Way(s) to fix bath fan at ventilated soffits

See it way too much, even still on new construction. Venting a bath fan to a ventilated soffit is a bad idea. I often see more moisture/mold issues with this set up than I do when the fans exhaust up into the open attic space.

[@Frankie431]

Some inspectors allow 3ft to each side, basically like you said. By getting rid of the vented one in the middle it should be fine. The window being so close is definitely a concern as well on that house.

[@0num4]

This was quite helpful. Thank you!

[@illmatic247]

Being that an exhaust fan is pushing around 50-70 CFM and Soffit intakes are just gravity/convection fed. I find it hard to believe all the moisture is not getting out and away from the Soffit area due to the CFM difference alone!

[@shantor100]

I agree his logic makes no sense

[@percyfaith11]

Well believe it. It happens all the time.

[@maxmanx1294]

Have a look at roof decking & other wood inside attics near fan vent locations. You'll see.

[@piinocchiio5730]

Hey Josh, I am a new home owner. I am a pretty big dude with a 2 story house.. I have tried climbing a ladder recently to fix my downspout and almost shat myself. I could not imagine fully going all the way up and over to get on top of roof to vent my bathroom fan properly. I have been looking into other options and have found "soffit vent" tutorials on youtube. Upon further research it seems the proper way to do it is through the roof. However is there any other way besides venting it through the roof/ soffit. I seen there are ductless fans, do you know anything about these ductless fans? Thanks in advance, cool video.

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

Thank you. I'm assuming heights aren't your thing :) I'm also assuming you have a hip roof (no sides) vs. a gable roof (sides present), correct? If the latter, venting out the gable is the best/preferred method (See other video on my channel) and can mostly be done in the attic. If not, couldn't you do the method I mention in this video? You could always just block the vents from the inside.

[@lbmitchell1777]

Josh, since we plan on replacing our root next year, could we just put a couple of solid soffet pieces on both sides of this vent ( looks just like our's) to stop this moisture from entering the attic and then do the right job, through the roof when we replace it next year? Your thoughts, thanks, Bill

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

Yes,

[@Aplexity]

Hey! I was wondering if you could have two exhausts side by side (not near vented soffits)? I remember reading something about not wanting to connect them to one single vent, if I recall correctly

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

Yes, side by side is fine.

[@bernievargas399]

Josh what if that is your only option? I have a flat roof that is very difficult to keep tight and leak free plus no gable to go thru. thnks

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

If it's a flat roof, it's probably not vented, correct? If the soffits aren't vented, then it's ok to discharge at the soffits.

[@bernievargas399]

It is not totally a flat roof. I have a small slope but torchdown style roof with vents. Yes soffits have about a 1" gap at the end to vent completely around the whole underside of the soffits. I was thinking of covering a 2' section where the exhaust will be

[@harrymey7628]

isn't this a eave vent that checks when not blowing ? if so what causes the moisture problem

[@maxmanx1294]

The ventilated soffit is designed to suck outside air into the attic. When the exhaust fan vents near those ventilated soffits, the exhausted humidity / moisture gets ducked into the attic.

[@bthor22]

If your soffit is solid with no sofit vents then it should be fine to vent

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

Yes, you're correct. If the soffits aren't vented, however, you're roof/attic may not be ideally vented as 50% lower and 50% upper is best.

[@GeeksThroughoutTime]

I've never thought about this, but the soffit around my entire house is perforated. Is this a problem?

[@nwohiohomeinspector]

No, it's not a problem at all. Now if full bath fans are exhausted at the ventilated soffits, then that's a problem and the point of the video. If that's the case, you can just block off/cover the areas around where the bath vent terminates (2 - 4 ft on each side) or re-route to an appropriate location.

[@nombreapellido9568]

Northwest Ohio Home Inspections - ASPEC Residential Services, LLC how could I cover the areas around it, what materials would I use? I might need to do on my ventilated soffit

[@nombreapellido9568]

I had 2 exhaust fan installed about 2 days. I wish I would’ve known this. They were installed in the ventilated soffit. I’m screwed 😩 I wonder if I should tell the company so they can fix it 😑

[@akbychoice]

Get it fixed before you end up with mold, which is a huge issue.

[@chaserzx383]

Replace the fascia with non vented material