Soffit Vents vs. Air Bricks: Which One is Right for Your Home?

Article published at: Jul 24, 2025
Soffit Vents vs. Air Bricks: Which One is Right for Your Home?
All News

🧱 Introduction: Stocking the Right Ventilation for the Right Job

When it comes to ventilation in domestic construction, few components are as misunderstood or overlooked as soffit vents and air bricks. Both play critical roles in keeping homes dry, breathable, and compliant with regulations. For stockists, understanding when to recommend or stock each option means delivering the right product and advice to installers, contractors, and merchants.

In this edition of The Stockist’s Handbook, we break down the key differences between soffit vents or air bricks, explore when each is typically specified, and showcase the trusted products available from Stadium Building Products.

Ā 

šŸ” Soffit Vents or Air Bricks: What’s the Difference?

Ā 

Feature

Ā 

Ā 

Soffit Vents

Ā 

Ā 

Air Bricks

Ā 

Ā 

Application

Ā 

Ā 

Roofline ventilation (eaves)

Ā 

Ā 

Subfloor or wall ventilation

Ā 

Ā 

Installed in

Ā 

Ā 

Horizontal soffit boards

Ā 

Ā 

Brickwork at or below DPC level

Ā 

Ā 

Main purpose

Ā 

Ā 

Prevent condensation in roof space

Ā 

Ā 

Reduce moisture in underfloor voids

Ā 

Ā 

Airflow style

Ā 

Ā 

Passive, continuous airflow

Ā 

Ā 

Localised cross-ventilation

Ā 

Ā 

Appearance

Ā 

Ā 

Circular or rectangular grills

Ā 

Ā 

Brick-sized louvred or slotted units

Ā 

Ā 

Ā 

šŸ  When Should Trade Customers Use Soffit Vents?

Soffit ventilators are the go-to choice for pitched roofs with eaves. Builders often install them in new builds or roof refurbishments to prevent damp and mould in loft spaces.

Key advantages:

  • Easy to install in plastic or timber soffits

  • Inconspicuous once fitted

  • Supports compliance with Part F of the Building Regs

Ā 

🧾 Stadium Soffit Vent Products:

BM406 Series – Circular Soffit Vents

  • Colours: Brown (BM406/B), White (BM406/W)

  • 88mm outer diameter, 76mm spigot

  • Centres for roof pitches over 15 degrees.

  • Free air space: 25 cm²

  • Rated input: 12 kW

  • Pack size: 20

Ā 

BM407 Series – Rectangular Soffit Vents

  • Colours: Brown (BM407/B), White (BM407/W)

  • 145mm x 85mm faceplate, dual 75mm dia. spigots

  • Free air space: 45.6 cm²

  • Rated input: 16.1 kW

  • Centres for roof pitches over 15 degrees. Overlapping double 76mm (3ā€) holes.


🧱 When Are Air Bricks the Better Choice?

Air bricks are best for subfloor ventilation, wall ventilation, or serving combustion appliances. They’re often specified in refurbishment projects, timber floor installations, or homes with suspended floors.

Ā 

Benefits include:

  • Designed to match brick dimensions

  • Various finishes to suit regional building styles

  • Used with cavity liners or sleeves for through-wall systems

Ā 

🧾 Stadium Air Brick Options:

Ā 

BM481/T – Standard Airbrick (Terracotta)

  • 216 x 76mm

  • Free air space: 72 cm²

  • Rated input: 21.4 kW

  • Pack size: 50

Ā 

BM483 Series – Multi-Fit Brick

  • Colours: Terracotta (BM483/T), Sand (BM483/S), Brown (BM483/B)

  • 216 x 76mm

  • Free air space: 46 cm²

  • Rated input: 16.2 kW

  • Pack size: 10

  • Ribbed finish for mortar grip

Ā 

BM486 Series – Double Louvre Airbricks

  • Colours: Terracotta, Rustic Red, Sand, Brown

  • 216 x 152mm

  • Free air space: 125 cm²

  • Rated input: 32 kW

  • Pack size: 10

Ā 

BM487/B – Square Hole Airbricks

  • Brown finish

  • 66 cm² free air space

  • Rated input: 20.2 kW

  • Pack size: 10

Ā 

BM413 Series – Weep Ventilator

  • Colours: Grey (BM413/G), Sand (BM413/S), Terracotta (BM413/T), Brown (BM413/B)

  • 104 x 65 x 10mm

  • Internal insect and water battier

  • Pack size: 25

Ā 

šŸ“¦ Soffit Vents or Air Bricks: What Should Stockists Keep in Stock?

For builders and contractors, both are essential. As a stockist, you should:

  • Offer a core range of both soffit vents and air bricks

  • Provide multiple colours and finishes to suit regional requirements

  • Bundle with liners, sleeves, and cavity extensions to upsell complete solutions

  • Ensure staff can advise on application use cases

Ā 

šŸ“˜ Related Reading

Curious how this fits into wider ventilation systems? Check out our previous guide:

šŸ‘‰ Why Ventilation Is So Important

Ā 

šŸŒ Useful Trade Resources

Ā 

šŸ“„ View the Full Range

Browse our full ventilation range, including soffit vents and air bricks, in the Stadium Product Catalogue.

Ā 

šŸ“ž Ready to Order or Need Technical Support?

We help stockists offer ventilation products with confidence.

šŸ“© Contact our team today for pricing, merchandising, or product advice.

Ā 

Share: