Bathroom vent through floor joist
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Bathroom vent through floor joist
Need help and peace of mind if the carpenter did this job correctly. He said it is safe since the joist is 2x12 and running it parallel would be more costly. So what he did was drill 4inch hole on 3 joists and out through below my deck to run the fan ducting. I told him that if I bring the city in they would have a field day and will make him reverse the work. Am I overreacting?
#4
IMHO, although the holes in the joist is not correct, most likely that will not do any harm to your structure. I'm more concerned about the moist air being exhausted under the deck.
As far as reporting him, what good will it do? And was he responsible for getting the permits? If you were responsible then reporting him will only make it bad for you. Ultimately you are responsible for meeting codes regardless of the workmanship.
What's done is done!
As far as reporting him, what good will it do? And was he responsible for getting the permits? If you were responsible then reporting him will only make it bad for you. Ultimately you are responsible for meeting codes regardless of the workmanship.
What's done is done!
Last edited by Norm201; 08-09-20 at 09:11 AM.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Yes he was responsible for the permits. He said he got the electrical permit and he had it inspected which is bs. In regards to the air I also questioned him on that and he said that the bathroom vent isn't like a dryer vent and doesn't cause much moisture... is that true? I know what you mean by what's done is done... is there a way he can salvage this and beefen it up for strength? My buddy said he should put spreaders on it.
#6
Spreaders will help.
Did you see the permits?
To fix it requires major work. I don't think it's worth it. But I'm not an architect or a carpenter. Perhaps others in the forum can better answer the question.
I don't see how running it parallel would've cost any more than extra pipe cost. BTW...that foil crap is just that. It should've been hard pipe.
Did you see the permits?
To fix it requires major work. I don't think it's worth it. But I'm not an architect or a carpenter. Perhaps others in the forum can better answer the question.
I don't see how running it parallel would've cost any more than extra pipe cost. BTW...that foil crap is just that. It should've been hard pipe.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Norm. I did not see the permit since I am out of town an bought the home as an investment home. My stupidity for giving and trusting this contractor alone with the home. With this current set up will I have to replace it in a year or 2 or will this at least last line enough to give me time to save money to fix this job.
#8
How heavy objects will placed in the room above? Again I would not worry too much. There is a lot of safety factors built into joist design and spacing.
Unless a municipal inspector or a realtor, or a house inspection pending a sale makes note of it, I would not be concerned. Yearly inspection for weakness or bowing might be worth it.
The only concern would be if water damage got to it. Then it can deteriorate rather quickly.
Unless a municipal inspector or a realtor, or a house inspection pending a sale makes note of it, I would not be concerned. Yearly inspection for weakness or bowing might be worth it.
The only concern would be if water damage got to it. Then it can deteriorate rather quickly.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
The other bathroom is upstairs luckily the tub runs perpendicular to this joist and not parallel and is more further up. I'm concerned if someone has a bath and fills the tub could put much weight onto these joist but with spreaders I'm hoping that it will help with the load. How would I inspect it if the joist is all sealed up? Sorry might be stupid questions but I'm no contractor and this is my first home aside from condos. Were you talking water damage to the deck?
#10
Oops, I forgot that the joist will be covered.
Before covering the ceiling, fill the up stairs tub all the way. Add several people in the room and see if you notice any movement, bowing or squeaking.
My biggest worry would be water leakage from the upper bath (overflow tub or sink) or toilet (and those can be unobserved until it's too late). In which case the ceiling below will need to removed anyway and you get to see if any rotting or bowing has taken place. With tenants you never know what you're getting. Could be very good or very bad.
Again I don't think you need to be too concerned. The only way to know for sure is to get a structural engineer to look at it. And we both know what he is going say.
BTW...Spreaders are for the purpose to prevent the joist from slipping sideways. But they do help for strength to some extent.
Before covering the ceiling, fill the up stairs tub all the way. Add several people in the room and see if you notice any movement, bowing or squeaking.
My biggest worry would be water leakage from the upper bath (overflow tub or sink) or toilet (and those can be unobserved until it's too late). In which case the ceiling below will need to removed anyway and you get to see if any rotting or bowing has taken place. With tenants you never know what you're getting. Could be very good or very bad.
Again I don't think you need to be too concerned. The only way to know for sure is to get a structural engineer to look at it. And we both know what he is going say.
BTW...Spreaders are for the purpose to prevent the joist from slipping sideways. But they do help for strength to some extent.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 6
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Oh I see. I'm really glad I found this forum thanks Norm. Is there any way to strengthen it other than spreaders? Maybe doubling up the joist or would that be overkill? As a new home owner I'm just paranoid I've always been a condo owner. And with tenants I want to make sure my ass is cover in case anything happens and insurance companies come asking questions.
#12
Kingcrab, I have replied to you via private message.
The fact that the holes are larger than code allows is a life safety issue, and I would never want anyone to suggest that such a thing is just going to be okay. As Norm correctly mentioned, The only way to know for sure is to get a structural engineer to look at it, and find out what his suggested method of repair is, and get it in writing, with documentation.
The fact that the holes are larger than code allows is a life safety issue, and I would never want anyone to suggest that such a thing is just going to be okay. As Norm correctly mentioned, The only way to know for sure is to get a structural engineer to look at it, and find out what his suggested method of repair is, and get it in writing, with documentation.
#13
I realize I am a little late to reply here. Also I am no engineer or construction professional. Yes the joist has been compromised & no going back, That all said, to me there seems to be a simple & logical fix here. Sister something to the effected joists.
Option 1 - probably the easiest & least effective but still addressing the problem. Looks like there is room for a 2x4 on the bottom of the span below the cut holes. Sister a 2x4 on each side of the joist running say 3-5' on either side of the holes. Make sure you both Glue & Screw the sistered 2x4 to the existing joist. Thus 8' total length, glued & screwed to the joist. Since the bottom of a joist is in tension when under load, you have greatly reinforced it, probably above its prior rated load amounts.
Option 2 - more involved but most likely making the joist much stronger than originally designed. Temporarily remove the vent hose. Now get a same sized laminated beam as the joist, again probably 3-5' on either side of the hole, again glue & screw it to the joist. Re-drill the hose hole thru the lam-beam. Reinstall the vent hose. I am no engineer, but a lam beam attached like this will most certainly take those effected joists well past their prior designed stress limits.
For both the these options, if you really want to ensure strength & rigidity, do either of these Options on BOTH sides of the existing joists. After that I would not worry about it again.
Option 1 - probably the easiest & least effective but still addressing the problem. Looks like there is room for a 2x4 on the bottom of the span below the cut holes. Sister a 2x4 on each side of the joist running say 3-5' on either side of the holes. Make sure you both Glue & Screw the sistered 2x4 to the existing joist. Thus 8' total length, glued & screwed to the joist. Since the bottom of a joist is in tension when under load, you have greatly reinforced it, probably above its prior rated load amounts.
Option 2 - more involved but most likely making the joist much stronger than originally designed. Temporarily remove the vent hose. Now get a same sized laminated beam as the joist, again probably 3-5' on either side of the hole, again glue & screw it to the joist. Re-drill the hose hole thru the lam-beam. Reinstall the vent hose. I am no engineer, but a lam beam attached like this will most certainly take those effected joists well past their prior designed stress limits.
For both the these options, if you really want to ensure strength & rigidity, do either of these Options on BOTH sides of the existing joists. After that I would not worry about it again.