Bathroom Vent

[dualvet]

I have an existing bathroom combination vent/light and would like
to upgrade it to a higher CFM.

My question is: Is there way of ripping out the old unit and installing a
new one without going up into a very low attic area (with lots of Insulation).

I have replaced the Motor over the years but would like to update this
unit if possible.

Ed

[mdshunk]

I havn't run across an "old work compatible" bath fan yet. All of them that I've ever used (Broan and NuTone) all need installed from above. Let me know if you run into one that you can install totally through a hole in the ceiling from below. I'd be quite interested to know if such an animal exists.

[dualvet]

Hi MD......HNY to you.

I guess the industry figures the motor can be changed out so why bother
with a retro-fit kit.

I did change a combo vent/light for a neighbor but they had an
attic which actually had lots of room.


Ed

[Jennie]

Hello,

I need help with a leaking problem in the bathroom vent. It seems that there is no motor or fan in the vent. There is water dripping from there, however there are no leaks from the roof whatsoever. The Vent is 5.5x5.5 and there is no fan or motor made these days that fit into the vent.

How do I get it to stop leaking? I tried to stuff it with insulation but now it seems that there is a mold problem coming. Please advise

Jennie

[Bumblerazz]

Yes, you can replace from below. I just did it the other week. I posted the results: http://www.selfhelpforums.com/showthread.php?t=13046

I doesn't take much, you may need a pry bar to remove the external screws which could potentially damage the drywall. And attaching the vent can be a lesson in frustration, but with tape and some duct tape it can be done.

[JohnnyVance]

Hello,

I need help with a leaking problem in the bathroom vent. It seems that there is no motor or fan in the vent. There is water dripping from there, however there are no leaks from the roof whatsoever. The Vent is 5.5x5.5 and there is no fan or motor made these days that fit into the vent.

How do I get it to stop leaking? I tried to stuff it with insulation but now it seems that there is a mold problem coming. Please advise

Jennie

Jennie, There is a vent pipe, or flex pipe, running from your bathroom vent to your soffit (or maybe a vent cut in the side of the house). This vent pipe should reside under your blown-in or roll insulation to keep it from the cold. If the vent pipe is exposed to the cold then the warm-moist air inside the pipe (from your bathroom) will condensate on the inside of the pipe and run back into your bathroom causing the dripping you are seeing.

FYI...a bathroom vent should NEVER vent directly into the attic space (a common-stupid-lazy practice back in the early 70's at least) as it will cause moisture to accumulate on the wood roof sheathing & rafters, eventually causing mold.