How to Remove Crawlspace Vents for Replacement

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Brick chisel

  • Hammer

Crawl space vents provide ventilation under the house. The vents should open and close without effort as necessary by hand. When vents are difficult to operate or have damage, it is necessary to replace the vents. Removing crawl space vents for replacement is not as difficult as it may first appear. Crawl space vents use a thin layer of mortar to secure the vent within the block of your foundation. This thin mortar breaks apart quickly with the proper tools. One tool that you may need to purchase is a brick chisel. They are available at home improvement centers.

Advertisement

Step 1

Chip away at the mortar on the outside rim of the crawlspace vent with a brick chisel and hammer. The mortar around the outside rim is thin. Place the edge of the brick chisel between the crawlspace block and mortar. Tap the end of the chisel with a hammer. The thin mortar breaks away with little effort.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Continue chipping away at the mortar around the circumference of the crawlspace vent. Stick the claw of a hammer inside the vent and pull the vent out of the block.

Step 3

Chisel away any remaining mortar with the brick chisel to clean the area for the replacement crawlspace vent.

Tip

Brick chisels resemble regular mortar chisels, except that the chisel end is wider than most chisels.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references