How to replace passive air vent covers?

Question

Hi team,

I have 2 passive air vents in my bedroom that I'm wanting to replace.

A few years ago, the air vent cover came off one vent and I removed the internal metal sleeve behind it. I crudely put only the cover back and have sealed with Blu-Tac (which I acknowledge is not an ideal fix).

I'm now keen to fix it but am unsure whether:

* I can simply replace the degraded air vent cover with a modern grille
* the replacement will negatively affect the wall cavity situation (that is, allow moisture in where there shouldn't be) and a metal sleeve is needed.

The vents were both spray-painted over by the previous owner, and the building dates from the early 1970s, so it's a long-standing fixture. I don't believe it's working as intended, as this bedroom has a airflow and mould problem.

Grateful for any advice on whether a new grill can work as a fix, or whether a more bespoke grille and metal sleeve is required.

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @BunningsUser1

Bunnings have quite a range of air vents like this one that your likely to find a direct replacement. This would be a far more time and cost effective as well as a cosmetically pleasing way of solving your problem.

Nailbag

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Evening @BunningsUser1

I would go with replace the old cover with a more modern one :) Why not upgrade the look is my way of thinking. As long as air passes through would be the only requirement. I have seen some nice metal perforated ones that look modern when I have wanted through houses/buildings.

I wouldnt worry about fixing it to the wall until after you have found one that covers the hole and you are happy with. There are plenty of fixing methods and probably better to wait and see what you choose.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @BunningsUser1

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your passive air vent.

The store carries a various number of air vents, and I suggest bringing one of the old vents with you so that you can compare it to the ones available at the store. If you can't find a perfect match in regard to size, I advise finding one that is very close. The part of your wall that is not covered by the vent will need to be filled in with an all-purpose filler and tidied up by sanding and painting it.

One option to fix the air vent to the wall is to drill into the plaster, then into the brick and install a

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-6-x-38mm-universal-anchor-6-pack_p2260441

to hold the air vent in place. Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

Another option is to glue a strip of timber above and below the vent hole onto the brick surface. But it has to be just as thick as the plaster on the wall. You can then screw the new vent onto the timber strip using ordinary timber screws. My best advice is to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the timber.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Noyade, @TedBear, @JoeAzza and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric