Vent Through Roof Or Soffit

The roof contractor recommends the soffit to minimize protrusions through the roof.

Vent through roof or soffit.

Steve is on to something importent there. I am getting a new roof installed and tear off and likely a lot of plywood and am simultaneously getting a new bath vent fan. A vent through the roof must terminate a minimum of 6 inches above the roof surface or 6 inches above any anticipated snow accumulation. And given the expectations for soffit venting and roof venting these days if an attic space is properly vented it would almost for sure preclude the soffit venting of any exhaust.

For most homes the most popular and a better looking roof vent option is a soffit vent. Not a good thing. This reduces the efficiency of the vent and may trap heat or moisture in the elbows. If an exhaust vent is too close to an intake some of that moist warm air is headed in to the attic.

Mark holes for soffit venting. One of the most used or popular roof vents is a turbine vent that has spinning tops. However in order to make the turns necessary to penetrate the ceiling enter the attic and then descend through the soffit ductwork must make some tortuous bends. I have gotten mixed opinions on whether to vent the new fan through the roof or through the soffit eave.

A down through soffit exhaust vent design by leaving warm air in the exhaust duct when the fan is off creates a heat trap that reduces heat loss out of the bathroom through the exhaust fan duct when the fan is off in comparison with up routed vents or even horizontal vents through a gable end wall. Make the vent hole 1 2 in. Add soffit venting first. When a vent terminates directly below a window door or air intake it must be.

Smaller on each side than the vent you re installing. A soffit vent is a type of roof vent. They are usually easy to remove and cut holes through. Turbine or rotary vents are often seen in industrial buildings commercial spots or restaurants.

Vent these fans through the roof or soffit.