Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Does a bathroom exhaust fan have to be (Original Post) roody Jun 2016 OP
I think they have to vent to the outside. The Velveteen Ocelot Jun 2016 #1
I wouldn't Warpy Jun 2016 #2
Definitely outdoors. You don't want that added moisture in the attic. Purveyor Jun 2016 #3
There's no point in just routing that moisture to the attic. Thor_MN Jun 2016 #4
Never into the attic. rusty quoin Jun 2016 #5
Thank you all. roody Jun 2016 #6
I know it's an old thread but this just came up in my home SticksnStones Aug 2016 #7
It is not and thank you. roody Aug 2016 #8
Vent it to the outdoors hitz Jan 2017 #9

The Velveteen Ocelot

(120,858 posts)
1. I think they have to vent to the outside.
Tue Jun 7, 2016, 06:22 PM
Jun 2016

They are supposed to draw out moisture from the bathroom so if it was vented to your attic it would just make the attic damp.

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
2. I wouldn't
Tue Jun 7, 2016, 06:23 PM
Jun 2016

Think soggy pink fiberglas insulation between the rafters, not good, mold will love it.

You can connect it in the attic with flexible tubing to an exterior wall, through the roof, out out under the sofit. It has to go outside, just like clothes dryers and for the same reason.

 

Thor_MN

(11,843 posts)
4. There's no point in just routing that moisture to the attic.
Tue Jun 7, 2016, 06:43 PM
Jun 2016

The purpose is to get the moisture out of the structure, not just the bathroom. In fact, dumping it in what might be a cold attic could be worse than just leaving it in the bathroom.

 

rusty quoin

(6,133 posts)
5. Never into the attic.
Tue Jun 7, 2016, 10:07 PM
Jun 2016

If you get it to the attic, you are mostly there. Find a reasonably priced guy who does roof work to remove a few shingles, cut a round hole and install a vent on the roof and flash around it, and all you'll need to do is connect to the roof vent to the bathroom exhaust motor unit ...never vent moist things like dryers to crawl spaces or bathrooms to attics.

You can also vent a bathroom to an exterior wall. It requires no ducting and if your bath has such a wall, it's the shortest, hence the most efficient. Think about the easiest to wire method also, and which way looks better on the exterior of the house.

SticksnStones

(2,108 posts)
7. I know it's an old thread but this just came up in my home
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 09:36 AM
Aug 2016

Licensed electrician said if it's a half bath - meaning no shower, then the vent is just for moving out air/odor. In that scenario venting to a crawl space is fine.

If it's a vent in a bathroom with shower, then, yes - vent moisture to outdoors.

I imagine the project's done by now. Just thought I'd mention...

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»DIY & Home Improvement»Does a bathroom exhaust f...