The exhaust fans in my house just vent into the attic. They do not actually send the exhaust outside via a vent stack in the roof. The builders basically nailed a 4 ft 2×4 perpindicular to a ceiling joist near the exhaust fan and then just nailed the exhaust fan duct to that upright 2×4. The attic is huge (stick built with steep pitch) and there is a ridge vent and soffitt vents, so is this situation a problem? If so, what should I do to remedy this?
Overall I am concerned about condensation forming in the attic and causing big headaches a few years down the road.
Replies
Yes, it is a problem. Regardless of the size of the attic, construction and ventilation in place, exhaust from inside the living space must be vented directly outside. This is a Code requirement throughout most of the country and is just plain basic good practice.
The proper way to handle exhaust, is to run rigid exhaust duct, galvanized or aluminum, insulated with 1-1/2 foil faced fiberglass duct wrap, from the fan to either a wall cap or a roof jack. In my (and most building code organizations) opinion, anything else is substandard and unacceptable.
Hacks. Lazy hacks.
New house? Call them back and have them install a leak in your roof.
Joe H
Really bad form. Better not to use them until fixed. When showering, crack a window instead, if possible.
If you live in a cold climate, you may also get ice dams.
Oh, and leaks when the condensate thaws.