FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

bath exaust through 2X10 rim joist

edward3 | Posted in Construction Techniques on January 20, 2006 05:49am

I am installing a exhaust fan in a basement bathroom and the exhaust has to exit the house through the 2X10 rim joist. A 4 1/2″ hole is unacceptable, and have not yet found a smaller side vent. Any suggestions?.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Framer | Jan 20, 2006 07:40pm | #1

    Just curious as to why a 4-1/2" hole in a rim joist is unacceptable?

    Joe Carola



    Edited 1/20/2006 11:52 am ET by Framer

    1. edward3 | Jan 20, 2006 11:06pm | #3

      Somewhere along the road, I picked up this rule of thumb that holes in joists aren't supposed to exceed 1/3 the joist. I am looking to be told otherwise.

      1. pickings | Jan 20, 2006 11:42pm | #4

        Well then....here goes.

        Your rule of thumb is correct........for joists that are clear spanning between beams, walls etc.

        The hole cutting rule does not apply to rim joists since they rest CONTINUOUSLY on an exterior wall. They do not carry weight like a regular joist, their main purpose is to align and hold vertical the joists that are fixed to them, and provide a solid continuous nailer for the subfloor, and wall plate above.

        Hope this helps.

        BTW, there are 3" venting kits out there, look around.

        1. FR | Jan 25, 2006 11:05pm | #8

          Everyone, 

          While you're on this issue, I thought I would piggyback my question.   I have the same issue with a range hood that requires a 7 inch round or 3.5 x 10 rectangular duct.   I was going to run it between the joists in the kitchen ceiling and out the exterior wall, but I would have to put a big hole in the rim joist.    As an alternative,  I was going to run it along the top of the cabinets and out the wall below the rim joist.   I would hide the duct with a built up crown on the cabinets.   I just want to confirm that a hole that size in the rim joist is a non-starter.

          Thanks. 

          Frank R.

          1. Piffin | Jan 25, 2006 11:50pm | #9

            confirmed 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          2. FR | Jan 26, 2006 12:03am | #10

            Thanks.  

            Frank R.

          3. Framer | Jan 26, 2006 01:22am | #13

            Mike Hennessy brought up something about a stud being in the middle of the bay which it shouldn't but with that said you might want to make sure that there's no solid posts or something above like a beam that's has solid posts or multiple 2x's holding it up.If it was framed right you would see solid blocking there in between the joists but sometimes there's not. Try to check before you cut a 10" hole out of the box.Joe Carola

          4. FrankR | Jan 26, 2006 06:09am | #14

            Thanks Joe.   This will be part of a kitchen remodel so I will have that wall down to the studs and I can see what is there before I start cutting a hole in the sheathing.

            Frank R.

  2. jeffwoodwork | Jan 20, 2006 07:47pm | #2

    Should be fine , just add some extra blocking there if you are concerned.

    Jeff

  3. Piffin | Jan 21, 2006 12:07am | #5

    Nothing unacceptable about that in my book.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  4. edward3 | Jan 23, 2006 06:11am | #6

    Thanks everybody, Sometimes I hesitate when it comes to chomping holes in a house. Plumbers ( no offense ) seem to be more comfortable with "aerating" structural timbers, If this was a 100 year old balloon frame of old growth, I would have complete confidence in the structure, but this house is 5-months old, and oh the stories I could tell. eg., Romex, ( a 50 amp feed to the kitchen ) in the basement ceiling, that was missing five feet of outer jacket, and wrapped with more electrical tape than was probably used in the entire development. I had the couple bring in an electrician to unwrap and OK the line. I hope the rough-in "electrician" saved a lot of money, but I doubt it justified chancing the safety of the owners and their 4 children ( the oldest is six )

    1. FR | Jan 23, 2006 04:24pm | #7

      Everyone, 

      While you're on this issue, I thought I would piggyback my question.   I have the same issue with a range hood that requires a 7 inch round or 3.5 x 10 rectangular duct.   I was going to run it between the joists in the kitchen ceiling and out the exterior wall, but I would have to put a big hole in the rim joist.    As an alternative,  I was going to run it along the top of the cabinets and out the wall below the rim joist.   I would hide the duct with a built up crown on the cabinets.   I just want to confirm that a hole that size in the rim joist is a non-starter.

      Thanks. 

      Frank R.

    2. MikeHennessy | Jan 26, 2006 12:13am | #11

      You may want to position your hole so it is not directly under a stud. Probably no big deal either way, but still, it's nice to have support under supporting members!

      Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

      1. Framer | Jan 26, 2006 01:15am | #12

        "ou may want to position your hole so it is not directly under a stud. Probably no big deal either way, but still, it's nice to have support under supporting members!"The studs should be stacked on top of the joists not in the middle. If the joists are 24" centers and the studs are 16" centers than that's a different story.Or he has a point load from some beam above.Joe Carola

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Ranch Redux

An architect and a handy homeowner team up for an exterior upgrade with energy efficiency, comfort, and durability as part of the plan.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings
  • Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data