How much does it cost to install a range hood exhaust duct through an exterior wall in the GTA?

Installing a range hood exhaust duct through an exterior wall in a GTA home typically costs $500 to $1,800, depending on the wall construction, duct run length, and whether the installation triggers Ontario Building Code make-up air requirements. A straightforward installation where the range hood is on an exterior wall with a short, direct duct run falls at the lower end. Complex installations through brick, stone, or concrete walls with longer duct runs push costs higher.

The installation involves cutting a hole through the exterior wall (including brick veneer if applicable), installing a wall cap with a backdraft damper, running rigid duct from the range hood to the wall cap, sealing all joints with UL 181-rated foil tape or mastic, and connecting the electrical. Material costs include the wall cap ($30 to $80), rigid round or rectangular duct ($8 to $20 per linear foot), elbows and transitions ($15 to $40 each), and fire caulking around the wall penetration. Labour for cutting through a single-wythe brick wall — the most common exterior in Toronto — runs $200 to $500 because it requires a core drill or masonry saw and careful work to avoid cracking surrounding bricks. Frame walls with siding are simpler and cheaper to penetrate at $100 to $250.

The critical cost factor many GTA homeowners miss is the make-up air requirement. Under the Ontario Building Code, when total exhaust capacity exceeds 75 litres per second (approximately 159 CFM), a make-up air system must be installed. Most decorative range hoods sold at big-box stores are rated at 400 to 1,200 CFM — well above the threshold. This means installing that powerful range hood triggers a make-up air system costing $2,000 to $5,000 installed, which must be interlocked with the range hood so it activates automatically when the hood runs. The make-up air unit brings fresh outdoor air into the home to replace the air being exhausted, preventing dangerous depressurization that can cause gas appliances to backdraft carbon monoxide into your living space.

If you want to avoid the make-up air requirement, choose a range hood rated at 150 CFM or less, which stays under the 75 L/s threshold. Many homeowners find that a well-designed 150 CFM hood handles everyday cooking perfectly well. For serious home cooks who want a professional-style 600 or 1,200 CFM hood, the make-up air system is a non-negotiable code and safety requirement.

Use rigid smooth-wall duct for range hood exhaust — never flex duct. Grease accumulates in the corrugated interior of flex duct, creating a fire hazard. Rigid galvanized steel or stainless steel duct can be cleaned and does not trap grease. Keep the duct run as short as possible with minimal elbows — every 90-degree elbow adds the equivalent of 5 to 10 feet of straight duct in resistance. The electrical connection requires an ESA-Licensed Electrical Contractor. Find local ductwork and ventilation professionals through the Toronto Construction Network to get quotes for your specific kitchen layout.