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#1
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
All,
I need a little advice from those that have installed bathroom exhaust fans and the proper way to vent them. I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? If I drill 6 or 7 1/2 inch holes in a 4'' diameter circle through the aluminum soffit and tape the end of the fan duct to the soffit at this location, will thismethod be sufficient to vent the fan? The problem I have is that the roof line is about 35-40 feet high so the only way I can access the soffits is through the attic. thanks |
#2
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On 2005-11-11, Jim wrote:
I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? None of these methods is really acceptable. Venting into the attic is right out, you need to remove the moisture from the house. I'm sure venting into a plumbing vent is forbidden, you could conceivably get sewer gases coming out the fan vent. Venting through the soffit is allowed, but it is not really a good idea, because some of the moisture will migrate back upwards, condense on the soffit, etc. The two good options are (1) vent through the roof and (2) vent through the sidewall, at least 3' below the soffit and at least 4' horizontally from any operable windows. Cheers, Wayne |
#3
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim writes:
All, I need a little advice from those that have installed bathroom exhaust fans and the proper way to vent them. I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic No no no! Unless you like mold having a nice damp place to call home in your attic. I had two of these corrected on my current home when I purchased it. They are now properly vented with roof caps. The soffit thing might work too. -- Todd H. http://www.toddh.net/ |
#4
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:43:54 -0600, Wayne Whitney
wrote: On 2005-11-11, Jim wrote: I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? None of these methods is really acceptable. Venting into the attic is right out, you need to remove the moisture from the house. I'm sure venting into a plumbing vent is forbidden, you could conceivably get sewer gases coming out the fan vent. Venting through the soffit is allowed, but it is not really a good idea, because some of the moisture will migrate back upwards, condense on the soffit, etc. The two good options are (1) vent through the roof and (2) vent through the sidewall, at least 3' below the soffit and at least 4' horizontally from any operable windows. Cheers, Wayne I suspected that these would be better solutions, however, they are both problematic in my case. The sidewall is made of brick and I do not want to punch ar hole in my roof unless it is absolutely necessary for obvious reasons. I really do not want another 4 inch pvc pipe sticking out of my roof. The bathroom is on hte front side of the house. |
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On 2005-11-11, Jim wrote:
I do not want to punch ar hole in my roof unless it is absolutely necessary for obvious reasons. I really do not want another 4 inch pvc pipe sticking out of my roof. The usual roof termination for a bathroom exhaust fan is quite short, it's not an exposed pipe. An exposed pipe would allow rain into the vent, a bad idea. [Doesn't matter for the sewer, though!] See, for example http://www.broan.com/display/router.asp?ProductID=2925. Cheers Wayne |
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
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#7
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On Fri, 11 Nov 2005 14:33:24 -0600, Wayne Whitney
wrote: On 2005-11-11, Jim wrote: I do not want to punch ar hole in my roof unless it is absolutely necessary for obvious reasons. I really do not want another 4 inch pvc pipe sticking out of my roof. The usual roof termination for a bathroom exhaust fan is quite short, it's not an exposed pipe. An exposed pipe would allow rain into the vent, a bad idea. [Doesn't matter for the sewer, though!] See, for example http://www.broan.com/display/router.asp?ProductID=2925. Cheers Wayne Thanks. I didn't realize that these were available. |
#8
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
What everyone else said.
Plus: you run the flexible duct into the soffit. Flexible vinyl duct is much better to use for ease of installation in this instance. (Does not apply to dryer venting.) Use a powerful drill with a 4-1/4" hole saw to drill a perfectly round hole into the soffit. It is best to use a "hole-hog" with an offset clutch for this job. A regular drill can pull you right off a ladder if the hole saw binds up in the hole which is very likely with a 4" hole saw. You must cut the hole from outside. You should hire a carpenter/handyman to do this if you are not comfortable on a ladder that high. You pull the flex duct out of the hole while out on the ladder. You then use a standard 4" round aluminum soffit vent to tape to the flex duct after stretching it over the inner ring. Push the flex duct back into the hole until the round vent is flush and secure with a couple of brass brads. Usually best to drill a couple of tiny holes for the brads while on the ground. Easy as pie. Alternative: Use a roof vent. Requires you to get up on the roof and do some shingle re-work. I hate these. They are an eyesore and are an invitation to leaking, especially in cold climates. "Jim" wrote in message ... All, I need a little advice from those that have installed bathroom exhaust fans and the proper way to vent them. I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? If I drill 6 or 7 1/2 inch holes in a 4'' diameter circle through the aluminum soffit and tape the end of the fan duct to the soffit at this location, will thismethod be sufficient to vent the fan? The problem I have is that the roof line is about 35-40 feet high so the only way I can access the soffits is through the attic. thanks |
#9
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim writes:
I forgot to mention that the attic is well ventilated just with the existing soffits and ridge vent. Everytime I go up there, I can feel a slight breeze. I've always been puzzled as to how this would cause a moisture problem in the attic. After all during a rainstorm, the air that gets pushed through the soffits is loaded with humidity. I'm sure it's at least 90%. Regardless of the attic breeze or no, you don't want to vent into the attic--if for no other reason that most home inspectors will flag it in a heartbeat, regardless of how much ventilation. A roof cap is the way to go. -- Todd H. http://www.toddh.net/ |
#10
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim-
Where is the house? In my previous SoCal home both batroom fans had their flex aluminum ducts terminate near / against the gable end attic vent I never had any mositure problems but SoCal is near desert conditions. If you're in an area where condensation could occur make sure you do it right. You will be buying a lot more trouble downstream The "correct way" is a roof penetration. The soffit solution is ok as well, as long as the flow terminates with an acceptable "vent cover". cheers Bob |
#11
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim wrote:
All, I need a little advice from those that have installed bathroom exhaust fans and the proper way to vent them. I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? If I drill 6 or 7 1/2 inch holes in a 4'' diameter circle through the aluminum soffit and tape the end of the fan duct to the soffit at this location, will thismethod be sufficient to vent the fan? The problem I have is that the roof line is about 35-40 feet high so the only way I can access the soffits is through the attic. thanks As indicated by others, non of the above. Through the sidewall or the roof. A poor third would be through the soffit, which may not be code locally. -- Joseph Meehan Dia duit |
#12
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
I forgot to mention that the attic is well ventilated just with the existing soffits and ridge vent. Everytime I go up there, I can feel a slight breeze. Well then, if there's enough room up there, then how about just routing the exit duct out the rear roof instead of on the front? You want 'as little ducting as necessary' though. Otherwise there are plenty of low-profile roof vents than can either be found in closely matchig color to your existing roofing material, or painted to blend in. |
#13
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
I'll probably get yelled at for this, but I just put in a bathroom vent
fan, and in my attic I have 2 roof vents plus an electric whole house attic fan that vents through the top (about 18" in diameter). Rather than cut another hole in my roof, I ran rigid 4" duct from the bathroom fan to just under where the attic fan is ( about 8 feet total duct). So far its working great. I know this is still not the right way, but at least I routed the vent close to where the opening in the roof is. Some people just let the fan vent in the attic, and letting it gradually find its way to the vent in the roof. |
#14
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
One thing I'm starting to learn the hard way (now that my wife is selling
real estate) more buyers are requesting home inspections ...and some communities are requiring it ...before they buy. Inspectors are finding things the current occupants have juryrigged. Sometimes if the list is long enough, it kills the deal. Other times the seller has to have the stuff corrected. I'm lucky I haven't done a lot of these kinds of things (but have done a few) but it sure opened my eyes. I'm tending to do things the right way lately. Just a caution. "Mikepier" wrote in message oups.com... I'll probably get yelled at for this, but I just put in a bathroom vent fan, and in my attic I have 2 roof vents plus an electric whole house attic fan that vents through the top (about 18" in diameter). Rather than cut another hole in my roof, I ran rigid 4" duct from the bathroom fan to just under where the attic fan is ( about 8 feet total duct). So far its working great. I know this is still not the right way, but at least I routed the vent close to where the opening in the roof is. Some people just let the fan vent in the attic, and letting it gradually find its way to the vent in the roof. |
#15
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On 11 Nov 2005 15:24:40 -0800, "BobK207" wrote:
Jim- Where is the house? In my previous SoCal home both batroom fans had their flex aluminum ducts terminate near / against the gable end attic vent I never had any mositure problems but SoCal is near desert conditions. If you're in an area where condensation could occur make sure you do it right. You will be buying a lot more trouble downstream The "correct way" is a roof penetration. The soffit solution is ok as well, as long as the flow terminates with an acceptable "vent cover". cheers Bob The house is in Virginia. The winters are relatively mild. Certainly nothing like Minnesota or New England. Temps rarely stay below freezing. The end of the flexible aluminum duct was just laid on top of the soffit. What I will probably end up doing is to extend the ducting upward until it is within a few feet of the ridge vent. There's just me living in the house and I rarely take long, hot showers. Also, how critical is it that the fan be installed level and plumb for proper operation? I installed it a bit out of level. |
#16
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Use insulate flex ducting to prevent moisture condensation and put a U in it
so that any water that might get in the pipe through the top of the vent does not drain back into your fan. "BP" wrote in message et... What everyone else said. Plus: you run the flexible duct into the soffit. Flexible vinyl duct is much better to use for ease of installation in this instance. (Does not apply to dryer venting.) Use a powerful drill with a 4-1/4" hole saw to drill a perfectly round hole into the soffit. It is best to use a "hole-hog" with an offset clutch for this job. A regular drill can pull you right off a ladder if the hole saw binds up in the hole which is very likely with a 4" hole saw. You must cut the hole from outside. You should hire a carpenter/handyman to do this if you are not comfortable on a ladder that high. You pull the flex duct out of the hole while out on the ladder. You then use a standard 4" round aluminum soffit vent to tape to the flex duct after stretching it over the inner ring. Push the flex duct back into the hole until the round vent is flush and secure with a couple of brass brads. Usually best to drill a couple of tiny holes for the brads while on the ground. Easy as pie. Alternative: Use a roof vent. Requires you to get up on the roof and do some shingle re-work. I hate these. They are an eyesore and are an invitation to leaking, especially in cold climates. "Jim" wrote in message ... All, I need a little advice from those that have installed bathroom exhaust fans and the proper way to vent them. I am in the process of deciding if I should just vent the fan into the attic or cut a hole/holes in the soffit and have the ducting terminate at this opening. One other option is to install a pvc T fitting in an existing plumbing vent and have it vent through the roof. Is the last method acceptable in most areas as far as the building codes? If I drill 6 or 7 1/2 inch holes in a 4'' diameter circle through the aluminum soffit and tape the end of the fan duct to the soffit at this location, will thismethod be sufficient to vent the fan? The problem I have is that the roof line is about 35-40 feet high so the only way I can access the soffits is through the attic. thanks |
#17
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Flex ducting in addition to putting a U in the ducts puts more
resistance on the flow being discharged from the fan which impedes its performance. In addition, any "trapped" water in that U would also put resistance on the flow.Putting in rigid duct with minimum bends would decrease the chances of the ducts sweating since it will exhaust better. In my opinion, if you leave the fan on for even 5 minutes after a shower it would be enough time for the fan to clear the bathroom of humid air and by the time the fan is turned off, the likely hood of moisture in the duct will have greatly decreased. |
#18
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim wrote: Also, how critical is it that the fan be installed level and plumb for proper operation? I installed it a bit out of level. The instruction manual on the Broan vent fan I put in says put on a ceiling with no more than a 12/12 pitch. I am not sure what that means, maybe 12" of pitch for every 12 feet? Maybe someone else knows. I think its for proper operation of the damper. |
#19
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Jim wrote: Also, how critical is it that the fan be installed level and plumb for proper operation? I installed it a bit out of level. The instruction manual on the Broan vent fan I put in says put on a ceiling with no more than a 12/12 pitch. I am not sure what that means, maybe 12" of pitch for every 12 feet? Maybe someone else knows. I think its for proper operation of the damper. Same units for rise as run, either 12"/12" or 12'/12'. NOT 12"/12'. 45 degrees. 100% grade, Pii/4 radians from horizontal. |
#20
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"I'll probably get yelled at for this, but I just put in a bathroom
vent fan, and in my attic I have 2 roof vents plus an electric whole house attic fan that vents through the top (about 18" in diameter). Rather than cut another hole in my roof, I ran rigid 4" duct from the bathroom fan to just under where the attic fan is ( about 8 feet total duct). So far its working great." One problem with this is that the attic fan is now likely drawing out air from your bathroom even when the bathroom fan is off. In summer, I would think a good deal of airconditioned air would go out this way. |
#21
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
" Through the sidewall or the roof. A poor third would be through the
soffit, which may not be code locally. " I don't know where venting a bathroom fan out the soffit is a code violation? Here in NJ most homes are done that way and we are about as regulated as it gets. I don't see anything wrong with doing a soffit vent. |
#22
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
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#23
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"What happens is that warm moist air is drawn into the next soffit vent
into the attic space where it can cause damage. Remember that soffit vents are normally air inlets. " I guess that's theoretically possible, but has anyone ever seen it lead to an actual problem? Bathroom fans are almost always on for a short time, so any moisture that was introduced should dissipate pretty quickly. I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. |
#24
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
wrote in message oups.com... "What happens is that warm moist air is drawn into the next soffit vent into the attic space where it can cause damage. Remember that soffit vents are normally air inlets. " I guess that's theoretically possible, but has anyone ever seen it lead to an actual problem? Bathroom fans are almost always on for a short time, so any moisture that was introduced should dissipate pretty quickly. I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. Many people in these groups state their personal opinions in absolutes. Grain of salt. |
#25
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
wrote in message oups.com... "What happens is that warm moist air is drawn into the next soffit vent into the attic space where it can cause damage. Remember that soffit vents are normally air inlets. " I guess that's theoretically possible, but has anyone ever seen it lead to an actual problem? Bathroom fans are almost always on for a short time, so any moisture that was introduced should dissipate pretty quickly. I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. |
#26
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
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#28
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
On Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:22:15 GMT, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote: wrote: " Through the sidewall or the roof. A poor third would be through the soffit, which may not be code locally. " I don't know where venting a bathroom fan out the soffit is a code violation? Here in NJ most homes are done that way and we are about as regulated as it gets. I don't see anything wrong with doing a soffit vent. What happens is that warm moist air is drawn into the next soffit vent into the attic space where it can cause damage. Remember that soffit vents are normally air inlets. When we had siding done a few years ago, I was not sure where a future exhaust fan would be mounted within the bathroom. An exhaust vent (a BuildersEdge product, special ordered from Home Depot) was installed in the soffit at that time. The vent, which has no moving parts, was centered within the span of the existing bathroom window; that bothered me for the reasons that you mentioned, Joe. Recently had a contractor gut and redo our bathroom including the addition of a Panasonic FV-08VQL3 fan. He strongly urged me not to go through the roofline, (apparently because he was not a roofer). As it turned out, the fan was mounted within the wet area, which made it NOT inline with the existing vent. After some discussion about positioning of the flexible duct (I objected to having any bends in the layout of the duct), the existing vent was simply relocated such that there is a short and straight run of approximately four feet to the (relocated) vent in the soffit. Going through the roof would have been agreeable with me. Not enough thickness to mount this fan within the vertical wall. The use of soffit vents is commonly used. The damper is within the fan assembly itself, not in the exhaust vent that is mounted at the soffit. I have not been up on a ladder to test the air flow yet; but am hoping that the duct tape does not dry out and fall apart ... FWIW. |
#29
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to ventit...
I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this
is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period |
#30
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to ventit...
Is this DIY job, or better for a contractor's?
Did you do it youself? I have the same problem with my 5 year old house. I don't know how building inspector approved it! yourname wrote: I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period |
#31
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"yourname" wrote in message news:2l7ff.13164$Rb.2712@trndny04... I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period So you put 2 holes in your roof and I didn't. Furthermore I vented out thru the soffit not in the attic. I hope your holes in the roof turn out better than your reading comprehension. |
#32
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to ventit...
Chas Hurst wrote:
"yourname" wrote in message news:2l7ff.13164$Rb.2712@trndny04... I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period So you put 2 holes in your roof and I didn't. Furthermore I vented out thru the soffit not in the attic. I hope your holes in the roof turn out better than your reading comprehension. And thus my house is up to code and yours isn't. there is no difference between a vented soffit and the attic. I am happy that your insulation isn't soaking wet, but you won't be working on my house anytime soon. Hey, the gas furnace usually vents away from the house too, but you don't put it right next to the window. Since I merely pointed out that it was not a big deal to put it through the roof, the same way that the soil stack does for the very same bathroom, an is not prone to leaks, I think it is your reading comprehension that is questionable. |
#33
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"yourname" wrote in message news:0R8ff.68$N44.6@trndny08... Chas Hurst wrote: "yourname" wrote in message news:2l7ff.13164$Rb.2712@trndny04... I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period So you put 2 holes in your roof and I didn't. Furthermore I vented out thru the soffit not in the attic. I hope your holes in the roof turn out better than your reading comprehension. And thus my house is up to code and yours isn't. there is no difference between a vented soffit and the attic. I am happy that your insulation isn't soaking wet, but you won't be working on my house anytime soon. Hey, the gas furnace usually vents away from the house too, but you don't put it right next to the window. Since I merely pointed out that it was not a big deal to put it through the roof, the same way that the soil stack does for the very same bathroom, an is not prone to leaks, I think it is your reading comprehension that is questionable. Maybe a hole in your roof isn't a big deal. It is in mine. And you're absolutely correct that I won't be working on your house. I don't do business with assholes. |
#34
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
BP wrote:
"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message ... wrote: "What happens is that warm moist air is drawn into the next soffit vent into the attic space where it can cause damage. Remember that soffit vents are normally air inlets. " I guess that's theoretically possible, but has anyone ever seen it lead to an actual problem? Bathroom fans are almost always on for a short time, so any moisture that was introduced should dissipate pretty quickly. I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. The point is why do it that way when there are better ways? I don't know if there are documented problems when it is properly vented out the soffit, but it is common that someone will just put the vent close to a soffit vent and consider that proper venting. That has been reported as causing problems. I have heard of a couple of cases where someone reported that even when properly venting out through the soffit there has been problems, but I am slightly skeptical of those so I would not say it has been documented. . You are probably referring to the ventilation of combustion appliances in which case you have a valid point. But unless you are dealing with someone with extraordinary toxic farts the problem with a bath fan vent is not a issue worth worrying about. You are making a mountain out of a molehill. There does seem to be differing opinions on the subject. While I am inclined to believe that it is not a big problem, I would not want mine vented that way. -- Joseph Meehan Dia duit |
#35
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
Your kidding right? Trap the duct?
"gary" wrote in message newslRef.522479$tl2.34263@pd7tw3no... Use insulate flex ducting to prevent moisture condensation and put a U in it so that any water that might get in the pipe through the top of the vent does not drain back into your fan. |
#36
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
That is done on all new buildings here. I just took a picture of one today.
Can I upload binaries here? Do you really think a slight U in a 4" pipe is going to fill up with water from the minimal amount of snow or rain that might get into the pipe? If you get that much water in there the trap is NOT your problem. You have other problems. If you do not put the "trap" there where do you think that water goes. Right into your fan, your motor and your grill (if metal) and causes rust. "Dennis" wrote in message newsP9ff.22603$5R4.2331@trnddc06... Your kidding right? Trap the duct? "gary" wrote in message newslRef.522479$tl2.34263@pd7tw3no... Use insulate flex ducting to prevent moisture condensation and put a U in it so that any water that might get in the pipe through the top of the vent does not drain back into your fan. |
#37
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
That is not done here and I believe it is against code. The moisture in the
winter builds up ice and causes problems in the soffit and with any wood in there. wrote in message oups.com... " Through the sidewall or the roof. A poor third would be through the soffit, which may not be code locally. " I don't know where venting a bathroom fan out the soffit is a code violation? Here in NJ most homes are done that way and we are about as regulated as it gets. I don't see anything wrong with doing a soffit vent. |
#38
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
According to BP :
"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message ... I have heard of a couple of cases where someone reported that even when properly venting out through the soffit there has been problems, but I am slightly skeptical of those so I would not say it has been documented. . You are probably referring to the ventilation of combustion appliances in which case you have a valid point. But unless you are dealing with someone with extraordinary toxic farts the problem with a bath fan vent is not a issue worth worrying about. You are making a mountain out of a molehill. I seem to recall, either in Fine Homebuilding or a CMHC publication that under certain circumstances in cold climates venting up through the roof can lead to thermosyphoning hot air continuously when the fan is off. Which wastes heat, and in a properly vented "cold" attic, can lead to condensation problems inside the vent line, resulting in water dripping from the fan and corrosion. In a previous home, we had exactly that problem on really cold days - sitting on the throne getting dripped on from above (no comments about below ;-) In those cases, venting out horizontally through the wall, or down through the soffit was superior, because it won't thermosyphon. -- Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them. |
#39
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"I seem to recall, either in Fine Homebuilding or a CMHC publication
that under certain circumstances in cold climates venting up through the roof can lead to thermosyphoning hot air continuously when the fan is off. " Veeery interesting! I had never thought about that. I suspected a similar and worse effect occurs when people run a bath vent to the underside of a roof mounted fan. When the roof fan runs in summer, it will suck cool airconditioned air from the bathroom, even if the bathroom fan is off. I would think as you pointed out, that just having a straight up run from the bathroom to a regular roof vent would provide and ideal path for convection. |
#40
Posted to alt.building.construction,alt.home.repair
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Installing a bathroom exhaust fan and the proper way to vent it...
"yourname" wrote in message news:2l7ff.13164$Rb.2712@trndny04... I have a hard time believing that in actual practice, this is really an issue. It's done on most of the homes here in NJ that I've seen and hasn't been harmful. I've got the fan vented thru the soffit. In cold weather the vented air condenses quickly making it visible. It's quite obvious that it blows away from the house and does not get sucked back into the adjoining vent. Ya know, last year I put two vents in through the roof. They don't cost much, don't take long and don't leak. It's just a bad ida to vent them in the attic period Only you are talking about venting into the attic. No one else. Try to keep up. |