Air vent causing draft to come out of sockets

Arann K · 27-12-2024 09:43AM #1

I’ve noticed air blowing out of the electrical sockets in my house (built around 1980). After looking at the room vents it seems the air is passing down between the plasterboard and cavity blocks (see red circle in picture, the gap is filled with cob webs so it's hard to see fully).

Can I use insulation foam to seal around plasterboard gaps, or does this need to remain open for ventilation purposes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Photos attached for reference.

IMG_20241226_170846~2.jpg

IMG_20241226_170835.jpg

whizbang · 27-12-2024 09:46PM

That doesnt look like cavity block. Is it redbrick and 4" solid with a cavity between ?

The vent outside to inside should be in a sealed pipe/duct, I dont know if theres anything specific that will fit your vent size.

Best to rip plasterboard off and replace with insulated plasterboard.

Hobby farmer · 30-12-2024 12:09PM

Best to rip plasterboard off and replace with insulated plasterboard.

Why? OP fill the void with expanding foam, it won't cause any issue.

Arann K · 30-12-2024 03:37PM

Here's a picture from the vent in the room next door. You can clearly see the cavity block in this one. The red block in the initial photo seems be placed on top of the cavity block.

Should the cavity block be exposed in this way as the air circulation would pass down? Or should it be capped ?

Arann K · 30-12-2024 04:09PM

Thanks for both of your feedback. The plasterboard is insulated just very dirty so it's hard to see it. You can see it more clearly in the more recent photo I stuck up.

Hobby farmer · 30-12-2024 06:33PM

Whizz bang is right in that, between the two vent covers there should be a length of 100mm pipe, however in older houses especially you'll often find stuff like this.

If you really wanted you can replaced both vent covers and run your 100mm pipe between them which will stop air getting down to you socket but filling the voids with expanding foam will be absolutely fine.

Calahonda52 · 31-12-2024 01:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123000997#Comment_123000997

Why two posts on the same topic?

I posted in the other one a solution which works, once I find it again I will delete it

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123000442#Comment_123000442

???

mickdw · 31-12-2024 01:44PM

The vent is only to bring fresh air into room. It should not be escaping into blocks or behind slab or anywhere else.

Yellow_Fern · 31-12-2024 01:51PM

That is really interesting OP. You have a plasterboard tent effect from the air vents duct. I never saw this before but I imagein it is very common. The regulations if followed prevent that. For vents in your kitchen you can consider German airtight vents that are sold online in Ireland. Pricey but very good quality and worth it.

Yellow_Fern · 31-12-2024 01:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123003637#Comment_123003637

I dont know if the OPs case is relevant but ripping down plasterboard is definately ideal in 1980s houses as it allows you to remove draughts thoroughly.

greasepalm · 31-12-2024 02:00PM

Interesting as i have a vent in red brick which is under the floor level and the noise it gives in high winds and i bet draughts up through the floor boards. Put in when house was built as many fireplaces but nothing used anymore. Expanding foam i have and to reduce air flow when -10c comes might keep house warmer.

Hobby farmer · 31-12-2024 03:35PM

What's your question?

Air vent causing draft to come out of sockets

Comments