While occasionally noisy, bathroom fans have several important functions. Bathroom fans help with everything from odor control to humidity reduction, keeping your bathroom clean, hospitable, and mold-free. But where does the air go after it’s sent through the bathroom fan? If you have an unventilated bathroom fan, you might not be reaping the fan’s benefits. Find out how to vent a bathroom fan through the roof.
How to Vent a Bathroom Fan Through the Roof
Benefits of Venting a Bathroom Fan
Your bathroom exhaust fan serves an important purpose, removing built-up moisture out of your bathroom. Bathroom fans can also help control and eliminate bathroom odors, as well as harmful fumes from harsh cleaning agents. Without a bathroom fan, you run the risk of cultivating excess moisture in your bathroom, which can destroy bathroom walls by causing paint to peel and, in some cases, doors to warp. Built-up moisture can also cause mold growth, which is dangerous, unsightly, and difficult to tackle. If you have a bathroom exhaust fan, you might think you’re in the clear – but is your bathroom fan vented? If not, the fan may just be circulating the air without moving moisture or chemical fumes out of your bathroom. By venting your bathroom fan, you can ensure that your bathroom stays hospitable and safe for you and your family.
Steps to Vent a Bathroom Fan
Venting a bathroom fan is a relatively simple procedure, but we don’t advise homeowners to take this work on themselves. A contractor will follow several steps when venting your bathroom fan:
- Step 1: The contractor will typically start by attaching the exhaust fan venting through a duct, which is then screwed to a special vent hood. The contractor should insulate the duct to prevent condensation problems.
- Step 2: The contractor will then install a vent hood, sliding the vent under the roof shingles so they cover the top half of the vent flange.
- Step 3: Finally, the contractor will nail the lower corners of the flange to the roof, securing the fitting.
The Importance of Working with a Professional
Venting your bathroom fan might seem like an easy do-it-yourself project, but we don’t recommend it. First, inexperienced homeowners might accidentally vent the exhaust fan through an existing roof vent or even into the attic. Both of these outcomes can reduce the flow of air through your attic, disrupting cooling cycles in the summer and increasing the amount of moisture in the winter. This is a recipe for excess condensation and, eventually, mold. Additionally, any process involving your roof can be tricky without the help of a professional. A contractor has the expertise to avoid damaging your roof, whereas a DIYer – no matter how experienced – might inadvertently cause a problem that goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
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Venting your bathroom fan is a crucial part of keeping your bathroom hospitable and safe for you and your family. In just a few steps, a contractor can ensure that your bathroom fan keeps functioning well for years to come.
If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. Our experts can help you sort through commercial roof systems, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. We can also help with smaller tasks like bathroom fan ventilation. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing materials, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!