I am a remodel contractor, recently I completed a 16′ x 32′ covered back porch for a
customer. The floor of the porch is standard 5/4 x 6 deckbords, This porch is located
over a patio of the same size. The support structure of the porch is three 3-1/4 x
14″ x 16′ laminated beams w/ 2×10 joists attached with hangers.
The problem is the customer now wants to install three ceiling fans under the deck
attached to each of the beams. She purchased water resistant fans and had the
electrician install sealed pvc conduit and fan boxes. We are not sure however how
to protect the motor from water. The only water will be from a blowing rain or when
she hoses down the deck. Metal ceiling is not in her budget and vinyl ceiling will
have a seam at 12′ and will leak. Any solutions??
Replies
I put a fan under an open deck; same concern about water from above; mounted an acrylic tray (i.e. from a kitchen supply outlet) as a ceiling medallion above the motor to deflect the water - works great.
NB: started with an SS bowl, they didn't like the look; next I put in an acrylic bowl, nope, too many bugs taking up residence in the space; so, put in the tray, been there several years now.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
can"t you buy outside ceiling fans?
The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"
If these are the same, or similar, kind, they're described as weather-resistant: there's a warning in the instructions that they can't be fully exposed to rain/snow, can't have water poured on them, and don't spray them with a hose..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Thanks for the reply, customer did not like the metal look so I have decided to try an acryllic 1/4" panel painted to match the stain on the deck. The panel can be bought at Home Depot and cut easily on the job. Let you know how it turns out.