basement bath vent through brick?
We have an old two-story Bungalow (1926) and we’re re-modeling a combination basement bath/laundry room. (100 SQ ft) Previously, there was a bath vent that went out the window and was under-powered.
I’d like to replace the vent and go through a brick exterior wall (bottom 4ft is brick, the rest is stucco) so that we can re-finish the windows and make them usable again… The dryer is at the opposite corner of the room from where I’d like to put the vent and the dryer vents through an interior wall to an exterior wall vent in the next room, so there isn’t a good way to tap into the dryer vent.
Questions:
– Is it OK to cut a 4″ hole in the brick, or will this significantly reduce the structural integrity of the exterior wall? (brick/mortar seems to be in good shape) Should I consider a 3″ vent instead?
– If I do vent through the vent, what is the best way to create a 4″ hole in the brick? I was thinking about getting a long masonry drill bit (1/2″ in diameter or so) and using my hammer drill to make a series of small holes in a circular pattern and then removing the rest of the material with a cold chisel.
– Any other ideas for this vent? I think it would be pretty difficult to run this up two levels and through the roof…
Thank you in advance.
Replies
4" angle grinder with a dry cut diamond blade. Cut a 4" square hole and the flang cover the edges of the hole.
Dave
Not likely (although it's possible) to be a structural wall, most likely the brick is a veneer exterior surface.
Nver tap a bath (or kitchen) vent into a a dryer vent. Lint and water don't mix (or, actually, mix too easily.)
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rent a good heavyduty hammer drill with a 4 inch masonary hole saw
a good tool rental place will have one, the rest is loud but fairly easy
caulking is not a piece of trim