Excessive moisture build-up beneath your flooring is especially common in basements, period and heritage listed buildings. This is often the result of rising damp which is caused by moisture infiltrating a building from the soil substrate. Inadequate, ageing or absent damp-proofing is often the source of the problem. Termites are also attracted to damp sub-floor areas, and can result in significant structural damage to any wooden components of a building. Mould and mildew are also attracted to dark, moist underfloor areas, and can also cause structural damage and impact on human health. Excessive moisture can also lead to flooring warping or tiles lifting, and are potentially expensive to remedy.

The most effective resolution to these problems is to ventilate the sub-floor areas adequately. This is achieved in a number of ways, via passive and active means. Passive methods involve the installation of vents, which can be a mesh or brick variety. Active methods include the installation of fans, sometimes in conjunction with ducts. Ducts are also sometimes needed for larger sub-floor areas.

Adequate ventilation is essential to keep your home structurally sound and your family healthy. Installing sub-floor ventilation has the following benefits in this regard:

• reduce the need for ongoing maintenance
• eliminate mould, mildew and termite infestations
• ensure the health of your family
• protect your investment