Air Brick ventilation question?

Question

Hi

The side wall of my detached property makes up the driveway of my neighbours house.

They have placed a large bin store along my wall and it stands about one inch away from the air bricks.

My question is how much outside clearance does an airbrick need to work effectively because if this store is going to be detremental to my house long term, I will have to ask the neighbours to move it.

Thank you

Answer 1

You do not say how long this store is, if it is just for one/ 2 bins and is in front of one below floorboard air brick then as it is one of about 10 to 20  and they are about through air there will be no problem with joist damp/ rot.

If it is an appliance ventilation air brick [ because you have a gas appliance in the room] then get the store moved pronto.

Personally them putting bins that close to my property would be more of a problem, even green waste humms in summer.  

Answer 2

A one inch clearance should still be okay. Air will still circulate.

Answer 3

I'd agree with Hurf, just sweetly ask them if they would, please, mind moving it so it doesn't obstruct your airbrick.  (In actual fact, it won't make any difference to the ventilation of the wall.  An inch is quite sufficient to allow adequate air circulation, but they won't know that . . .)

Answer 4

Simply point out they are blocking the air brick..It needs to have a good clearance all round to be efficient..

Asking politely should do the trick once you have explained to them your concern.

Answer 5

I never heard of an air brick, could you describe it ?  I may know it by another name.

Answer 6

I don't think it will impede the circulation of air under your floor space. But unless the bin store is totally enclosed the problem you will have is with the smell entering your property via the air brick & the general unsightliness of the bloody thing