Running a Dryer Vent through Brick

Step 1 - Choose a Location

Homeowners do not often have a lot of choice on where to locate their dryer but there is the possibility of venting your dryer to a location that might be more suitable and convenient. Determine the outside location that will be visually acceptable. You do not want to be too far from the inside dryer location, but you could go a foot or two in one direction or another. This could involve measuring on the interior and exterior walls to be sure you have properly located where you want the opening. You also want to be sure that you are between joists and studs.

Step 2 - Cut the Opening

Draw a 4¼ inch diameter hole on the wall where you are going to cut. Using a masonry bit drill a hole through the center to the outside. Go outside and draw a 4¼ inch circle using the center hole that you just drilled. Test the position of the vent hood to make sure that it clears the ground appropriately. If it does not, then you can adjust the center hole to accommodate it. Change out your drill bit to a 4¼ inch masonry and brick hole saw kit. Cut the hole slowly stopping periodically to pull out and remove the dust from the bit. Continue until the hole is completely through the wall.

If you do not want to purchase the proper hole saw kit, you can do the job with a hammer and chisel. You will want to drill holes around the perimeter of your drawn circle and begin to hammer and chisel the brick carefully until the hole is knocked out. If it is a bit rough, keep in mind that it will be covered by the vent cap flange.

Step 3 - Install the Vent Cap and Ducting

Slide the vent cap through the hole and secure it with the appropriate size screws. You will have to drill pilot holes into the brick for this. Once the vent cap is installed you can go inside and attach the remainder of the ducting to the dryer. There are different types of ducting and some building codes require rigid galvanized dryer duct. Other types are flexible metal and flexible vinyl. One should take care when installing flexible dryer duct to not crush or kink it. If not installed correctly, kinked or crushed dryer ducts can collect lint clog causing your dryer to be inefficient, overheat, and possibly present a fire hazard in your ducting. Furthermore, some dryer vents are not UL-Approved and absolutely should not be used. There are a variety of lengths and elbows to use to make your appropriate connections.

Step 4 - Caulk and Finish Openings

Finish off your job by caulking the opening through the wall with a good waterproof silicone caulk made for indoor and outdoor use.