What is wrong with this pic?

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1

Originally Posted By: hgordon
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Hey guys…this was in a attic in a 2 story home…they are the exhaust vents for 2 bathrooms and the Dryer.


Is there any "rule" as to how they need to be vented?

As you can see, one is barely in the hole, the other is "just" above it and the next "just" above that one as well. All are about 7 to 10 inches from the exterior.

Is this acceptable?

![](upload://6JbtEOJCY9ZNuQrY04BgeFe3OA6.jpeg)

2

Originally Posted By: lfranklin
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Quote:
All are about 7 to 10 inches from the exterior.



These need to go all the way to the exterior.
3

Originally Posted By: cbuell
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They should each have there own roof jack with vent flap

4

Originally Posted By: rsummers
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looks like they are all past the sheeting and from the picture no signs of any moisture on the wood. I cant see why this would be unacceptable bath fans usually have a back draft damper at the collar the duct hooks to and this would pass the local code enforcement officers in My area.

5

Originally Posted By: rcloyd
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Most model codes state that the bath exhaust fans must terminate to the outside of the building. Those do not. They terminate into what appears to be a roof vent.


Regards,

--
Russell G. Cloyd
Intra-Spec Home Inspections
& Code Consulting, LLC
859-586-4591
www.intra-spechomeinspections.com

6

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Harvey,


I don't really see it is a being a problem. It would however be worth noting that the roof vent is no longer performing its intended function, so make sure the attic space has sufficient ventilation. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

Joe Myers

7

Originally Posted By: jpope
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I don’t see a problem with the bathroom vents terminating as such, however, the dryer vent could create a problem.


Dryers are typically vented from the appliance to the wall jack using this corrugated material but the continuation should be smooth walled to avoid build up of lint. Especially if exiting vertically as pictured.

I would recommend changing the dryer configuration and vent material and leave alone the bathroom exhaust vents.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

8

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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There are several things going on there which are wrong.


First, the dryer duct needs to be attached to a proper dryer exhaust vent roof cap flashing where the dryer duct is slipped onto the sealed exhaust vent (like it is when connected to a dryer vent wall cap. That also needs to be sealed, so all lint is pushed out of the structure to the outdoors. It also needs a damper on the exterior end.

Now, that the dryer has been removed from there, there are only two bathroom exhaust fan ducts in that roof cap flashing.

The bathroom exhaust fan vents need to be sealed to the exhaust vent for several reasons: a) because that leaves a "building opening" around the exhaust duct, and (at least down here) it is all too common to find that "building opening" within 10 feet of a plumbing vent stack terminal (in fact, they are frequently within a couple of feet of each other); b) because all building openings must be sealed or screened, and those are not always screened on the outside end; c) because the exhaust from all exhausts must be discharged in a manner which will not readily allow the exhaust to re-enter the building (and this is likely to be blowing directly back into the attic to a great extent).

There is nothing inherently incorrect about having two or three of the bathroom exhaust fans vent to the exterior through the same exhaust opening, if done correctly.

Then there is the dryer duct material itself. Most codes require the dryer exhaust duct to be smooth on the inside, and those are not. Most codes also allow for "or other approved material" and some of that material has an approval to be used as a dryer duct. Some code inspectors say "as long as it's smooth inside, you can you that stuff', and we all know it is not "smooth on the inside", and so do they. Other code inspectors look at the listing and say 'Well, it is listed for that use, so I guess it's okay."

Down here (where Harvey and I are), that was not approved, was approved, and has fallen back out of favor, as the code inspectors re-address the "smooth on the inside" issue.

Anyway, bathroom ducts together are okay, but must be sealed around (as should a single one too).

The dryer is all wrong, and needs not only its own exhaust vent, but needs one to which it can be properly attached and sealed.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

9

Originally Posted By: Michael Korman
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Are there codes in PA (Philadelphia) stating there must be an exhaust leading from the dryer to outside the building structure. Is it breaking code to have the exhaust pump directly into the room (inside). What about in a apartment setting? Thank you in advance for any help.

10

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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icon_question.gif

–
Joseph Hagarty


HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.
11

Originally Posted By: Michael Korman
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Joseph,


Just a coincidence! I rent at one of their properties, a temporary situation. But they have been lacking in many different areas. Recently I found there is no exhaust to the dryer to the outside. It is just pumping the hot moist air into the apartment. I can't see how this is legal let alone healthy (fire hazard, mold, lint every where, etc.)! And it is totally defeating my AC! Do you have any info on coding for this. If this is against code I want to use this as grounding to break my lease legally. I have been researching this topic everywhere, but I still don't have a solid answer on code for this topic. Any support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Michael

12

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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I don’t know about the Philadelphia codes, but all codes I’ve seen require a dryer to be vented to the exterior, unless they are one of the self-filtering, recirculating types (I’ve actually seen one of these, much more expensive than an exhausting dryer and much more maintenance for keep the lint cleaned out.


Clothes dryers vent not only lint laden air, but tons and tons of water. This is a very critical aspect - venting out all the moisture.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

13

Originally Posted By: Michael Korman
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If anyone has coding and regulations for clothing dryer exhaust for the Philadelphia PA area I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all for your help (past replies too!)


MK