The Hidden Risk Beneath Suspended Floors
In many Stockport homes, particularly those with suspended timber floors, the sub-floor void is often overlooked. Yet this space beneath your floorboards plays a crucial role in keeping your home healthy.
Without proper airflow, these voids trap moisture, raising timber moisture content above safe levels (around 20%). The result? Wet rot, fungal decay, and beetle infestations that can weaken your floor structure over time.
Signs of Poor Sub-Floor Ventilation
If your property is struggling with sub-floor ventilation, you may notice:
✅ Musty smells rising from floorboards
✅ Cold, damp patches in ground floor rooms
✅ Floorboards that feel soft, springy, or uneven
✅ Visible rot or wood-boring beetle holes when boards are lifted
How Airflow Prevents Decay
Good ventilation ensures that moisture doesn’t settle under your home. The most effective way to achieve this is through air bricks and cross-ventilation.
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Air bricks allow fresh air to enter the void
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Crossflow ventilation ensures air moves from one side of the property to the other
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Modern periscope vents can help when external ground levels are higher than the floor void
By keeping the sub-floor dry, you reduce the risk of both fungal decay and woodworm attack.
Professional Solutions for Stockport Homes
At Weather Wise Solutions, we:
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Assess existing sub-floor airflow and moisture levels
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Install or replace air bricks where necessary
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Clear blocked vents that prevent crossflow
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Recommend additional measures if structural moisture is already present
Why Choose Weather Wise?
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Local, family-run damp specialists
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Members of the Damp Proofing Association
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Accredited by the Federation of Damp
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CPD-certified in Dampness in Buildings
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Honest advice, with no unnecessary treatments
Book a Free Survey here:
👉 https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact