Need to add a vent/fan to my small bathroom.

Mary T
by Mary T
Will it work to run the vent pipe about 4 feet to install it in the overhang of the house or must the vent pipe be run straight up thru the roof? I really hate to cut a hole in the roof because of chance of leaks.
thank you.
  3 answers
  • Z Z on Feb 03, 2014
    Mary, your best bet is to call your county inspector. He'll be able to give you what code in your area.
  • Ideally if at all possible run vent out sidewall of house. Venting under an overhang causes back drafts into the bathroom during windy days as the flapper will not hold back the drafts. If you cannot run sideways, Through the roof is the next best thing. In any case, be sure to insulate the vent pipe well and do not allow any bends that would act as a trap should moisture collect in the pipe.
  • Woodbridge has a great point: venting out the side works much better. We have our vent going out the side of the house and we have no moisture problems. I also suggest buying a good vent fan too. We put in a 300 CFM in the full bath which is about 8x7 and we have no moisture problems and we wired it to go on with the light. (last house kids and guests always forgot to turn the fan on so I decided to be smart this time). I had a neighbor put theirs in through the eave and it works okay too. Good luck.