airbrick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Architectural
Quick answer
What does “airbrick” mean?
A perforated brick or block built into an exterior wall to allow ventilation of an enclosed space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perforated brick or block built into an exterior wall to allow ventilation of an enclosed space.
Any manufactured vent, often made of clay, plastic, or metal with a grid pattern, designed to be installed in a wall to permit airflow while preventing entry of pests and debris.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'airbrick' is predominantly used in British English. In American English, the more common generic terms are 'foundation vent' or 'crawl space vent', though the specific object is functionally the same.
Connotations
In British English, it is a standard, neutral architectural term. In American contexts, using 'airbrick' may sound British or overly specific.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK architectural and building-related discourse. Rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “airbrick” in a Sentence
The [noun] has an airbrickAn airbrick was installed in the [noun]to prevent damp, ensure [noun] has adequate airbricksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airbrick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The builders will need to airbrick the sub-floor void.
American English
- The contractor will vent the crawlspace with foundation vents.
adverb
British English
- [No established adverbial use]
American English
- [No established adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The airbrick ventilation was insufficient.
American English
- The foundation vent system was clogged.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Seldom used, except in specific trades like building supplies or property surveys.
Academic
Used in architecture, construction, and building conservation texts.
Everyday
Used by homeowners, builders, and surveyors discussing property maintenance, damp proofing, or renovation.
Technical
Core term in building regulations, construction specifications, and damp-proofing literature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airbrick”
- Spelling as two words: 'air brick'. While sometimes seen, the single word 'airbrick' is standard. Confusing it with a hollow brick used for lightweight construction, which is different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A normal brick is solid, while an airbrick is perforated with holes to allow air to pass through it.
They are typically found in the external walls of a building, just above ground level, often near suspended timber floors to ventilate the space underneath.
Blocked airbricks can lead to poor ventilation, which may cause a buildup of damp air, leading to condensation, rot in wooden structures, and mould growth.
No, covering an airbrick is not recommended as it defeats its purpose. For insulation, use specially designed internal covers or 'hit-and-miss' vents that allow some airflow control, but do not block it completely.
A perforated brick or block built into an exterior wall to allow ventilation of an enclosed space.
Airbrick is usually technical / architectural in register.
Airbrick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeəbrɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈerbrɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRICK that lets AIR through – an AIRBRICK.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BUILDING IS A LIVING BODY (airbricks are like pores for the building to 'breathe').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'airbrick'?