Installing a quiet Broan bathroom exhaust fan. Fan is located about 2.5′ from outside wall and will be punching straight out that wall (2×4 framing).
My question is, does anyone have a source for a better quality 3″ sidewall vent? I went to a couple of the local big box stores and my only choice is a single-flapper dryer vent, or a triple flapper fan vent. Neither one of which looks very impressive.
I really don’t like the idea of a 3″ hole in the wall, but have to in order to remove moisture from this bathroom. But I’d like to think the flapper will be of good enough quality to close when the fan isn’t on (don’t want a constant thermal siphon).
jt8
Replies
If exterior appearance isn't an issue, there are "coffee-can-on-an-elbow" vents that are probably the most reliable and best at sealing. Ugly as sin, though.
I think I put one of those on Mom's dryer vent (she was afraid a snake get in with the old one). The air pushes up a little cup? Hmm... that is a bit larger than I had in mind.
Even if I had a good, regular style dryer vent, I'd be happy with that. Just enough seal that the warm air from the house isn't siphoning out the vent.... but not so tight that the fan has trouble pushing it open.jt8
The one for bathroom vents is similar to the dryer one, but a little smaller, and with counterbalance springs so that the fan doesn't have to work so hard.
I can't, for the life of me, remember the name; but, I put in a through the wall vent, years ago, that was motorized, and weatherstripped. Very well made (and accordingly expensive).
It was in an ad. in FHB.
Maybe someone else will remember.
Maybe you could use this:
http://www.tamtech.com/preventilator2.htm
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Looks like an insulation upgrade to a standard wall-mounted exhaust fan.
So then you're thinking, do I go with a poorly insulated 3" hole or a somewhat insulated 10" one?
jt8
Edited 10/14/2004 4:07 pm ET by JohnT8
"So then you're thinking, do I go with a poorly insulated 3" hole or a somewhat insulated 10" one?"
Those things seal really tight. Top quality goods.
They also sell a backdraft stopping device that you could use with a standard fan.
http://www.tamtech.com/cape_damper.htm
Edited 10/14/2004 5:14 pm ET by csnow
John :
Did you check out Mid Americas product line at the big box stores,they are pretty decent(http://www.tapcoint.com)also http://www.efi.org has a coupler looking device that the interior of it collapses when the fan is off,so no outside air can come back in the house.I don't know if you can get one thru a sidewall install job ,you might be able to squeak one in.
Greg