Microwave exhaust vent
#1
04-24-18, 03:32 PM
Microwave exhaust vent
Looking for some suggestions to install a microwave exhaust vent. 4" aluminum flexible duct.
Below is what I have tried. See pictures.
Idea #1 was to cut a hole in the top of the cabinet and go straight above the cabinets through the wall, make a turn and go out of the house through vinyl siding. Didn't work because the corner cabinet only has 6" above it out of which more than 3" is the top stud/joist.
Idea #2 was to cut a hole through the cabinet side walls and go internally. I tried pursuing it. Cut a hole and ran right in to a 2x8 placed horizontally. Next to that are hot/cold/drain pipes for second floor.
Idea #3 is to cut a hole below the current one and then go at an angle through the cabinets.
Question is that is it a good idea to cut through so many cabinet walls? Will it affect the structural integrity of the cabinets. I tried googling and couldn't find anything/anyone has done something similar.
The exhaust will first go up and then down against the gravity and then out. Will it be as effective?
Below is what I have tried. See pictures.
Idea #1 was to cut a hole in the top of the cabinet and go straight above the cabinets through the wall, make a turn and go out of the house through vinyl siding. Didn't work because the corner cabinet only has 6" above it out of which more than 3" is the top stud/joist.
Idea #2 was to cut a hole through the cabinet side walls and go internally. I tried pursuing it. Cut a hole and ran right in to a 2x8 placed horizontally. Next to that are hot/cold/drain pipes for second floor.
Idea #3 is to cut a hole below the current one and then go at an angle through the cabinets.
Question is that is it a good idea to cut through so many cabinet walls? Will it affect the structural integrity of the cabinets. I tried googling and couldn't find anything/anyone has done something similar.
The exhaust will first go up and then down against the gravity and then out. Will it be as effective?
#2
04-24-18, 03:41 PM
Posted one more picture of the hole showing the horizontal lumber and drain pipe.
Also, the exhaust will be visible in the nook area. Again is it something which I should do? It will look ugly for sure.
Also, the exhaust will be visible in the nook area. Again is it something which I should do? It will look ugly for sure.
Last edited by PJmax; 04-24-18 at 06:29 PM. Reason: reoriented picture
#3
04-24-18, 03:51 PM
Group Moderator
Nope. A proper way to vent it would be to go straight back into the wall behind the microwave, (in 3 1/4 x 10 rectangular duct within the wall), through the top plate (which is cut out), then either out the roof (1 story) or if it's a 2 story house it would go down the floor joists and out the wall. For all we know a stud could be in the way right behind the microwave. This is the sort of thing that would ordinarily be planned from the time the house is built. If not, remodeling is in order. Otherwuse, forget it and use the recirculation filter.
Most microwaves installation instructions will tell you the size of ductwork they need. 4" sounds too small in the first place. If round, it's 6" and you must use rigid duct.
Most microwaves installation instructions will tell you the size of ductwork they need. 4" sounds too small in the first place. If round, it's 6" and you must use rigid duct.
#4
04-24-18, 04:30 PM
Thanks for the quick response Xsleeper. Just wanted some opinions before I patch the hole up and decide to live with it as is. The wall behind opens up in the formal dining, which would be even more unsightly. Guess I am SOL.
#5
04-24-18, 04:38 PM
Group Moderator
Not out of luck, just not easy.
It would just mean cutting out drywall on the back side (dining room side) so you could get the ductwork inside the wall... maybe moving / adding a stud. You would have to know which way the ceiling joists lay to know which way the duct would be going. And hope nothing is in the way between here and there. Then cut out ceiling drywall as needed to run the duct down the ceiling.
Then lots of drywall repair and painting. IMO, not worth it when the recirculation filter generally works just fine. Up to you how bad you want or need it.
It would just mean cutting out drywall on the back side (dining room side) so you could get the ductwork inside the wall... maybe moving / adding a stud. You would have to know which way the ceiling joists lay to know which way the duct would be going. And hope nothing is in the way between here and there. Then cut out ceiling drywall as needed to run the duct down the ceiling.
Then lots of drywall repair and painting. IMO, not worth it when the recirculation filter generally works just fine. Up to you how bad you want or need it.
