Installing a Through-wall Vent

1. Mark off on the wall the center point for the ventilation shaft. Check for any wiring with the stud finder and ensure that the height and position of the hole adheres to any relevant building regulations.
2. Attach the hole saw bit to the main drill body ensuring that it is correctly fitted in place. Read the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for this process as techniques vary with heavy-duty tools.
3. Position the pilot drill point on the marked wall point and start drilling. The pilot drill will make the initial hole in the wall to secure the hole saw in place and allow the larger round hole saw bit to begin cutting the hole in the wall surface. Be sure to hold firmly on to the drill as it is both heavy and can "kick" as it bites into the wall surface. Goggles must be worn to protect eyes from flying debris, and a mask is also important as the drill can generate a lot of dust. Ear plugs may also help. When the drill reaches the other side of the wall, there is a danger that it will blow out the exterior finish or bricks, thus causing a larger hole than required, which will need repair. To prevent this from happening, the core drill can be used from both sides of the wall, so that the breakthrough point is inside the wall itself. Advance the pilot bit so it penetrates through the wall well before the hole saw does. When it has pierced the other side, finish drilling from the opposite side.
4. Remove the cut core by hand. It should come out in one or two large pieces, depending on the wall makeup. If you are drilling through a cavity wall, ensure that no large pieces of the core fall into the cavity.
5. Line the hole with some duct pipe, cutting it to the right size with a hacksaw. The ductwork can be normally bought as part of a kit, and the manufacturer's guidelines for positioning should be included.
6. Seal around the edge of the ductwork with silicone, ensuring a good unbroken seal. Carry out this process on both the interior and exterior of the wall. (If areas around the edge of the. hole broke away or became damaged while drilling, repair them with mortar followed by all-purpose filler, before applying sealant.)
7. Inside, fix a louver vent to cover the hole. This must be a passive ventilator made of metal or plastic so that it cannot be closed off and inhibit ventilation. Plastic vents may be painted to match and therefore blend with the wall color, making them a less noticeable feature.
8. On the exterior, fit an exhaust cover over the hole. This enables a good flow of air while limiting strong gusts of wind. It also prevents rain from penetrating through the vent into the room.
9. Again, seal around the exhaust cover with more silicone sealant to ensure a good seal.