Before buying a modular home a home inspector deemed the home with no major defects. Once purchased the homeowners insurance company will not ensure the roof because the shingles did not meet the 110 mph wind requirement for Central Florida. The seller replaced the single roof with a metal roof. As I’m presently taking the pre-licensing Internachi course I observed a major defect. Roofing company that installed the metal roof did not install exhaust vents for the kitchen fan or the two bathroom fans. The attic is inaccessible. I assume these fans are vented into the attic space through the ridge vent. Do I have any recourse against the roofing company to come back and properly install the exhaust vents through the roof? The pictures are before and after roof replacement.
If there was a written transferable warranty on the roof work or your State has a mandatory warranty on the roof work, and if your discovery was within the warranty time frame then the roofer should correct their issues at no charge to you.
If there are no current warranties in place it is now a civil matter between you and the prior homeowner or you and the roofing company.
Was a permit required from the local AHJ required for roof replacements? If so, and none were obtained, that can help strengthen your case.
You really need an “after” photo that matches the “before” photo, to see if the vents are missing or different ones have been installed.
And that isn’t a modular home, it’s a mobile or manufactured home (depending on the year constructed).
Most manufactured homes dont have attic vents, because there is no attic.
The ceilings are vaulted, so you only have the 2x4 framing that would have batt insulation installed. (nothing to vent)
If they neglected to install plumbing vents, that is a different story, and should definitely be corrected.
Might be some regional differences but all the manufactured homes I’ve seen that were built in the last +/- 25 years are scissor truss roofs and have vented “attics”. True, they aren’t attics in the sense that you can access them and store things but there is open space above the insulation and there is/should be ventilation.
Thomas, I asked ChatGPT for code references that might help you in your situation:
The requirement for kitchen and bathroom exhaust vents to be extended to the exterior — not merely vented into an attic or other interior space — is mandated by multiple codes and standards, including the International Residential Code (IRC) and HUD standards (especially for manufactured homes). Here’s a breakdown:
1. International Residential Code (IRC)
Bathroom Exhaust:
- IRC Section M1505.2 (2021 & prior editions):
“The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors. Air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent, or crawl space.”
Kitchen Exhaust:
- IRC Section M1503.1 (for ducted kitchen exhaust):
“Range hoods shall discharge to the outdoors through a single-wall duct. The duct shall not terminate in an attic, crawl space, or other enclosed area.”
Interpretation:
Both bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans must discharge directly outdoors — typically through the roof, soffit (if allowed locally), or sidewall, but not into any enclosed space like attics or crawl spaces.
2. HUD Standards (for Manufactured Homes)
24 CFR § 3280.103 - Ventilation:
- Requires mechanical ventilation to the outside in kitchens and bathrooms to maintain air quality.
Why This Matters:
- Moisture Control: Venting into attics can cause mold and rot.
- Fire Safety: Grease-laden vapors from kitchens must exit the structure.
- Code Compliance: Failing to properly terminate exhaust ducts can result in failed inspections or liability issues.
Thanks to all that reply to my post. I need further evaluation before I proceed. The shingle roof had exhaust vents through the roof. The replacement metal roof does not. This is a red flag for me. I’ll be checking code requirements in my locality. Thanks again all!
Thank you Brian into all that responded. As I’m still taking the pre-licensing course I appreciate you seasoned folks chiming in.
Heading to the county building Division on Monday with the ICR code regarding exhaust fans and the roof permit with the final inspection approval.
One exception to the code is in all house ventilation which I’m not sure if I have. The picture is the ceiling fan in the hallway from the kitchen and between two bedrooms. The fan is manual switch operated.
Thanks for the info. Since I posted this talk to the county building compliance inspector and he agreed there should have been exhaust vents through the roof. I did get the warranty transferred.
Thanks again for replying,
Tom C.
Sorry it took so long but thanks for the reply. I talked to the county building compliance department and they agreed. My next step is going to the roofing company.
Again thanks for your input I appreciate it!