I noticed that the updated bathroom fan venting image in InterNACHI’s gallery (second photo) now shows soffit termination as acceptable in some cases. The older version (first photo) clearly marked soffit termination as not allowed.
My understanding has always been that soffit termination is generally discouraged or prohibited.
Has there been an update to standards or interpretation, or is this simply a diagram revision to reflect certain approved vent designs?
You’re conflating termination directly into the soffit space with termination through the soffit to the outside as the same thing. Hint, they are not. One is allowed and one isn’t.
New graphic fixed the mistake in the old one
It’s acceptable if it terminates through the soffit as depicted in the second diagram. The first one is incorrect.
Read very carefully, it can’t discharge into the soffit but it can discharge through the soffit to the exterior.
I don’t think Lauren conflated anything.
The first graphic clearly shows a “through the soffit vent” as wrong, and the second graphic clearly shows the same “through the soffit vent” as OK. Don’t gaslight her, fellas.
Why does the first photo (older photo) show ‘discharging through the soffit to the exterior’ as wrong and the second photo (updated photo) shows ‘discharging through the soffit to the exterior’ as correct? (did standards change?)
I didn’t take those photographs. Why don’t you ask the author?
I agree with this. I don’t think the code changed, I think the old graphic was wrong and we should use the second one.
This is what I typically thought of as acceptable: PreVent-It Soffit Vents | Novelty Manufacturing Co.
Thanks Bert!
The standard didn’t change, the interpretation did.
If the soffit is vented the exhaust vent should not terminate within 3 feet of an opening, operable or inoperable intake into the structure (like soffit venting).
FBC M1506.3 Exhaust openings.
Air exhaust openings shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from property lines; 3 feet (914 mm) from operable and nonoperable openings into the building and 10 feet (3048 mm) from mechanical air intakes except where the opening is located 3 feet (914 mm) above the air intake. Openings shall comply with Sections R303.5.2 and R303.6.
Also the vent should have dampers that operate by gravity or other means.
CHAPTER 4 [RE] RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
R403.6 Mechanical ventilation (Mandatory).
The building shall be provided with ventilation that meets the requirements of the Florida Building Code, Residential, or Florida Building Code, Mechanical, as applicable, or with other approved means of ventilation including: Natural, Infiltration or Mechanical means. Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating.
Florida Codes are generally derived from IRC.
