  • Check airbricks every few months and remove any debris that may have made its way into them using a brush, vacuum, or compressed air
  • Inspect skirting and flooring for signs of damp or mould that could mean your airbricks aren’t working effectively
  • Replace metal airbricks showing signs of rust or cracked airbricks

If you’re looking for high-quality airbricks for your next project, take a look at our catalogue and find the building supplies you need.

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