Holes in the Band Board.

Dave Faust

I am installing sealed cumbustion appliances in the basement and need to get supply combustion air in and flue gas out of the basement area. How many holes of what size can I put in the band board? or How else could I get the pipes out of the basement?
Has anyone ever heard of a hole saw for brick?
Thanks
Dave

Al Letellier

band board

Are you talking about the sill skirt board??? You can pretty much drill whatever size you need per manufacturers requirements + the necessary clearances required. Yes they make hole saws for concrete. We rent them all the time at the local tool rental.
the Sill skirt board is not that important a structural piece of wood, dependant on the type of construction you have. I've taken out most of the wood between 2 joists to install a power venter, so a couple of holes should't be a problem. If in doubt, consult a carpenter or builder.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Rob T

Ahhh not true

> Are you talking about the sill skirt board???

> the Sill skirt board is not that

> important a structural piece of wood,


Actually the box (Skirt) is a very important piece of the puzzle in stick frame construction. Around here if you removed a good portion of it you'd get lambasted by the building inspector.

From what I have learned here at the wall, this is like saying that the height of the header on a steam boiler isn't all that important to the overall design of the heating system. While you may get away with cutting and hacking on a boxed sill (Just as you "may" get away with to low of a header) it isn't a good thing.

Also if it is a plylam construction (e.g. Silent Floor etc) there are very specific rules you have to follow when cutting into them. Otherwise you void the warranty and, most likely, bring the building inspector down on you.

> dependant on the type of construction you have.


I know of very few types of wood construction (Which is where you will run into boxed sills) that the box is not integral to the structure.

> If in doubt, consult a carpenter or builder.


Good advice, especially since most regulars here on the wall constantly advise homeowners to "get a pro"..

FWIW I am speaking from 25+ yrs experience as a "pro" in the residential construction business.

Rob

hr

Consult

with your local code officials. They have hole drilling charts available to show proper location and size of holes allowed in various applications. Or get a copy of the building code book used in your area.

wwwjlconline has had some good articles on drilling structural members, check their archives.

Generally through the rim joist venting requires some creative ways to maintain clearence around the vent pipe. Even with 10" deep joists, it may be hard to maintain adequate clearence around a 4" vent pipe with required clearence listing by the venting manufacture. Some manufactures, both venting and boiler, offer thru the wall kits for combustiable wall wenting. Use an approved one, NOT a homemade version!

Plenty of hole saws for brick. I generally sub this work out to a "pro" coring and cutting company. Well worth the money if you don't have a lot of drilling experience

hot rod

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Uni R

Brick...

I wouldn't go drilling big holes into any structural engineered wood product if you can avoid it. The heat and moisture will help cause it to delaminate over time. Going through brick isn't that tough. Mark your circles and then use a concrete drill bit and bore small holes all the way around the inside of each desired hole and then chisel it out after. Crude and simple but you can get a very nice opening with patience.