Vertical airbrick in front of front and back door - is this normal and what should we do? All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[andyd473]

Hi,

We've just moved into a new house and there is an air brick fitted vertically in front of our front door and also outside our dining room door.

I'm worried about rain going down them.

Is this usual and what would you recommend we do?

The risk of rain getting into the front door one (the picture with the tiles) is lower as there is a porch at the front door. Rain could easily go down the other one though.

Note that both vents were completely blocked up with dirt and stones when we moved in, but I've now cleared them out.

Front door
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PJ2oGvfGE7bSJCrG6

Second door
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDZ7yf1cSQGrnxoJ6

Many thanks,

Andy

[stoneyboy]

Hi andyd473,
These are most likely to be surface water drains. You could determine whether they link to a proper drain by digging them out but I suspect you would only find a sump.
If you have other air bricks around your walls on a calm day hold something smoking close to the floor grilles see if air is being drawn in or out of the floor ones. Air movement would indicate they are linked to underfloor ventilation.
Regards S