Hi, I have two exhaust fans in two bathrooms I want to replace. They are over 20 years old. I can't seem to find an exact size match (8"x14"). Every fan is now smaller than the rough opening in my ceiling. Once bathroom has a wood ceiling so patching that would be hard to do since I don't have any matching wood. Any suggestions on what to do with a hole that is larger than the fan? Thanks.
As far as I know, every species of tree that was available 20 years ago is still available, so finding matching wood should not be an issue. Consider installing a plywood sheet over the existing hole, with a new hole as required by your new fan. Then obtain some boards that match the wood you have and cover the plywood with the new boards, finishing the edge with some matching quarter-round or other such small moulding. Then mount the fan.
Architect (NY) and Home Designer (PA)
Posts: 2488 | Location: Tobyhanna, PA | Registered: 24 October 2005
This looks like a good option if you don't want to patch; go a little larger. NuTone Exhaust Fan QTREN080FLT has a 13x14 inch grille with a housing measuring 10-1/2" x 11-3/8" x 7-5/8"
Still another option would be to gut the fan box perhaps leaving any light fixture that may be present. Then attach an inline exhaust fan on the end of the existing vent hose to pull the air out through the existing fan opening. Or you could completly remove the fan box itself and have a heating person install a new steel box with grill that would cover the opening and install the remote mounted in line fan elsewhere and attach it to the new box. Many of the newer larger bathrooms are doing it this way so they do not hear the noise the fan makes when it runs.
Posts: 1014 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 31 January 2006
Originally posted by Richard Hetzel: As far as I know, every species of tree that was available 20 years ago is still available, so finding matching wood should not be an issue.
