Using an Airbrick as a vent?

[AlanWirral]

Hey guys,

Just a quick one....

Is there a way of using an airbrick in a loft with a 'Cowled' option suitable for 4" ducting? This is for a extractor fan in bathroom btw. Obviously you'd need backdraft flaps.

Always core drilled but wondered if this was an option??

Alan

 

[AlanWirral]

Just found this...

Airbrick Transformation Piece c/w Airbrick - Ductwork, Ducting and Ventilation store - Ventel Sheet Metal Ltd

 

[AlanWirral]

This is better!

Extractor Fan Kit With Flat Channel and Airbrick [203] - £10.63

 

[ringer]

There is a reason that the airbrick is there - it is to provide ventilation in the roof space. Doing what you suggest will block that ventilation and lead to, possibly severe, condensation problems for the house owner. And this sort of condensation problem can go unnoticed for a long time if they rarely access the loft.
The purpose of the product you linked to is to enable you to remove a plain brick and replace it with what looks like an air brick, thus doing away with any core drilling.

 

[AlanWirral]

D'oh sorry ringer! Was meaning to keep origional brick there and add another one for the vent , it's late and i'm sleepy lol

 

[Goody]

There is a reason that the airbrick is there - it is to provide ventilation in the roof space. Doing what you suggest will block that ventilation and lead to, possibly severe, condensation problems for the house owner. And this sort of condensation problem can go unnoticed for a long time if they rarely access the loft.
The purpose of the product you linked to is to enable you to remove a plain brick and replace it with what looks like an air brick, thus doing away with any core drilling.

I second that!

 

[ian]

didnt know you could or should vent through an airbrick, surley they are there for reason.

 

[AlanWirral]

I suppose it makes no difference if the vented hole is round or brick shaped really??! Just easyer to knock a brick out rather than core drill?

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I suppose it makes no difference if the vented hole is round or brick shaped really??! Just easyer to knock a brick out rather than core drill?

Not if it is a cavity job, inside wall may be block work.

If accessible, drop out of the soffit.

 

[ringer]

IMO, if you have a core drill bit, then use that. The 'airbrick' way you will need to remove the brick (easier said than done), then remove bricks from inner skin, clean up all surrounding mortar, make up fresh mortar for fixing airbrick in place. I do understand how an airbrick might look better, but it sounds like too much hassle to me.

 

[AlanWirral]

Hmmmmm yep sounds like i'm making more work for myself...

Can you extract out of the soffit?? Never seen that done before..

 

[ringer]

Yes you can, but it very much depends on the amount of access you have in the loft space to get above the soffit, unless you can readily remove a soffit from below.

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Not done it myself, seen loads that have been done, all depends if you can get to it from the inside, dont want to drill a hole from the outside and find you cant get to it from the inside.

I like big noisy drilling, so through the wall i go!

 

[giio]

remember if you take the ducting into the loft you will need to use insulated ducting