Canberra Subfloor Ventilation: Protect Your Home from Dampness and Termites

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is known for its beautiful landscapes and clean environment. However, even in this pristine city, indoor air quality can be a concern.

Our installation team has had a very busy year in Canberra. In this blog post, we will explore some of our recent subfloor ventilation installations, why the customer reached out to us, and our solutions for improving the air quality in their home.

Why is indoor air quality important?

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air inside buildings, which can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even long-term health effects. With people spending more time indoors, it is crucial to ensure that the air we breathe is clean and free from pollutants.

What is subfloor ventilation?

Subfloor ventilation involves the process of introducing fresh air into the subfloor space while removing stale air. This is achieved through the use of mechanical systems, such as fans and ducts, which help to circulate and distribute the air. By improving the air circulation and removing pollutants and excess humidity, subfloor ventilation systems can greatly enhance indoor air quality in the home above.

Job 1 - Musty Odours in Fraser, ACT

This client contacted us after purchasing a new home in Fraser. They noticed a musty smell in some of the rooms. After removing the carpet they found mould and evidence of damp.

After inspecting, we found a damp subfloor with excessive mould growth. Our recommendation for a three fan subfloor ventilation system was quickly accepted and our team completed the installation.

We installed a negative pressure system so that musty air was drawn out of the subfloor space and fresh replacement air was drawn in. These systems work especially well for fixing musty odours above that are coming up from the subfloor.

"Great knowledge, quick response time - instantly really, and prompt installation. Nothing was too hard, and felt very comfortable leaving extraction expertise in their hands."

Job 2 - Renovations in Campbell, ACT

This client contacted us having undertaken renovations several years earlier. During the renovations some of the subfloor space in the old part of the home had been blocked off and they were starting to notice musty smells above.

We conducted a site visit to confirm we could still access all of the subfloor space. We installed a three fan subfloor ventilation system to draw out musty odours and damp air. The client was so happy with the immediate result that they got us back on our next visit to Canberra to replace all of their bathroom fans.

"The team at Fresh Ventilation were very helpful from the start. I had a lot of questions and Claire and Cameron were more than happy to answer them and give recommendations. The installation didn't take long at all and the team gave clear instructions and information before they finished up. I would recommend Fresh Ventilation to anyone looking for subfloor ventilation."

Job 3 - Excess Humidity in Florey, ACT

While installing a subfloor ventilation system, we also replaced the bathroom fans for one of our clients in Florey. The client complained that their existing 3-in-1 Tactics weren't performing well and they were getting a lot of steam and odours in the bathrooms.

We replaced their exhaust fans with our ducted centrifugal exhaust fans that take moist air directly to the outside rather than the roof cavity.

"I had subfloor ventilation installed by Fresh Ventilation in mid March. I wasn't sure how much this would contribute to resolving the constant smell of mould in my house. However, it has been great. Most of the smell of mould has gone and the house feels better. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for my house."

Job 4 - Risk of Termites in Cook, ACT

Our client in Cook contacted us after their yearly pest inspection. The home has previously had problems with termites and is situated close to bushland. Their pest inspector commented that their subfloor space was visibly damp and was worried about future infestations.

We installed several ducted fans to draw moisture out from underneath their home. The use of an automated timer for operation ensures that the system is only operating during daylight hours to draw in dry replacement air.

"Area was left tidy and clean. Most jobs will have issues with either time, cost or quality of delivery and neither of these were impacted or an issue. The team overall were excellent to deal with. The issues in the house have eased significantly since install and we are very happy with the price paid."

Job 5 - Severe Condensation in Coombs, ACT

This one was an extreme example. A builder contacted us for a home he'd previously built. The homeowners were experiencing high humidity and moisture related problems inside.

Upon inspection, we found the house situated on a sloping block, with two thirds of the subfloor inaccessible from outside for passive ventilation. The third that was accessible was facing a lake and had very little natural ventilation anyway. The condensation inside was extreme.

We installed subfloor ventilation to draw out moisture and allow dry replacement air to flow back in it's place.

"Excellent service and level of work. Highly recommend this company."

Why are subfloor ventilation systems important in Canberra?

Canberra experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, including hot summers and cold winters. During extreme weather, people tend to spend more time indoors, relying on heating and cooling systems to maintain a comfortable temperature. However, this can lead to a lack of fresh air circulation, resulting in poor indoor air quality. This is exacerbated by Canberra's cold winter mornings. Condensation on cold surfaces is widespread in subfloors and left unchecked leading to structural issues for the home and humidity problems for the occupants above.

Conclusion

Subfloor ventilation systems in Canberra are crucial for any home built on top of a subfloor space. They protect the home from structural issues related to damp and pests such as termites and ensure that the air inside buildings remains clean and healthy, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

If you are experiencing any of the following problems in your Canberra home, contact Fresh Ventilation today for a free consultation:

• Musty odours
• Dampness
• Condensation
• Excess humidity
• Termites.

We can provide you with a custom-designed subfloor ventilation system that will meet the specific needs of your home. Our team of experienced technicians will install your system quickly and efficiently, and we will provide you with ongoing maintenance and support.

Contact Fresh Ventilation today to learn more about how we can help you improve the indoor air quality in your Canberra home.