Building/ventilation wuestion

Right guys I've got a question which I'm in desperate need of answering:

Where I live at home I've got about 12 air vents which serve the void below my floorboards/joists, due to having solid wood flooring throughout the lower level the air circulation which is entering through such vents makes the floor fooking freezing. Now I know that vents are required to prevent wood rot and condensation under the joists but do I really need all those vents? I'm thinking about blocking 3/4 of them up but I dont want to cause any unnecessary problems for myself.

TIA

 

Good ventilation is necessary especially under floors to help eradicate such as dry rot which can flourish under certain conditions but sometimes the ventilation is a bit overkill. It won't harm during winter to temporary reduce the airflow as long as this isn't permanent and open them up during summer. The other solution is to insulate the floor from underneath for a permanent solution,but would be advisable to leave an air gap between insulation and floor

 

I've no chance of getting below to insulate as there's about 12" to crawl about, I might block them all up baring 2 which will be opposite corners, do you think that will be ok?

 

If it's dry underneath it shouldn't be a problem as you say just let a small flow through and open up during summer. Dry rot spores are everywhere and just need certain conditions to bloom,this is more likely if conditions are damp with no airflow so if it's dry reduce the flow

 

The problem you may have is if you have any sleeper walls underneath that will block or inhibit the cross ventilation corner to corner.

I would try blocking a couple at first and see what difference that makes. Perhaps block a couple on the elevation that gets the prevailing wind.

The more vents you have the better for your sub-floor but colder for your feet.

Also, as walestyke says, don't forget to unblock them when the weather starts to get warmer.

 

Wear some socks and slippers

 

I'm pretty sure there's a sleep wall which will separate the kitchen and lounge, I'll make some make shift blocking device which can be easily removed in the warmer months....

Thanks your advice guys