Installing Vent in Concrete Wall

Baxtardo

I have a 1930s ex council house with mass concrete construction (solid wall). We are getting internal condensation and I would like to install some wall vents to allow background ventilation.

Is this a job that could be done with the correct drill or is it better to hire someone? Would need to drill / core a hole through the concrete wall and don't want to start into it and make a mess of it. Would having a sufficiently powerful drill be enough or should I leave to someone with better experience?

Thanks

listermint

Baxtardo wrote: »

I have a 1930s ex council house with mass concrete construction (solid wall). We are getting internal condensation and I would like to install some wall vents to allow background ventilation.

Is this a job that could be done with the correct drill or is it better to hire someone? Would need to drill / core a hole through the concrete wall and don't want to start into it and make a mess of it. Would having a sufficiently powerful drill be enough or should I leave to someone with better experience?

Thanks

Hire someone. Core drilling is no fun at all believe me I've done a few. Cheaper for your sanity and safety

keithdub

Its a specialised during rig you need. If you are in dublin pm me

Mickeroo

Have you considered a centralised MHRV system? Would be more expensive but better in the long run than putting holes in your walls imo.

Baxtardo

Mickeroo wrote: »

Have you considered a centralised MHRV system? Would be more expensive but better in the long run than putting holes in your walls imo.

I have put it's not an option for the time being and since I am unlikely to do a full energy retrofit, overkill. There is an existing vent to the rear that has been blocked up due to some drylining, and the house is mid terrace so getting that sorted and one new vent will make be a small job to make a big difference I think.

Thanks for all the replies, as I had guessed but good to get some neutral opinion on the matter!

loyatemu

window vents?

another option might be PIV in the attic.

dendof

I have similar issue in small en-suite - no ventilation. Looking at options and if putting in wall vent, think core drilling would be best.
But would trickle vents on window make a difference?

loyatemu

dendof wrote: »

I have similar issue in small en-suite - no ventilation. Looking at options and if putting in wall vent, think core drilling would be best.
But would trickle vents on window make a difference?

in an en-suite with a shower? no, you need an extractor fan.

dendof

loyatemu wrote: »

in an en-suite with a shower? no, you need an extractor fan.

Yip, shower in ensuite. Guess it's core drilling so!

hooplah

We had couple of vents drilled in our mass concrete house.

One (the living room) seems to have been effective. the other (upstairs bedroom) doesn't seem to have done much to prevent mousl which is a recurring problem. The bedroom vent is low on the wall. I asked fo rit to be high but the drilling was done when I wasn't there, and to be honest, I think the guys doing it were just a bit lazy.

Anyway worth putting a bit of thought into where exactly to put the vents, and make sure whoever drills them for you willl do as you ask.

loyatemu

dendof wrote: »

Yip, shower in ensuite. Guess it's core drilling so!

could also go through the attic with a ceiling or in-line fan (the latter are more powerful).

listermint

loyatemu wrote: »

could also go through the attic with a ceiling or in-line fan (the latter are more powerful).

Needs in line vent. Ceiling vent cover insulated flexible hose roof vent roof vent attachment. Electrical and isolation fuse switch in bathroom

Lot of bits for an attic install

loyatemu

listermint wrote: »

Needs in line vent. Ceiling vent cover insulated flexible hose roof vent roof vent attachment. Electrical and isolation fuse switch in bathroom

Lot of bits for an attic install

you need a fan for a bathroom, whether it's in the wall or the ceiling, a vent won't cut it.

If you need a fan then you need the electrical work anyway, and it's generally easier to get the wiring to a ceiling fan than a wall fan.

listermint

loyatemu wrote: »

you need a fan for a bathroom, whether it's in the wall or the ceiling, a vent won't cut it.

If you need a fan then you need the electrical work anyway, and it's generally easier to get the wiring to a ceiling fan than a wall fan.

I mean in line Fan, not inline vent. thought you might have picked up on that.

Youve missed the roof work required. sealing. ventilation hose insulation.

Theres far more involved in a ceiling fan than a wall one. Ive done both.

GreeBo

I would second a wall fan over a ceiling fan.

You dont need to use a core drill if you dont have one.
I've just used an SDS drill with a chisel, it wasnt much fun but its doable.
Mark your circle on the outside, drill a number of holes to perforate the wall and then knock it out.