Venting bathroom fans should always be mounted facing the outside of the house. The most effective way is to attach the bathroom fan to the gable. This way, the irritating vapor venting out is relatively easy and effective. So to keep the bathroom tidy, you should know how to vent the bathroom fan through the gable.

As an engineer, I focus on the environmental aspects of all construction. At the same time, I pay special attention to improving the environment of the bathroom. In this article, I’ll tell you everything about venting bathroom fans. Hopefully, you don’t have to look for any other source.

Here you’ll find a unique approach to venting a bathroom. You’ll also find out the benefits and drawbacks of this. Also, what mistakes should be avoided when venting a bathroom fan is nicely described. So let’s get started.

8 Steps To Vent Bathroom Fan Through Gable: The Unique Approach

The bathroom fan helps to control the temperature and eliminate odors. Installing a bathroom fan through a gable can be dangerous if you don’t have experience. The steps below will make it easy for you to mount a bathroom fan on the gable.

Step-1: Things Are Needed

It is very easy to set the bathroom vent fan in the gable, but you have to be careful about setting it too high. Anyway, the following tools will be required to complete the task:

Measurement Tape;
Pencil;
Plywood;
Drill machine;
Reciprocating saw;
Hammer;
Screw ;
washer.

Step-2: Make An Outline

First of all, you need to mark the outline for the fan installation. You can use tape for the measurement. The measurement will be needed later, so write it down.

You can use the bathroom ceiling and attic as a reference when taking measurements. Also, check the gable wall inside and outside the bathroom to perfect the measurement.

Step-3: Attach The Shutter

In most cases, plywood is placed between two studs. So if the distance between the two studs is 2 feet, the plywood will also have to be 2 feet. The thickness of plywood should be at least 1.3 cm (1/2 inch).

If the plywood is large, cut it with a reciprocating saw. However, if the surface is flat, you can attach the shutter without plywood.

Step-4: Draw The Circle Onto The Plywood

Trace the circle along the middle of the plywood between the two studs. The fan mounting bracket holds the items together. So, don’t place the fan mounting bracket inside the circle.

Moreover, the circle can’t be made bigger than the actual measurement of the fan. Whether the circle is large or small, the fan can’t be installed properly in the middle of the plywood. You can follow the manufacturer’s menu inside the attic fan box to make your job easier.

Step-5: Cut Out The Plywood Circularly

A reciprocating saw can be used to cut the circle marked on the paper. This saw is very convenient for cutting rounds, and its blade is very sharp. However, first, you need to drill a hole in the center of the circle with a drill machine to facilitate your work.

Then carefully cut the plywood into a circle. Clean the small pieces of plywood after cutting. Remember not to cut more than the marked circle.

Step-6: Mount The Fan On Plywood

Now, you must attach the fan to the hole made in the plywood. The fan is usually attached with screws. So drill with a drill machine to attach screws. Use a washer when attaching screws. Since plywood is very thin, it is best to use a washer to prevent cracking. Make sure the screws are tightly set.

Step-7: Fasten The Thermostat

A thermostat has to be used to control the bathroom fan. The thermostat should be placed in a convenient place near the fan. There are screws to attach to the thermostat, so you have to use the drill machine here too.

You can use wood or plywood under the thermostat to attach the thermostat to the gable. Then drill the gable wall with plywood. Then attach the thermostat with screws.

Step-8: Wire Connection

Wire connections can be very risky. So if you don’t have prior experience, it’s better not to do it yourself. For this, get the help of a professional electrician. Anyway, if you want to do it yourself, take a look at the instructions that are provided by the attic fan manufacturer.

It is also important to pay attention to the local electronic codes. However, once the wiring is complete, it is best to have an inspection by a coding officer. You can now turn on your bathroom fan after all the work is done.

6 Useful Benefits Of Venting A Bathroom Floor Fan Through A Gable

There are several reasons to use a bathroom floor fan in a gable. The importance of bathroom floor fans cannot be overlooked after knowing these. Anyway, below are some of the useful benefits of the bathroom venting fan.

1. Inexpensive:

Bathroom vent fan installation costs are quite low. Although this cost depends on the style and type of the fan, the price also varies based on the installation method. The cost of installing it is, however, at least $100. Getting more clear thoughts, look at the table.

The Installation Cost of Bathroom Floor Fans
Low-end Cost.	$100
The National Average Cost.	$350
Average Range	$250-$500
High-end Cost	$800

2. Convenient Option:

Early bathroom floor fans made a lot of noise while operating. However, with the development of technology, the level of this sound has decreased a lot. It won’t be audible from only 8 feet away. In addition, you can easily operate the fan.

3. Installation Is So Much Easier:

It’s very easy to mount a bathroom fan in a gable. There is no need to hire someone to do this. It is a straightforward task and handling it is too easy. Just keep the measurements and cut the plywood perfectly. Then circularly cut the plywood and put a fan there. The work is done only when the screws are connected properly.

4. Eliminate Steam:

Hot water is usually used in the bathroom in winter. This produces a lot of steam. If this steam is stuck inside the bathroom, it is harmful to the bathroom. This causes the paint to fade and the plaster to peel off. Putting the fan on the bathroom gable will eliminate steam.

5. Eliminates Odors:

No matter how thoroughly clean the bathroom is, some odors always remain. The presence of water in enclosed areas causes the birth of bacteria, which causes the odor. The fan can allow ventilation so that bacteria can’t grow. This keeps the bathroom environment healthy.

6. Easy To Maintain:

Long-term vent fans can also be easily cleaned by removing the dust cover. The fan also has a soft, moldy, and dirty lining, but it can be cleaned easily with a microfiber cloth. Anyway, the fan should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every six months. There is no need to clean much as the fan is located on the top of the gable.

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Venting Bathroom Fan Through Gable

Many times, a task is perfectly finished. But the slightest mistake doesn’t produce the perfect result. There are a few things to remember when mounting a gable fan in the bathroom. So that the purpose of the fan is fulfilled. Therefore, avoid the following mistakes:

The Bathroom Should Not Be Airtight

If the bathroom is completely airtight, there is no benefit from a bathroom vent fan. The fan works to take the air out. Hence, if the air from the opposite direction doesn’t enter the bathroom, the bad air can’t go out.

To solve this problem, keep the door open while running the fan. In addition, another good solution is to leave a minimum of 1/2 inch space under the bathroom door.

Not Choosing The Right Fan

A bathroom fan should be chosen according to CFM. That means choosing a fan in terms of how many cubic feet of air will go out per minute. However, a fan at a 50 CFM to 110 CFM rate is enough for a normal-sized bathroom. Choosing a fan with a high CFM rating is suitable, but also keep in mind the reverse ventilation.

Avoid The High Sound Rating

This sound rating indicates how much noise your bathroom fan will generate when turned on. The higher the value of the sound rating, the more noise the fan will generate. Currently, a low-sound rating fan is available on the market.

You’ll get a proper fan whose rating is around 0.75–1.5. In addition, some fans have a sound rating of up to 6. However, a fan with a rating of 1.5 or less should be selected.

Don’t Choose A Cheap Fan

In most home bathrooms, you’ll find cheap fans that cost around $20. These are usually of a low CFM rating, which produces more noise. Spending a little more than that will help to get a smart, quiet, and long-lasting fan. The high-end fan is available just for about $200.

Drawbacks Of Venting Bathroom Fan Through Gable Or Roof

Several steps are taken to make the bathroom usable. One of these is to embed a fan with a gable. There are many benefits to this approach, as well as several drawbacks. The following are some of the drawbacks:

Efficiency In Heating And Cooling May Be Reduced

The house has its characteristics because of the used materials. That’s why it feels relatively warm inside in the winter. Similarly, in the summer, it feels cold inside.

This will have some effect on the natural system when using the venting fan in the bathroom. The main reason is that the ventilation fan in the bathroom allows outside air to enter.

A Noise Is Produced During Use

A high-quality exhaust fan is less noisy. However, it’s not possible to reduce the sound at all. At least eight feet away from your fan, you can still hear the sound. In addition, the volume of this sound increases with time.

Fan Has To Be Kept Clean

A bathroom vent fan is quite easy to maintain, but the fan needs to be cleaned frequently. The dust on the fan makes more noise. Also, if the fan gets too dirty, it needs to be removed from the gable and cleaned.

Can You Vent The Bathroom Fan Through The Gable End?

It is wise to place a fan through the gable end. Because when this fan is placed under the gable, it looks ugly and is bad for the environment. Besides, one of the reasons for installing a vent fan at the gable end is to remove all the stale air in the bathroom.

Place the vent fan as high as you can on the gable. It won’t cause any problems if it’s at the gable end. You’ll also get additional benefits. A fan at the gable end prevents steam from accumulating at the top of the bathroom.

Is It Ok To Vent A Bathroom Exhaust Fan Into The Gable?

It’s not a good idea to use a gable vent to exhaust the bathroom. The first reason is that it makes the gable vent smaller. This means that the drain lowers the gable vent size, no matter where it is used.

The second reason is that it is dependent on the ventilation system’s setup. The duct’s hot, humid air can be recirculated with the gable vent. Considering everything, it’s not a good idea to vent a bathroom exhaust fan into a gable.

Can You Vent Your Bathroom Fan Through The Roof?

Venting your bathroom fan through the roof isn’t a best practice. You can only do this if there is no choice left. For example, if there is no vertical gable in the attic, a ventilation fan should be installed on the roof. However, then you need to connect the exhaust vents above the roof.

One of the reasons for not installing a ventilation fan through the roof is that there is always condensation in the drain. As a result, it can go to the bathroom again. In addition, when the ice on the roof freezes in winter, the exhausted mouth of the fan may be closed.

Can You Vent A Bathroom Fan Out Of The Soffit?

A great way to get a bathroom fan out of the soffit. The main reason is that it doesn’t have to penetrate the gable wall or roof. So wind-blown rain can’t penetrate inside. As a result, humid air can’t cause bad effects inside the attic.

In addition, soffit provides for a more effective duct run. Soft vents can create thermal traps. For this, the hot air just comes out of the bathroom and can’t come inside.

Can You Vent Through A Gable Vent?

It’s better to use gable vents than roof vents. However, before mounting gable vents, make sure that property lines, air intakes, and walkways aren’t on the side. You can use gable vents without any hesitation after keeping an eye on these things.

However, there are some things you need to adhere to, such as the dimensions of the components and how to set up the drainage sites. Venting through a gable in your bathroom isn’t the best option, but it’s a good choice.

How Do You Vent A Bathroom Fan Through A Gable Without Access?

First of all, cut out the specific area of the gable wall. Then cut the plywood circularly to make the frame. Since there is no access, set the fan with this frame in such a way that the fan is facing outwards.

You’ll need the help of your friend to cooperate. Ask your friend to hold the frame with the fan in the gable and you’ll screw it. Be sure to use a washer with screws to reduce noise.

Final Verdict:

I’ve described everything so far related to the vent fan. So, I’m sure now there is no confusion about knowing how to vent the bathroom fan through the gable. However, to avoid noise, use a low-sound rating fan. Also, use washer screws when mounting the fan, as it will produce less noise.

Whenever you notice moisture in the ceiling and walls, check the venting fan. Also, make sure that there is a little space for air to enter on the opposite side of the fan. Additionally, the fan should be maintained regularly to ensure that it works properly.

How To Vent Bathroom Fan Through Gable? [A Complete Guide]