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Dripping vent hood, help?

15 years ago

We had a venthood (insert type) installed during our kitchen reno last Feb. Yesterday it began dripping water onto the cooktop. A pretty fair amount, 10 paper towels worth. It is vented thru the ceiling, into attic and then to roof. Attic ducting isn't insulated, should it be to prevent condensation during cold winter time? Too much ice on roof to get up to check the damper to see if it is stuck open, but I don't think it is. worried the motor will short out or rust prematurely. Duct run is angled and maybe 15'. thoughts? thanks

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Comments (7)

jejvtr
15 years ago
Is there a roof cap?
Was it raining/snowing?
Did HVAC do the install?
If there is a backdraft damper that may be stuck
Is there any evidence that water is getting into the attic?

Some links
http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_3d_index.asp?page_id=35743519

http://books.google.com/books?id=eOzXMLbk0sQC&pg=PA209&lpg=PA209&dq=vent+a+hood+ducted+through+roof+leaking&source=web&ots=K6GrcERFka&sig=7qGzem3NtuTUMMyR089AQIT3Vlk&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result#PPA212,M1
kcinkc71
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, yes proper vent cap, not raining or snowing, HVAC did the install, no water in attic or any evidence around roof/vent hole. everything is brand new (complete gut, new rood, ...) my only guess is warm air/steam is going into vent, hitting cold air in duct, forming more condensation and running back into vent hood. calleed GC, haha, waiting on reply
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sue36
15 years ago
I seem to recall that venting through the attic is supposed to be insulated to prevent the steam from condensing before it gets outside. That would be an easy fix and you could see if it works.
ellen917
15 years ago
That's so weird. I had the same problem just the other day with our brand-new install (Vent-a-hood insert). It's been terribly cold, so I suspect that had something to do with it. We haven't done a thorough investigation as to the cause, but I know the insulation in the attic above is adequate. Ours is a ranch house, so perhaps the distance is too short and temps are too cold. Hasn't happened since it got above zero.
User
15 years ago
The vent pipe itself needs to be wrapped with insulation. The fact that the attic itself is insulated is immaterial. The attic insulation only insulates the living space from the exterior temperature, not objects in the attic. A properly ventilated attic is pretty much "outdoor" temperature, and when you have warm moist air traveling through a metal duct, it cools and condenses pretty rapidly, thus producing the "indoor rain" that you're experiencing. Insulate the duct itself and the problem should go away.
kcinkc71
Original Author
15 years ago
thanks, I was guessing it should have been insulated. I guess it justs hacks me that a reputable builder, and HVAC company didn't do it when it was installed, for what it costs. being in the holiday spirit, I'll say they forgot, but they will be doing it at my builders expense after the holiday ( I know it's not expensive, just principal!)
mikebeth
15 years ago
Ducting through the cold attic should definitely be insulated. All that warm moist air is sure to condense out on the cold duct walls in the winter, and it has to go somewhere.

Our company always insulates attic runs of bathroom or kitchen ducting, and we try to pitch it towards the wall vent (if used).

Wrapping the attic run of ducting might help.

Mike

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