| Pest control firms are recognising the importance of | | | | Once the systems are installed it is only going to do |
| mechanical ventilation as part of termite control. | | | | one thing and that is it is going to extract the damp |
| Since the emergence of fan ventilation for sub-floor | | | | air out, which causes rotting timber flooring |
| (basement) areas, it really isn't just an option, it's a | | | | structures and flooring, cupping of floors, unpleasant |
| requirement. The pest control industry stresses the | | | | musty smells in the home, unhealthy environment in |
| importance of cross-flow ventilation (adequate | | | | the living areas, high humidity in the sub-floor which |
| air-flow) in sub-floor areas in line with the 'Termite | | | | can encourage termites sooner than later, health |
| Inspection Report' in accordance with AS 3660. | | | | problems encountered due to cleaning solutions in |
| The other fact is that when you place an | | | | removing mould & mildew inside the living areas and |
| anemometer (a free spinning wind speed apparatus) | | | | so on. fan ventilation will extract these unhealthy and |
| against a wire mesh vent the impeller will move | | | | unwanted nasties from sub-floor areas. |
| clockwise for a time then anti-clockwise. The | | | | So if you are recommending passive vents only, yes |
| conclusion is that wire mesh vents work | | | | it will deliver a marginal result however why not get it |
| omni-directionally with a push pull motion. When all | | | | right the first time and incorporate fan ventilation and |
| vents are doing the same thing turbulence is present | | | | cross flow will be achieved no ifs or buts. |
| and not cross-flow ventilation in sub-floor area. | | | | Our mechanical vent is a well thought out product in |
| Therefore if I was the client and asked you the pest | | | | that it is the size of a brick or terracotta vent. |
| controller, "What would the installation of passive | | | | Installation of mechanical ventilation systems does |
| vents do for me at around say $130.00 each (or | | | | not alter the structural integrity of the building. By |
| what ever) and you were to install ten. What | | | | doing a "retrofit" (no building license required) to terra |
| benefits would I see? Would it create cross-flow | | | | cotta vents you would replace it with a 12volt (low |
| ventilation? No. Would it aerate my sub-floor | | | | voltage) system the same size, If the dwelling has |
| adequately? | | | | raked out purps in the brick work, you would extract |
| No, probably not. Ah yes! But is it better than what | | | | one brick and install the 12volt (low voltage) brick size |
| you had? Yes, true, but by what percentage? | | | | system. |
| Perhaps around 20-25 percent? | | | | The uniqueness about this product also that it can be |
| You know I have seen a lot of clients that have had | | | | solar powered (no running costs) however if you do |
| wire mesh vents installed and the reason that I was | | | | choose to operate it on a 12volt power system it will |
| there was that wire mesh vents by themselves did | | | | consume around $4-00 of power per year. It is also |
| not resolve the clients problem, Cross-flow ventilation | | | | quiet due to its brushless motors & is water resistant |
| was not achieved and the client still has a problem. So | | | | and an Aussie owned product. With any of the |
| why does the client now have to invest twice for | | | | Envirofan products you will not need an electrician |
| the same problem? The other factor that plays | | | | (cost saving) as it is all low voltage (12v) and you will |
| havoc in the city is that buildings are virtually on top | | | | not electrocute yourself.. |
| of each other so the building next door or the fence | | | | I believe that mechanical ventilation systems are very |
| line is going to inhibit air flow through a wire mesh | | | | well priced also, considering it is a low capital |
| vent for it to work effectively. | | | | investment toward the major investment (the |
| . | | | | building) Consider too what damage damp problems |
| That is why there is no guess work when it comes | | | | & termites can cause, which isn't cheap! |
| to fan ventilation systems. Why not get it right the | | | | With your expertise in termite work and having the |
| first time, couple fan ventilation systems with wire | | | | right apparatus in sub-floor ventilating systems this |
| mesh vents It will do what you want it to do, then | | | | would be a winning combination in the prevention of |
| cross-flow ventilation will be achieved no ifs or buts. | | | | sub-floor damp and humidity. |
| I was convinced fifteen years ago of the fact that | | | | If you would like further assistance or if we could |
| fan ventilation is the most effective way in removing | | | | assist in fan ventilation installations either way I would |
| moisture from sub-floor areas because when the | | | | happy to respond to your enquiries. |
| worlds most experienced ventilation consultant looks | | | | Dave Marinos |
| at a passive vent and cannot tell you which way the | | | | ENVIROFAN SUB-FLOOR VENTILATION SYSTEMS |
| air is travelling through it, however with fan-forced | | | | For inquiries in Sydney Australia |
| systems there is no guesswork. So don't leave it to | | | | M-0411-752-085 Off-4441-7539 website- |
| chance to ventilate your clients underfloor areas, get | | | | Dave Marmarinos is a Ventilation Consultant who has |
| the big guns in and let it do the job for you and take | | | | more than 15 years experience in the subfloor |
| control. | | | | ventilation industry. |