How to Install Bathroom Outdoor Vents

  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 100-250
What You'll Need
Drill
Hole Saw or Reciprocal Saw
Exhaust Fan
Pipes or Ducting Material
Vent Cap
Screwdrivers
What You'll Need
Drill
Hole Saw or Reciprocal Saw
Exhaust Fan
Pipes or Ducting Material
Vent Cap
Screwdrivers

Bathroom outdoor vents allow moist air from the bathroom to escape outside. When exhaust fans are installed inside the bathroom, the air should be led outside the house or else the moisture will simply recirculate inside the room rendering the exhaust fan useless. Outdoor vents provide a solution for indoor ventilation, whether it is inside the bathroom, the kitchen, or any other room. These vents ensure that the interior of the house remains dry and free from the damaging effects of moisture. Here is how to install bathroom outdoor vents:

Step 1 – Determine Where to Install the Vent

There are many types of vents that can be bought at a home improvement store. Determine what type of exhaust fan is being used or is to be installed inside the bathroom to determine what type of outdoor vent will be used.

Outdoor vents can be installed outside the wall or at the roof. Locate a good spot where the vent can be installed. Most often, vents lead air up to the attic and outside the home through the side of the wall or the roof. Plan how the duct will run from the exhaust fan in the bathroom to the outside of the home.

Step 2 – Drilling the Holes

Before proceeding to cut holes in the walls or the ceiling, make sure to wear eye goggles to protect the eyes from dust and flying debris. Cut a hole where the exhaust fan will be installed using a hole saw or a reciprocal saw. The opening should follow the size of the exhaust fan. Usually, a template is provided along with the exhaust fan and vent.

Step 3 – Connecting the Exhaust Fan

Locate the wiring inside the bathroom. This is where the fan will be wired as well. Before connecting the wiring, turn off the electrical power supply. Open the electrical cover for the exhaust fan wiring to expose the wires. Connect the black wire on the fan to the black wire on the bathroom wiring. Connect the white wires as well. Finally, hook the bare wire to the ground screw on the device. Afterwards, screw the exhaust fan in place. It may be best to pre-drill holes on the wall first to make the job a lot easier.

Step 4 – Install the Ventilation Duct

Run the ventilation duct that comes along with the exhaust fan through the pre-planned route. Make sure that it leads directly to the outside. Connect the duct to the exhaust fan and run it to the exterior wall or through the ceiling and outside the roof. At the other external end of the ventilation duct, bend it facing slightly downwards to restrict entry of flying debris or rain. If the duct is to be installed on the exterior wall, drill a hole on the exterior wall and lead the ventilation duct to the hole. Afterwards, install a vent cap on the duct hole to protect it from debris.