Lots of snow this year and my exhaust fan in the bathroom is leaking. Cleared snow off the roof, still ice?
Mar 20, 2007 by archerkd | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs
Wondering if there could be damage happening inside the attic or if it is just coming down inside. What can I do. The ice build up won't come off.
That happened to us too. My husband just got on the roof and cleaned up the ice and snow. it may be just the ice build up causing the water to come in. Have you checked your attic? on a warm day, climb up on your roof and see if you can get the ice off the vents.
Joannie W | Mar 20, 2007
Its probably condensation that has formed over the winter months, now that it is warming up it is melting. You might wanna try insulating the exhaust pipe if you can reach it
Robert S | Mar 20, 2007
iT SOUNDS LIKE AN ICE DAM...THIS ISNT GOOD. wATER WILL FIND A WAY IN YOUR ATTIC..IT MAY FREEZE ALONG THE WAY. KINDA SOUNDS LIKE WHAT YOUR DEALING WITH.
HOWEVER IT SHOULD MELT PRETTY QUICKLY WITH THE SUN SHINNING ON IT. bY ANY CHANGE DO YOU HAVE ANY PLUMBING PIPES IN YOUR ATTIC THAT COULD HAVE FROZE WHICH CAUSED THE ICE DAMN??
Bear | Mar 20, 2007
Like Robert S said more than likely the pipe needs insulation also u may want to make sure theirs ample insulation in the attic where it terminates and make sure theirs proper airflow thru soffit vents.
SEAN P | Mar 20, 2007
Can I exhaust 2 different bathroom exhaust fans to the same roof vent?
Mar 06, 2007 by bleads | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs
I have 2 bathrooms on our 2nd floor that exhaust directly into the attic. The idiots that installed them did not vent them to the outside. I have asked a roofer to install flashing for one 3" vent pipe. Can I run both exhaust fans to this vent or will it just exhaust into the other bathroom? I was thinking of whying the 2 ducts to the roof vent.
If you attatch the vents to a "Y" shaped duct. The "Y" will be upside-down with the roof vent at the top. There should already be a flapper on each fan unit that doesn't allow "back draft".
gipsygman | Mar 06, 2007
one roof vent for two bath exhaust fans?
May 16, 2008 by bookworm2111 | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs
hi,
i currently have two adjacent, unvented bathrooms in my house, one having an exterior window, the other with no windows. i would like to install vent fans for both baths, exhausting out through the roof. my question is: can i "y" the two vent pipes to one roof vent so as to not have to cut two holes in my roof? the two fans installed in the bathrooms would be 6 - 8 feet apart once installed in the ceiling.
any advice appreciated,
will
How do I stop a drippy bathroom exhaust fan?
Dec 28, 2006 by jewlzneeds2no | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs
The exhaust fan in my bathroom drips onto the bathroom floor constantly during the winter. I have had a new roof turban installed where it vents thinking it would solve the problem by allowing the condensation to vent up through the roof, but it continues to drip down through the exhaust fan and into my bathroom. It drips whether the fan is running or not running. It's very annoying as the fan is located in the ceiling in front of my sink and I can't stand there without getting water dripped down my back, not to mention the mess it makes on the floor and my rugs.
Any suggestions?
The above answers are good. Also, please check the owners manual for your fan, or contact manufacturer's customer service.
wize woman | Dec 28, 2006
What are some options for installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom?
Oct 25, 2008 by Suzanne P | Posted in Do It Yourself (DIY)
I am adding a shower to an existing half-bath in an older home. I know I need an exhaust fan to help with the moisture, but I'm not sure how to vent it outside because cutting into the roof is not an option and the soffit covers boards and is therefore not vented.
The house is vinyl-sided. Would it be better to cut a hole in the boards and vent a section of the soffit, or will venting the fan through a sidewall work?
I had a very similar situation in my home about 10 years ago. All homes have openings where air vents through the attic to the outside. It is a required in order to have proper heating and cooling in the living space below. In fact, its standard building code. You can route the flexible 4" duct to any of the existing openings and secure it with electrical wire staples or screws/brackets (all available at your local hardware store). This is a very easy project and can be accomplished on a Saturday afternoon with basic tools. One additional comment I'd make....if you decide to vent straight up to the roof vents, make sure to have a "U" shape in your flexible duct routing (i.e., don't make the overall length too tight). This will avoid any potential water from draining backward into your beautiful new ceiling vent in the bathroom.
Henny Bogan | Oct 25, 2008
Exhaust Fan in Powder Room
The exhaust fan in the Mechanical Room was not ducted externally. As seen in the photo, the exhaust fan will be installed between the joist, but the articulate on the brickwork is actually next to the joist!
Had raised this issue with PD. SS came this morning to fix this by drilling a 20c conceive size hole on the joist next to the vent. We are totally not exhilarated with his solution.
Based on Part 3.8.5.0 Ventilation Requirements of the BCA’s requires that ‘contaminated air from a disinfected compartment must exhaust directly to the outside of the building by way of ducts; or exhaust into the roof hiatus provided it is adequately ventilated by open eaves, and/or roof vents; or the roof is clad in roof tiles without sarking or compare favourably with material which would prevent ventilating through gaps between tiles’.
Will be insisting PD to state look after a better solution than a 20c coin size hole.
Circle A Angus customers capture genetic valueHigh Plains Journal, KSTo assist the ventilation, there are exhaust fans every 25 feet on the ceiling, that blow heat and ammonia out the top of the building. Pens are 100-feet by 40-feet. The downside to this marketing plan by Circle A Angus has been to start their feeding
Exhaust fan causes apartment fire; no injuriesTucson Citizen, AZShe said the fire started in a ground floor apartment's bathroom vent fan and caused the evacuation of 16 units. Residents noted smoke coming from the roof vents and called 911 at 8:23 am Fire crews were on the scene by 8:30 and had the fire under
Solar panels chase away the shadowsNashoba Publishing, MABut not the big, roof-covering solar setups with bulky batteries and high-tech gear. Tough Stuff solar panels are the size of a book, almost as thin as a page and resemble the click-in filter on a stovetop exhaust fan. Featuring rechargeable LED lights
Preview: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500Canada.com, CanadaEngineers installed a resonator between the air filter and engine throttle body to reduce unwanted noise, and, indeed, the supercharger is less noisy, the exhaust not so intrusive inside. What remains is that crisp, unmistakable bark from the four-inch
Drifts too high but not too heavyPratt Tribune, KS evaluated the roof on March 31 and concluded that roof leaks in several areas of the building did not appear to be caused by overstressed structural members, but were due to drifts being higher than the flashing around exhaust fans, vent pipes and
Exhaust Fans
Solar Attic Fan with 25-year Warranty!
List Price: $449.00
Product Details
Adjustable 10-watt Solar panel - Assembled and On the brink of to install
25-year assurance on solar panel
25-year assurance on attic fan housing
Product Description
Solar Attic Fans are readily installed and a great product for proper attic ventilation. Guileless Light brand solar attic fans are top rated by builders and are the highest superiority built in the USA! The DC motor is powered by the included solar panel with the attic fan motor in motion hot air and moisture out of the attic space everyday. Solar panel is adjustable from utterly up to 45 degree angle or can be detached and mounted remotely for upper-class sun exposure. Solar Attic Fans mount on 3/12 to 12/12 pick roofs. (this unit not for flat roofs or side obstacle mounting). Moves up to 850 cubic feet per one sec. Use one attic ventilation fan for every 1200 square feet of attic accommodation. Note: Purchase the optional Solar Attic Fan Thermostat if to be acclimated to in areas with cold winter temperatures. See our Amazon Storefront for this voluntary part.
Customer Reviews
Save Energy Quietly!
Having been a heating & air conditioning contractor, I knew the value of attic exhaust fans: a properly sized fan can keep an attic at least 20 degrees cooler than a gravity-ventilated attic. And if your attic is cooler, your house will stay cooler. The problem is that most 120-volt attic exhaust fans are really noisy. The noise from gable-mounted fans isn't too obnoxious, but the noise from roof-mounted fans can drive you up the wall. (The roof membrane acts as a drum and amplifies both the motor vibrations and the 60-cycle hum.) IN CONTRAST, NATURAL LIGHT'S SOLAR OPERATED DC MOTOR IS SO QUIET, YOU HAVE TO GET RIGHT NEXT TO IT TO EVEN HEAR IT!
I'm very impressed with this product. It is well made, it has good installation instructions, it comes with an exceptional warranty, and if you need to talk to the manufacturer for any reason, Natural Light is very responsive.
The optional thermostat is worthwhile: it prevents the fan from running on a sunny (but cold) winter day.
Solid
Just have it installed on one of my attics - running very quite and spinning fast. I have not measured the temperature before and after - but the difference is obvious - before it was VERY hot, now only slightly hotter than room temperature.
The unit is built with quality - very sturdy. I had a concern that it is not as efficient as an electrical one in pumping out hot air - but it turns out to spin very fast even with a 10W fan. I had another concern of water leaking, but the unit has a pretty big "apron" and a dome cover so it should not be a problem.
Now I am thinking to install one more above another attic I have.
2010-04-27
| Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5
Nifty
I have a split-level house (2 unconnected attics). I bought 2 of these units 3 years ago, 1 for each attic, and had them installed when my roof was replaced. They are amazing. I just went up there (sunny afternoon) and the one which faces south was moving a ton of (hot) air. The other one (faces west, sun not there yet) was doing well.
I have no evidence whatsoever if they actually save me any money, as I replaced the roof and then the A/C in the following year, so I have too many changes for a "before/after" comparison. Plus I have very thick attic insulation, so I suspect my actual savings may be minimal. But seeing them makes me feel better, kind of a placebo effect.
They come in a "doesnt match anything" grey color. I spray painted them brown (cover the solar panels first!) with rustoleum - 2 coats and it is still pretty good in year 3. Next year I may go up there and touch them up, from up close a couple of spots were showing greyish.
The units themselves are very sturdily made. Heavy aluminum chassis. I have the 10W units I dont believe the 20W was available back then. Very quiet, cant hear it unless right next to it. One of them had a bent fan blade when it arrived but a single call to BFM got a new one sent with no questions asked (well, other than "where do we ship it to?"...)
I like playing with solar panels and these panels seem high quality; they produce more power than any of the cheap ones of similar size which I have seen from Harbor Freight.
I also have traditional "passive" roof vents and I suspect my fans are drawing air backwards through them, so I am thinking about blocking the passive roof vents in order that the solar fan will draw the air up through the eaves vents which would cool the attic better.
I have the (optional) thermostats on the units, but I am thinking about removing them so that in the winter it will draw moisture (from bathroom fans and stuff) out of the attic as well.
I would absolutely, positively recommend these over the traditional wired A/C units. I cant even imagine what the 20W units must do; people must have to be clean birds and pets out of their intakes all the time.
2009-07-26
(oh, usa) | Helpful Votes: 13 | Rating: 4
Very high quality unit
I looked at a few similar units in local big box stores and I was pretty disappointed. Other fans are made of plastic, or cheap thin metal. This fan is very substantial, very strong and durable. The extra weight does have a drawback in that it's a bit more challenging to get the unit on the roof.
Minor tip: I covered the panel with carboard to stop the fan while installing, but afterwards, (duh), I realized that I could have just unhooked the wiring.
I also detached the panel and fan from the base before the install. It makes it a lot easier to sink the screws in the base into the roof. Next time I will disassemble the unit on the ground and then bring it up and install in pieces.
I wasn't able to simply lift the upper shingles. You really have to remove a few to properly install the unit because the holes for the upper screws are too far back, and using enough sealant would be a challenge with the shingles in place. No big deal, but I think the instructions encourage you to think that the installation is easier than it is.
The included sealant would not be my first choice. I ended up using a SikaFlex-like product from Henry.
I can't quantify the improvement once the fan was in place, but I can tell you that it whirs away all the time the sun is shining, definitely moving more air than the passive setup I had before.
The temperature switch might be a good idea for winter conditions. Hard to say because on the West Coast where I live, humidity is only a problem when the sun is not shining.
I'm planning on getting two more for another house.
2009-07-03
| jkloepping (Petaluma, CA USA) | Helpful Votes: 28 | Rating: 5
Natural Light Systems Solar Attic Fan Review
After quite a bit of research, I felt that the Natural Light Systems Solar Attic Fan offered the best combination of engineering, quality, and value compared to competitors. As for performance, I conducted a simple test that is reported below, but am not equipped to compare other brands under the similar conditions. Unfortunately, I couldn't find unbiased brand comparisons.
The product sold here is a 10 watt panel unit manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona by Natural Light Systems (http://www.solaratticfan.com/). The company also makes a 20 watt panel that costs about $75 more that will probably prove more satisfactory over the long run. The only difference between the 10 and 20 watt units is the panel.
BACKGROUND
I have a house with a moderate pitch (I believe about 15 degrees or so), with a black asphalt shingle roof, located in Mountain View, California. When re-roofing the house a few years ago, the contractor recommended installing several small "eyebrow" vents opposite each other along the ridges. They take advantage of the Venturi effect to exhaust hot air. They really weren't sufficient, though. Wind turbine ventilators were too small to retrofit and obtrusive, and over the years I've 1) installed (and removed) a gable fan (noisy and inefficient), and 2) finally re-engineered a large Vornado fan to direct exhause out of a leeward vent. But it was still a bit noisy and used electricity, of course.
Hence, the search for a low-profile solar attic fan, though, I did consider a new passive system from Aura (see http://www.roofvents.com/roof-vent.html). That company also has a solar panel version, though there are some features I don't particularly care for. I installed the solar attic fan on the leeward side of the house, facing due south, in place of an eyebrow vent, in the center of the house. I sealed up the opposite windward eyebrow. There are sufficient air intake vents (or soffits). Total attic volume is somewhere between 1,500 and 2,500 cubic feet.
PROS
Simple and straightforward engineering. This unit comes with a single well-designed fan. One brand that I nearly bought, from Aura, is cluttered with several little fans tucked inside the unit.
One piece heavy gauge stamped aluminum body with no seams. The seamless body is leak-proof with no additional caulking needed.
Aluminum and stainless steel hardware, so corrosion shouldn't be a problem.
High quality BP solar panel (the 20 watt panel, which I have, appears to be the BP-SX320). I understand that most panels degrade in performance over time, so think it's better to start out with a more powerful panel. The solar panel is adjustable - great if you can easily get on the roof and want to pick up the rays from the low spring or fall sun. Out of the box, the solar panel rests flat against the top of the unit; the picture shows it in a raised position.
High quality fan motor and blade; easily replaceable if needed. Extremely quiet - I can't detect any noise from the unit inside of the house, and just a slight whooshing a couple of feet away outside on the roof.
Twenty-five year warranty, thought it's only as good as the company stays in business. I called customer support and found them friendly and knowledgeable. I think the only parts that could potentially need replacing are the fan motor and panel.
Low profile and neutral color helps it blend with many roofing materials and not stick out like a sore thumb.
CONS
Installation is, like, all such roof hardware, a little involved for an average homeowner like me. Just take it easy and, as they say, "measure twice and cut once."
The company provides a silicone sealant, which I regret having used since there are stainless screws holding the unit down. Probably needed for regions where winds get fierce, but I don't think for my area. The silicone gummed up the wires for the thermostat, though didn't do any harm (fortunately, I could clean them off after installation because I have access to the attic).
The solar panel is a bit tough to adjust. I would have appreciated wing nuts rather than Philips screw heads that could easily get stripped.
CONSIDERATIONS
I recommend getting the thermostat, which is a $20 optional item.
Mount on a southern exposure, where there is sun all day (or at least from 10 am or 11 am onwards). In shade, the fan, which is continuously variable speed, will not operate. I believe it will operate, though at a low speed, on a cloudy day. Essentially, the more sunlight, the faster the fan will rotate, hence exhaust more attic air.
I recommend the 20 watt panel over the 10 watt panel.
You will need to cut a 19" or 16" round hole in the roof (depending on your rafter spacing). 19" is actually fairly large (and what I cut) and will vent a lot of attic air.
Solar panels get dusty which can affect their performance; and birds do perch on them, so direct a little garden hose spray up to them occasionally if it doesn't rain a lot in your area.
DOES IT REALLY DO THE JOB?
I thought I'd conduct a simple test to find out how the unit performed in "passive" state (sans fan) and "active" state (with fan operating).
The set-up: I had one remote digital thermometer in the attic about 8-10 feet away from any vents and midway between the floor and ceiling of the attic, about 20 inches off the floor of the attic. Another thermostat was placed in a shady spot on the patio away from the house.
The test: I chose two comparable sunny, mild days (75 to 76 degrees F. on May 27 and 28, 2009) with a breeze out of the northwest at about 5 mph. On the first day, I covered up the solar panel, so the vent became passive. On the second, the panel was uncovered and the vent was active. I took measurements roughly every hour from noon to 6 pm. I found the patio temperatures peaked on both days at around 76 degrees from 3 pm to 4:30 pm.
The results: During the hottest parts of the day, the attic temperature was 39 degrees greater than the patio temperature when the vent was in passive mode. In active mode, it was 33 degrees greater. The fan, therefore, kept the attic up to 6 degrees cooler. On the first day, I removed the cardboard cover on the panel, allowing the fan to operate, at 4:45 pm (the inside of the house was getting a bit uncomfortable). Within 30 minutes, the attic temperature had fallen 5 degrees.
Subjectively, the house seems cooler with the solar attic fan than even with the Vornado - and quieter. Haven't tried it on hotter (85 degrees +) days but expect the 30 to 35 degree differential between attic and outdoor temps to continue. If you have a lighter color roof than mine, the reflective properties should reduce the temperature differential. Note that every roof and attic is unique in some ways - with different gable profiles, intake and exhaust vent arrangements and so on. I found these websites helpful: http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infattfan/infattfan3b.html http://www.savenrg.com/venting.htm )
CONCLUSIONS
Some experts think that solar attic fans are a waste of money because they're under-powered with unproven life-expectancy. I was hesitant to buy one, but felt this brand offered solid engineering and construction, an unobtrusive low-profile, a powerful enough solar panel, and a great warranty. After a month of living with the fan, I am completely satisfied and unhesitatingly recommend it.
Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Vent - Natural Light
Product Description
Bastard Light Solar Attic Fan Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Flue - Natural Light The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Mofette - Natural Light is a simple and environmentally well-thought-out solution that can save you money. Powered in toto by free solar energy, this sleek and effective vent is both compact and quiet. Fully operational true from the box, this solar attic fan installs easily, with no electrical wiring, no precious electrician and city permits. And let's not forget strong! The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Forth - Natural Light operates at a whopping 1200 cfm, a cull unit can fully vent up to 1800 correct feet. Place the solar attic fan wherever you desideratum improved circulation; attics, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages, even barns. document.disregard(' Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Annunciation of Certification (60 KB) download PDF '); Real Light Solar Attic Fan Statement of Certification (60 KB) download PDF Qualifies for Federal Tax Credits (Up to 30% faith) The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Verbalize - Natural Light qualifies for federal tax credits in the Solar Dash Systems category under Photovoltaic Systems as defined in the Dash Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (PL 110-343). Download the Communiqu of Certification to learn more. Features of the Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Enunciate - Natural Light The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Voice - Natural Light can output of up to 1200 cfm. Venting up to 1,800 sq. ft. The Simple Light Solar Attic Fan is powered solely by the sun. The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 20 Watt Roof Exhaust Aperture - Natural Light reduces the temperature of your attic, scraping stress on you cooling system, conserving power, and frugality you money. Some competitors have molded plastic housings, which are created in a activity that isn't healthy for the environment
Fitting for agricultural and horticultural applications
Isolated phase
Product Description
The TPI commercial exhaust fan is fanciful for turning over a large volume of air rapidly. Beer-bellied-gauge construction makes fan a popular choosing for agricultural and horticultural applications. U.S.A.
Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Vent - Natural Light
Product Description
Genuine Light Solar Attic Fan Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Release - Natural Light The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Voice - Natural Light is a simple and environmentally appreciable solution that can save you money. Powered entirely by free solar energy, this sleek and unwasteful vent is both compact and quiet. Fully operational moral from the box, this solar attic fan installs easily, with no electrical wiring, no up-market electrician and city permits. And let's not forget energetic! The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Flue - Natural Light operates at a whopping 1550 cfm, a distinct unit can fully vent up to 2500 straight feet. Place the solar attic fan wherever you insufficiency improved circulation; attics, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages, even barns. chronicle.write(' Natural Light Solar Attic Fan Account of Certification (60 KB) download PDF '); Frank Light Solar Attic Fan Statement of Certification (60 KB) download PDF Qualifies for Federal Tax Credits (Up to 30% dependability) The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Vent - Usual Light qualifies for federal tax credits in the Solar Vitality Systems category under Photovoltaic Systems as defined in the Vitality Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (PL 110-343). Download the Utterance of Certification to learn more. Features of the Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Blow-hole - Natural Light The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Communicate - Natural Light can output of up to 1550 cfm. Venting up to 2,500 sq. ft. The Honest Light Solar Attic Fan is powered solely by the sun. The Solar Powered Attic Fan - 30 Watt Roof Exhaust Voice - Natural Light reduces the temperature of your attic, extenuating stress on you cooling system, conserving power, and hoard you money. Some competitors have molded plastic housings, which are created in a procedure that isn't healthy for the environment
Seemly for agricultural and horticultural applications
Epitome for turning over a large volume of air rapidly
Product Description
The TPI commercial exhaust fan is complete for turning over a large volume of air rapidly. Depressed-gauge construction makes fan a popular pick for agricultural and horticultural applications. U.S.A.
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Squirrel crate blower
Can Danica take the heat?
09.09.10
Patrick performed well in her creator car debut and was succeeding to consider the Nationwide Series get a move on at Daytona next Saturday as part of a restricted schedule this year. But she will not indicate in NASCAR's signature things turned out: the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14. Patrick has much to learn before she steps into Sprint Cup.
But the payoff for NASCAR and Patrick could be prodigious if she makes it there promptly.
First comes the stimulate. Unlike unclog-wheel racecars like those at the Indianapolis 500, which have the machine in the rear and no ignite-trapping roof, selection cars have the appliance in the front, with the exhaust pipe contest under the floor pan.
Driving in circles on asphalt in a racecar with an enclosed roof, a contender encounters temperatures typically reaching 100 degrees. On brutally hot days, they can hit 130.
"She's flourishing to deal with more zeal than she's ever had to as far as inside the racecar," said Tony Stewart, the driver who has most successfully made the evolution from open-position to stock cars. "It's agonizing to focus when you're in stir that you're not used to. Get in the car and meander the heat wide free and drive around for three and a half hours and see if your concentration is still as strident."
Patrick will have to focus one's thoughts because she will have to make greater adjustments in driving 3,500-hammer stock cars, compared with the 1,500-beat into rid open-position cars she is wonted to.
