Drilling holes in brick to make my own airbrick

[tommad1]

I live in an 1860s cottage, we have a porch extension built around 30 years ago, which has a ventilation issue resulting is a buildup of mould and general damp feeling throughout the winter. I'm about to renovate the porch and part of this will be looking at installing some kind of ventilation.

Its a single skin brick structure and seems like an air brick could be a good option. My question is, is there any issues with me drilling a series of holes in an existing brick to essentially make it an air brick? This seems like a simpler solution that taking a brick out and replacing perhaps.

Thanks

 

[johnny2007]

Replacing the brick is a lot quicker.
Also, a brick can only take a few holes before it starts breaking up.

 

[tommad1]

Ok, thanks Johnny. I will replace a brick in that case. Generally where should an air brick be installed? I'm thinking at around head height as planning to install a low wattage bar heater one corner to help with moisture build up, with the thought process that the air will rise and escape through the vent

 

[endecotp]

Why do you think the space is damp? Is warm air from the house leaking into the porch and causing condensation? Is there a leak letting in rain? Do you fill it with wet coats and boots?

Ventilation may be useful. Heating maybe not.

 

[jj4091]

Ok, thanks Johnny. I will replace a brick in that case. Generally where should an air brick be installed? I'm thinking at around head height as planning to install a low wattage bar heater one corner to help with moisture build up, with the thought process that the air will rise and escape through the vent

For ventilation you need a means for cold air to enter low down and hotter air to exit higher up. But if it is a regularly used porch to enter/exit the house then I would have thought it would get plenty of air changes.

 

[stevie888]

I'd give it a go: if the brick doesn't break you have your air brick,if it does it's part broken out. Don't go mad with an sds.

 

[noseall]

I'd give it a go: if the brick doesn't break you have your air brick,if it does it's part broken out. Don't go mad with an sds.

I wouldn't. Vandalising a weathering face of a brick is bonkers. Plus there is zero insect screen and a good chance the holes will block up.