Slideshow: Through the Roof

Slideshow: Through the Roof

Once the fan is installed, the author strategically cuts a hole as close to a framing member as possible. This member will provide support for the vent pipe. Temporarily using pipe strap, he attaches a short length of 3-inch PVC pipe to the rafter next to the hole.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

To further help prevent condensation, the author installs a secondary damper near the outlet, using this type of PVC backdraft damper, which is available online for around $10.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

He can find the damper only in a 4-inch diameter, so he tapes it to a 3-inch PVC coupler.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

The author glues the damper assembly to the short PVC pipe on the rafter, making sure that the damper is in the appropriate closed position.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

After cutting the duct to length, the author tapes its interior sleeve around the damper assembly.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

The insulation jacket is cut longer than the inner sleeve to allow the insulation to be pulled over the short PVC pipe, insulating it up to the roofline.

Slideshow: Through the Roof

To secure the insulation, he backs out the screws on the pipe strap, pulls up the insulation, and after a final check outside to make sure the pipe is plumb and straight, he reattaches the pipe strapping permanently.

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