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How to replace a vent in a brick wall

All of the tools and materials you need to replace a vent in a brick wall

Overview

Making sure your home has good floor ventilation can help prevent problems like rising damp and rotting floor joists. An easy way to keep the subfloor airflow working well is with regular maintenance of your wall vents. You may find these vents are blocked or rusted and need replacing. This video shows you how to remove an old vent from a brick wall and replace it with a new one.

Steps

1Measure up and prepare your tools

The easiest way to fix a blocked or rusted wall vent is to replace it with a new one. Start by measuring up your old vent (these come in different standard sizes) and find a replacement to match. Then make sure you have all the tools and materials you need on hand, including the proper safety gear.
All of the tools and materials you need to replace a vent in a brick wall

2Remove the old vent

Using your hammer drill with a masonry bit, drill through the mortar that holds the old vent in place. You'll need to drill a few holes all around the vent until it becomes loose. Then pry the vent loose from the wall with the chisel end of your hammer – being careful not to damage any of the bricks.
Using your hammer drill to drill through the mortar that holds the old vent in place

3Remove all the old mortar

Once the vent is out of the wall, take your masonry chisel and clear away any excess mortar inside the gap. Once again, be careful not to be too rough with your tools – the mortar should come away pretty easily and you don't want to damage your brickwork.
Using a masonry chisel to clear away any excess mortar

4Make sure the new vent fits properly

Before mixing up the mortar, make sure you have cleared enough of a gap for your new vent to fit properly. By using your hammer drill and masonry bit to cut in to the mortar, you can make small adjustments so that your new vent fits snugly in the gap without having to force it.
Making sure the new vent fits properly

5Mortar the vent in place

Mix the mortar with some water in a bucket, using your trowel. Then spread a reasonably thick layer of mortar along the base of the gap for the new vent to rest on. Now slide the vent into place, and trowel the mortar in the gaps between the vent and bricks. Make sure all the gaps are filled so the vent is firmly held in place.
Spreading a reasonably thick layer of mortar for the vent to rest on

6Clean up the bricks around the vent

While this job can get a bit messy, it's easy to clean up. Use your trowel to scrape off the mortar from the bricks – trying not to scratch the bricks. While the mortar is still wet, take a damp cloth and wipe all the excess mortar off. As a final touch, wet your finger and wipe it along the mortar in the gaps to give it a nice, clean finish.
Using a damp cloth to wipe all the excess mortar off
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.