Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install?

Depending on the number of vents to be installed, or the requirements of the fan system installation time will vary from home to home. We send 2 to 3 technicians to complete the installation and it is almost always complete within 3 hours.

How soon does it work?

The improved ventilation will have immediate effect.

The time taken for a noticeable improvement will depend on the degree of the initial problem. Some houses have mild ventilation problems, while others have large areas of mud that can take a few weeks to dry out.

How long does it last?

For the air bricks, once they are installed as long as you keep them clear of plants and debris, that is all you will ever need to do with them.

The fan used in the ducted system has a 12 month warranty. We have found these fans to be very reliable and last for many, many years.

How noisy is the fan?

The ducted system has a sound level of 48 dBa. We set the timer to operate when there is movement in the house and therefore the fan is not noticed, such as when the TV may be on or whilst cooking dinner. Some people have called us back to check the fan is working because they can't hear it and expect it to be quite loud.

How much air does the fan move?

In most situations we use the 150mm fan, which moves 540m3 per hour or 150L/sec. There is a larger 200mm fan, which moves 720m3 per hour or 200L/sec, but in most homes this is not necessary.

Do I need council permission?

Regular dwellings:No, council permission is not required, however if you live in a bush fire prone area, you may need to check with the local council if you require ember resistan.

Heritage properties:As long as the outside appearance is not changed permission is not required. The fan forced ducted system is the only suitable system for use in heritage properties.

Do you install on Saturdays?

Yes, at no extra charge, but you may have to wait a little longer for a vacancy than for installation during the week.

Is there a call out fee for a quote?

No. Not for weekdays or for Saturdays.

Are you insured?

Yes we are fully insured, with certificates of currency available upon request.

Are you licenced?

Yes, we are licenced with the Department of Fair Trading. Contract Licence # 16633C.

Will a sub floor ventilation problem fix itself?

No. Sometimes it can take many years for the problem to become noticeable, but it will not go away in time. The ventilation must be improved to stop the condition worsening and doing damage to sub floor timbers and floor boards. Even in the current drought we are still finding many properties with severe ventilation problems that require rectification.

I have black staining on the nails in my floor boards, is this caused by a lack of ventilation?

Yes, in this case the moisture in the sub floor has caused the nails to rust, resulting in the black staining around the nails. Improving the ventilation will remove the moisture but will not remove the staining of the timbers.

Which is the best option for my house?

Let us come and have a look so we can give you advice that is specific to your home, but as a general guide, if you have double brick, stored goods or dwarf walls, then you will probably require a fan system.

Are there any filters to clean on the fan?

No, the fan requires no maintenance.

How much does the ducted system cost to run?

The same as a 75Watt light globe, so costs are very minimal. Estimated at approx $11 per year.

I like the idea behind the solar fans, why are they so unpopular?

Solar fans that were once used didn’t have the mechanical capacity to move enough volume of air due to the small size of the fans (two fans fitted into the space of a single brick) and power output. Other options are available that achieve a much better result.

What is rising damp and how does it affect my home?

Brick and sandstone walls in contact with the ground absorb moisture from the ground because they are porous, (like a sponge) this moisture will rise up the wall until it reaches the damp course and should not rise above the damp course unless it is broken. However if there is no damp course then the moisture may continue to rise further up the wall.

If the wall is rendered or painted the surface can be damaged and it can bubble, become pitted and fall off the house due to the excessive moisture in the brick.

Proper sub floor ventilation will help to slow down the capillary action by having air flow passing along the wall and reducing the moisture by evaporation.

What is a damp course?

The damp course in more recently constructed homes is a plastic membrane that runs horizontally in the brick wall. Moisture will rise to this level and stop as it cannot pass through the plastic.

In older homes a damp course can be made of slate or malthoid type material. Both of these become brittle with age and will crack if the house moves allowing moisture and termites to gain access through the cracks.

If a wall has no damp course or the damp course has broken down, there are a few different options to install damp courses into existing homes, all of which are quite expensive and very messy. We recommend contacting a builder for further information. However, the major options are:

Cut out mortar joint at damp course level and insert an envelope which pumps fluid into the joint and sets, this is done about 1metre at a time around the entire house.
Drill 2-3 holes per brick at damp course level and injecting a silicone product which absorbs into the brick and sets. This siliconed brick then becomes the dampcourse.
Holes are drilled into brick at damp course level and electrodes inserted. An electrical current is used to stop moisture.

If you are looking to have a damp course installed, in most cases ventilation will still need to be improved.