A typical solution employed by many homeowners to address damp sub
floors in their homes is sub floor ventilation. Envirofan advises these
homeowners not to consider sub floor ventilation as the only effective solution
for their sub floor damp issues.
Damp sub floors can result from various sources including leaky shower
recesses, excess rainwater run-off, which is not diverted away from the
dwelling, sub soil drainage, spoon drains, unconnected downpipes or broken
stormwater drainage. Sub floor ventilation will not fix these issues.
Having sub floor ventilation does not guarantee a termite-free
environment. Termites can enter the dwelling through cracks in concrete slabs
and forage for food sources in sub floor areas. A high humidity level in the sub
floors creates the perfect environment for mould and termites.
The Termite Inspection Report in accordance with AS 3660 states that
'sub floor ventilation is a deterrent for termites to establish themselves
within the property'. In other words, sub floor ventilation makes the sub floor
area unconducive for termite infestations. Sub floor ventilation is therefore 'one'
aspect of control against termite establishment.
However, having sub floor ventilation does not mean the homeowner can
let their guard down and assume there will not be any termite growth in the sub
floor space. Envirofan recommends regular termite inspections as part of a
multi-pronged strategy to keep termites out of the dwelling permanently. The
homeowner should consult with a reputed pest management company to carry out
regular inspections at 6-month intervals, especially in areas where termites
are particularly active.
In addition to professional termite inspections, the homeowner has to
address the source of damp in the sub floor area. Fix each possible source and
check them off the list. Bolster sub floor ventilation, which is the last line of
defence for entry of moisture in the sub floor area. This will also benefit the
internal air quality inside the dwelling.
Simply aerating the sub floor area using passive
vents is not sufficient. Envirofan fan forced sub floor ventilation systems deliver
excellent sub floor ventilation performance in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne,
Adelaide and Perth.
