Drilling Hole Through Exterior Wall For Bathroom Fan
#1
06-20-07, 10:52 AM
Drilling Hole Through Exterior Wall For Bathroom Fan
Hello. I need to drill an 8.5 inch hole in the exterior wall of my bathroom for a ventilation fan as part of a renovation.
Unfortunately the ceiling was not an option for the fan, so I purchased a Panasonic Whisperwall through-the-wall fan and I am going to try and install it low to the ground by the toilet through the exterior wall.
I am not 100% sure of the exact material of the wall other than brick -- perhaps cinder block? You can see it here:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x30/yankeelaw/DSC00437.jpg
I'm going to try and put it at the bottom right corner of the wall. I've already run an electrical wire. Any pointers on drilling the hole would be much appreciated; I've never driven through this type of surface before.
Unfortunately the ceiling was not an option for the fan, so I purchased a Panasonic Whisperwall through-the-wall fan and I am going to try and install it low to the ground by the toilet through the exterior wall.
I am not 100% sure of the exact material of the wall other than brick -- perhaps cinder block? You can see it here:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x30/yankeelaw/DSC00437.jpg
I'm going to try and put it at the bottom right corner of the wall. I've already run an electrical wire. Any pointers on drilling the hole would be much appreciated; I've never driven through this type of surface before.
#2
06-21-07, 11:33 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,754
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Why are you putting the fan so low? You want the fan to be higher to drive the moisture out. Make sure you ask your local building inspector to make sure you can do this.
They have special masonry bits for drilling through this. You are going to need more then a simple cordless drill to do it.
They have special masonry bits for drilling through this. You are going to need more then a simple cordless drill to do it.
#3
06-21-07, 02:49 PM
I agree with Mark, you need to install it high on the wall for moisture removal. If you use the electrical you installed for a receptacle, it will need to be GFCI protected.
#4
06-21-07, 07:23 PM
Thanks for the responses, much appreciated. Yeah, the location of the fan is not ideal and it is of questionable utility.. but for logistical reasons that is where it had to go. It is a small bathroom and there has not been a fan for 50 years, so hopefully it will at least be an improvement. I have an inspection on tap for other work I had done, so I'll cross my fingers.
As it happened, I got the hole out with an SDS hammer drill (a cheap one from Harbor Freight that works surprisingly well), and used a hammer and chisel also.
As it happened, I got the hole out with an SDS hammer drill (a cheap one from Harbor Freight that works surprisingly well), and used a hammer and chisel also.
#5
05-07-12, 06:49 PM
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I'm doing the same job, through brick (not cinderblocks). What were your steps? Drill around outline of the hole? Start in middle and work out? We're the other bricks damaged much? Thanks!
