Extractor problem

[SSE]

Theres a bathroom that I've been asked to do some work on. It's an old bedroom that is being changed into a bathroom. Amongst over things an extractor fan i going to need to be installed but theres a slight problem...there is actually no way to get ducting outside! The floor above which is the top floor is chipboard with laminate flooring on top of it, the walls in the bathroom have steel re-inforcements behind the plasterboard. From inside the bathroom to outside it goes plasterboard-timber-steel-block work and this is a ridicuous width! The windows also can not open at all for some reason! First time I've ever come across a problem like this and was just wondering if theres any way around it ie having the correct ventilation to comply with regulations?

 

[stuart569]

Window fan.Need to get a glazier in to cut the glass though!

 

[SSE]

Window fan.Need to get a glazier in to cut the glass though!

Sorry, i should have said I suggested this and they weren't keen! Can't blame them really they look awful!

 

[stuart569]

But you said ther was no way?It's pretty simple.They have 3 options.The window,The laminate and chipboard up or they find a way to get duct out!They must have an extraction fan to comply with building regs!

 

[SSE]

Yeah but I missed out the window fan bit like I said in the last post...I'm sure we'll find some solution!

 

[Rockingit]

when you say steel reinforcements in the concrete behind, do you mean it's rebar? As in, standard reinforced concrete slab?

If you can get into the joist space above then you might be able to use solid flat ducting to take the extract position elsewhere in the property. You'll have to check with the brand of extract fan as to what the recommended maximum run of pipe is.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Dimond core drill.

 

[Rockingit]

Spin - my thoughts exactly! Just wanted to check it wasn't something else first.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Use a decent one, and it'll go through anything, neat and tidy.
Can even cut through tiling from the outside with no damage.

 

[SSE]

when you say steel reinforcements in the concrete behind, do you mean it's rebar? As in, standard reinforced concrete slab?

If you can get into the joist space above then you might be able to use solid flat ducting to take the extract position elsewhere in the property. You'll have to check with the brand of extract fan as to what the recommended maximum run of pipe is.

Yes as far as I'm aware.

Dimond core drill.

Are these expensive?

 

[Knobhead]

You need to avoid the reinforcing or you’ll compromise the beam.

 

[AIM]

Reinforcing will prob compromise the core drill, and your wrists if the drill isn't fitted with a safety cut-out clutch.

 

[Rockingit]

Well a decent 4" diamond core will set you back the other side of £50, so make sure it's absolutely the right choice first! And yes - having a clutch drill FAIL on me last week it nearly broke my wrists when the core jammed - time and patience are required.

If you drop into a tool hire place you might be able to hire a complete 4" core and drill.

As Tony stated, you need to be sure of exactly what it is that you're going through - if it's just slab wall then you'll probably have no issues, but if it's a beam/lintel then I'd stay well clear. And you need to measure up the joist space to make sure that you can get the drill into it if you're going inside>out (though a good idea to go outside>in to avoid the outer wall flaring and breaking away).