How to Vent a bathroom fan through a flue?
Venting bathroom fans to the side wall or roof is usually the better option.It is not a good idea to put a hole in the roof.
The underside of the roof overhang is called the soffit.It is not feasible to install a bathroom fan to the roof or side wall.
You may not want to go onto the roof if it is a do it yourself install.If you have had roof problems, you may not want to make a hole in the roof.
The second story bathroom may require going down and making a 90 degree bend to vent it to the side of the home.You might not have a gable wall near the bathroom.
You don't have to climb onto the roof if you install a bathroom fan to the soffit.
It isn't always a simple job to install bathroom fan vent hoses.I created a tool that will give you free quotes from contractors who have been pre-vetted.
The same thing as vertical wall-mounted bath vent covers is done by the soffit cover.I can't tell you how many birds are in the air.
When you turn off the bath fan, the vent cover will give you a good air seal.It can fit a 4-inch or 6-inch duct.You can find the latest price of the vent cover here.
You want to put the exhaust vent cover in a straight line from the bathroom exhaust fan.It will work better with less turns and bends.
The bathroom vent hose can accumulate water in the low parts.
If you are going to be installing a new duct instead of moving the existing, you should check the duct size of your bathroom fan.Larger duct sizes are used by higher powered bathroom fans.The smaller 3′′ ducts are still used by most of the older bathroom exhaust fans.
Make sure you mark the area between the rafters and roof lookouts with a permanent marker when you install the exhaust vent.A paper template can be used to draw the hole on the soffit.
After you mark the hole with a permanent marker, you can use a jig saw or tin snips to cut out the soffit.If you haven't done so already, you will need to place the vent hose in the attic once you have cut out the hole.
It isn't always a simple job to install a bathroom fan vent.I created a tool that will give you free quotes from contractors who have been pre-vetted.
The vent hose needs to be pulled through the cut hole and out about a foot.It is a good time to cut off extra vent hosing in order to have a straight line from the bathroom.
You should tighten the screw with a phillips or flathead if you want to connect the vent to the cover.You can cover it with foil tape to make sure it is snug and won't come off.
The screws that came with the vent cover can be used to mount it to the soffit.You might need to drill pilot holes for the screws.
The older 3′′ duct hose is used by most older bathroom fans.A lot of the newer bathroom fans recommend using a duct hose.Check with your manufacturer to find out which vent hose is right for you.
You can still use a smaller diameter vent hose with new bathroom fans, but there will be reduced performance and the rated specs won't be the same.Some exhaust vent fan covers can be used for 5′′ or 6′′ ducting.
If your bathroom fan has a 4′′ outlet, but you want to connect it to a 3′′ or 5′′ hose, there are plastic connections that you can buy.If possible, it is recommended to go with the manufacturer's recommendations.
I always recommend installing an insulated vent hose if the attic is unfinished or if there is foam insulation.Vent hoses that have insulation on the outside can be purchased.condensation can form on the outside of the vent in the attic if there is an insulated bathroom vent hose.
A layer of fiberglass insulation and a Vapor Barrier will greatly reduce the chances of condensation and mold.You can find the current price of the Flex Duct here.
Your attic air will be as cold as the outside during the winter.The warm air from the bathroom vent goes through the vent hose in the attic to the outside.
When you take an iced lemonade outside on a hot day, the water will bead on the glass.
The indoor air is cooler when the attic is very hot.Water problems and mold growth can be prevented with an insulated vent hose.
If mold forms in the attic, it can spread throughout the interior of the home.The structural wood in the attic can be damaged by mold and water.
I've been on many home inspections where the owner, builder, or contractor didn't bother to vent the bath fan to the outside.
If you have all of the tools, you can install a bathroom exhaust fan within an hour or two.
Even though the bathroom fan may disrupt the air flow of the soffit vent, it is not going to be a big problem.
Installation of a bathroom fan to the soffit is easier if you have attic access and avoid the roof.
Are you interested in learning more about home maintenance?Home product reviews and guides can be found here.
What are the best bath fans with light bulbs?I have a detailed list of my top choices.My guide was written by a licensed inspector.