I'm having some serious venting issues in my master bathroom. It's a compact space and I initially thought a 50cfm fan would handle it, but after upgrading to an 80cfm model, I'm still facing problems. The exhaust tube runs up into an unfinished attic area, then makes a 45-degree turn down along the roofline to vent out through the soffit. Unfortunately, I can't make a direct 90-degree turn because of a vaulted ceiling in the foyer nearby. My main worry is that even though air is flowing, moisture seems to get trapped in that turn and can't reach the soffit, which doesn't seem right.
Also, since I live in a townhome, my HOA manages the roof and isn't keen on me putting a vent straight through. A contractor suggested I try a more powerful fan, but I prefer not to deal with the expense or noise of a larger setup. Should I persist in convincing my HOA about the need for a roof vent, or does anyone have other suggestions?
2 Answers
Before you approach your HOA, I think you might want to try some adjustments on your end first. A vertical exhaust vent directly to the roof would usually be best, but with the way your setup is, make sure you're not also restricting air intake. Sometimes, just a gap at the bottom of the bathroom door can make a difference in airflow. If you can, test it out by leaving the door ajar while showering and see if that helps with the humidity issue.
It sounds like the main issue might be condensation in the ductwork. Generally, the vent duct should slope down and away from the fan to prevent water from running back into the bathroom. Since you have that 45-degree angle, it's possible moisture is condensing there. Maybe a stronger fan could help push the air through better, but you could also look into a design that minimizes those hard turns. Have you tried just cracking the bathroom door open while showering? It could improve airflow and help with that moisture problem.