Venting a cavity

gsxr1

Right. my hair is failing out with problems.

The whole side of one appartment block has a serious damp issue.

To make things worse , a flooded patio upstairs has poured gallons of water into the cavity .

I have to come up with a cheap solution to the problem.

Since the cavity is sealed and cant circulate air, there is zero chance of the water leaving except into peoples bedrooms.


What do you think of this.

Putting vents on the outside leaf like the type in a timber frame.

This may well cause drafts for the owners around windows but i cant think of any other way to let the moister escape.

Any thoughts on this approach

sinnerboy

Sounds fine as a temp measure to allow drying out. (Brick them in later )

mickdw

There are times where cavities have permanent vents - weep holes such as at cavity trays.
Can you not look at the construction detail to see what the actual issue is?
You shouldnt be depending on outer leaf for airtightness.

I wouldnt see a problem with weep holes

brendankelly

The cavity should be vented but very few are. I know the vents you are on about, about 4 inches by 4 inches by a half inch. The vent been 4 inches by a half inch. In the old days there would be a few vents in the plinths and one high in the gables. These allowed air to circulate around inside the cavity and once the wall ties were clean moisture could never get inside the house. A lot has changed since I served my time.