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

Copper wall cap – worth it?

Froed | Posted in General Discussion on January 20, 2007 10:36am

I’m putting in a new bathroom fan, but the plastic wall caps on the existing bath & dryer vents doesn’t seem to be holding up well, and the aluminum ones I’ve seen at the big box stores seem thin enough to bend if you blow too hard on them.

Is there a place to get thicker aluminum ones, or are the expensive copper ones worth it?  I’ve seen a few that have stainless duct attached to prevent corrosion when you attach an aluminum duct.

I know this is a pretty obscure question (did a search, got zip), but if anyone can clue me in, I’d appreciate it.  I’m east of Cincinnati, if it matters.

Thanks,

Froed

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

Replies

  1. rez | Jan 29, 2007 12:46am | #1

    Greetings F,

    This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.

    Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.

    Cheers

    "being human is a complicated proposition"-DavidxDoud

    ---Never show a fool a half finished job---Grampsy
    I feel like a bunny in a hillbilly meadow at noon..........jjwalters

     

    1. User avater
      SamT | Jan 29, 2007 02:54am | #2

      I'm gonna tay-ell!

      I'm gonna tay-ell!SamT

      Guys that don't do things correctly the first time.....then argue that they did nothing wrong.....if made to agree to fix the problem, rarely put the time and effort into truely doing it properly. they'll just look for the quickest fix to appease you and get their money. JDRHI <!----><!---->  84310.51 

      1. User avater
        Luka | Feb 09, 2007 02:58am | #15

        This should take care of the delete.

        No trees were killed in the manufacture of this message. But a large number of electrons were horribly disfigured.

        1. User avater
          SamT | Feb 09, 2007 04:54am | #16

          Thank you, my friend.SamT

          Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. [Einstein] Tks, BossHogg.

          1. User avater
            Luka | Feb 09, 2007 05:23am | #17

            You are welcome.Glad I could help.

            No trees were killed in the manufacture of this message. But a large number of electrons were horribly disfigured.

  2. ponytl | Jan 29, 2007 03:33am | #3

    ok... i hate to even start this but...

    i had a case of alum ones.... and some scrap sheet copper.... with a small $10 (On sale) bench top12" brake from harbor freight  made my own copper caps...  took one of the alum apart bent it back flat... made a pattern  ( made my copper ones a bit larger because i thought they looked better  but still used all the other alm parts  damper ect...  only made up the hoods... took maybe 15-20 min each after the first one...   i had the copper... so it didn't cost anything...

    p

  3. JonE | Jan 29, 2007 05:10am | #4

    Look up Aldes (or American Aldes) they sell wall and roof caps direct - galvanized, copper, stainless steel, might even make something custom.  Not all cheap, though.

     

  4. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Jan 29, 2007 06:16am | #5

    These http://www.copperlab.com/page/C/CTGY/CV are the ones I'm installing - their dryer vents and intake/exhaust vents are very, very good quality.

     

    Jeff

    1. curley | Jan 29, 2007 06:23am | #6

      That was a reall great site. I never thought anybody made a copper exhaust vent

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Jan 29, 2007 07:03am | #7

        They're not cheap but the quality is terrific - even stainless ducting away from the copper to avoid galvanic action.

        We're going to use the 6" dia. for intake and exhaust for an ERV.

         

        Jeff

        Edited 1/28/2007 11:08 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke

        1. Froed | Jan 29, 2007 02:59pm | #8

          Rez, thanks for the bump.  As a lowly DIY lurker, I know that this place can get a good bit of traffic, so I'd pretty much given up on it.  Is it bad form to bump your own question?

          P - Unfortunately, I don't have any sheet copper laying around, and no brake (but for $10, I'll keep HF in mind for the future).  My dad was a sheetmetal worker, but his brake is up in Michigan, so I'd need to plan ahead.  Fortunately...

          Jeff - After figuring this one got lost in the cracks of BT, I went ahead and ordered one from CopperLab.  I liked the stainless duct, and they answered my questions via e-mail and over the phone.  So I ordered one as sort of a test to see if I like it.

          Jon - American Aldes hadn't shown up in my searches, but it sounds like the CopperLab one should do the trick.

          Thanks for the input, guys.  As a follow-up, this is going through a brick wall, so I ordered the "surface mount" style, which has a flange on the top.  Everything I've seen says just to caulk around it, but should the flange be bent back into the brick like a flashing?  I'll be putting a hole in the brick anyway, so it won't be much more work, and relying on caulk never seems like a good idea to me.

          Fred

          1. theslateman | Jan 29, 2007 03:06pm | #9

            Yes it looks like you could bend the top of the back flange to insert it into a mortar joint-if it comes right.

            That would be better than just caulk.

          2. Froed | Jan 29, 2007 04:01pm | #10

            Thanks, I thought so. 

          3. Muttly | Feb 09, 2007 09:25pm | #18

            I would bend up a reglet if it was mine.

          4. seeyou | Feb 09, 2007 10:04pm | #19

            >>>>>>>>>>>>I would bend up a reglet if it was mine.How do you bend up a reglet? A reglet is the goove in the masonry that the flashing flange fits into.http://logancustomcopper.com

            http://grantlogan.net/

             

            It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss

            I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds

             

             

          5. Froed | Feb 14, 2007 09:20pm | #20

            Thanks.  You wouldn't consider that overkill for a dryer vent?  Yes, it's a serious question.  I often have a habit of making things more comlicated that they need to be.

          6. Muttly | Feb 14, 2007 09:36pm | #21

            "Thanks.  You wouldn't consider that overkill for a dryer vent?  Yes, it's a serious question.  I often have a habit of making things more comlicated that they need to be."

            If you are going to cut out a mortar joint and bend the top edge of the vent to fit it, I think it would be easier and better looking to bend up a counter flashing, you would have some wiggle room, could hide fastners, and it would be easier to line up the vent inside. Small pieces of copper can be bent easily with out a brake. If you pay attention to the way you bend it, capilary action can be eliminated. Is this over kill for a dryer vent? I guess it depends on who's vent it is.

          7. Froed | Feb 14, 2007 11:55pm | #22

            Thanks for the reply.  It was very helpful.

            "Is this over kill for a dryer vent? I guess it depends on who's vent it is."  'Nuf said.

          8. rez | Jan 30, 2007 10:16am | #14

            Is it bad form to bump your own question?

            Nah, in fact it is recommended particularly if time is of importance.

            It is real easy for a post to fall thru the cracks so to speak, in that once a number of posts follow it the post will slide off on to the bottom of the folder and eventually out of sight unless one goes looking for it.

            "being human is a complicated proposition"-DavidxDoud---Never show a fool a half finished job---GrampsyI feel like a bunny in a hillbilly meadow at noon..........jjwalters

             

  5. frenchy | Jan 29, 2007 04:36pm | #11

    Froed,

     For an easy to clean, inexpensive and yet durable use ceramic.. even big box stores sell them usually over in the tile section..

    1. Froed | Jan 29, 2007 08:17pm | #12

      Fenchy, I think I missed something.  Could you explain, or are you suggesting a ceramic dryer vent?  I've never heard of such a beast.

      Thanks

      1. frenchy | Jan 30, 2007 09:00am | #13

        Froed,

            My mistake I was quickly skimming and thought that you meant switch plates.

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

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

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 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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 70%

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