Bathroom exhaust fan in medium/high winds making noise.

[Calisport]

Has anyone solve the noise coming from the bathroom exhaust fans when there is any type of wind? I unscrewed the soffit cover and taped down the vent hoses down better but still get the flopping back and forth noises at night. What part is making the noise?

I finally investigated the flap and removed it (kept the flap in case). It's very tricky and you have to have small hands to get up there. Turned off the bathroom electricity. Removed the light. Removed the white light cover. Removed the fan motor. Swiveled the fan motor until the fan moved to the side (very difficult). Tried to fix the flapper by putting pads and electrical tape to damper the flapper to the metal sound (didn't work). Pulled the plastic flapper out of its slots (easy to do). Then replaced everything and bug proofed the outside vent cover soffit. No more sound to keep you up.

[EdFNJ]

Is it "passing wind" or constant wind? No problem here to solve.

[CWGUY]

SEARCH on this site. It has been discussed several times. :)


Found it:
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/do-yourself-210/noisy-vent-fan-27692/

[Calisport]

SEARCH on this site. It has been discussed several times. :)


Found it:
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/do-yourself-210/noisy-vent-fan-27692/

Thanks for the link.
I unscrewed the light bulb in the bathroom ceiling, and the fan is located at the bottom and placed sideways. Does anyone know if the vent flap is behind that? I will see if the golf club lead will solve the problem if so.

[Decadeofdave]

I believe vent flap is outside on the roof or soffitt. Plastic flapper moves with the wind blowing from a certain direction

[retiredguy123]

I believe vent flap is outside on the roof or soffitt. Plastic flapper moves with the wind blowing from a certain direction
The vent flap is part of the exhaust fan assembly in the bathroom above the ceiling. The wind blowing across the soffit opening creates a negative pressure in the duct that opens and closes the vent flap which causes the noise.

[La lamy]

A previous home I lived in had that issue. I solved the noise issue by closing bathroom door. I know that's probably not the solution you were looking for, but it worked!

[thevillages2013]

The doctor told me it was “ the little man in my head stomping his feet”. It went away

[jimkerr]

That flap is there by design. It keeps all the bugs and anoles out of your house.

[MandoMan]

The vent flap is part of the exhaust fan assembly in the bathroom above the ceiling. The wind blowing across the soffit opening creates a negative pressure in the duct that opens and closes the vent flap which causes the noise.

Ideally, the vent flap is weighted so it just barely closes when the fan isn’t on. Way less than the weight of a dime. That makes it easier for the fan to blow it open. If a slight suction is caused by a wind blowing past the opening on the roof, it may open. I’ve seen this on a number of houses. You might be able to fix it by turning the pipe on the roof ninety degrees, if that is possible. It might be at a fixed angle, though. Most are, I think.

[retiredguy123]

Ideally, the vent flap is weighted so it just barely closes when the fan isn’t on. Way less than the weight of a dime. That makes it easier for the fan to blow it open. If a slight suction is caused by a wind blowing past the opening on the roof, it may open. I’ve seen this on a number of houses. You might be able to fix it by turning the pipe on the roof ninety degrees, if that is possible. It might be at a fixed angle, though. Most are, I think.
Correct. But, most of the newer houses have the bathroom exhaust outlet in the soffit. The vent flap noise may be annoying to some people, but it is not considered a design or construction defect. If I wanted to stop the noise, I would install some type of diverter on the soffit to redirect the wind and prevent the suction in the duct. I have never seen this done, but it seems like another way to stop the noise other than altering the vent flap above the bathroom ceiling, which could prevent the vent flap from functioning properly.

[Rodneysblue]

Is it "passing wind" or constant wind? No problem here to solve.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Garywt]

Mine flaps in the wind and I always thought it was on the roof. Noise does not bother us and since I know what it is there is no issue. Does it keep you awake?

[Worldseries27]

Thought it was a leak behind the wall. Called the warranty group and they explained it to me. An occasional tick does not bother me anymore

[CJH929]

Bernoulli’s principle at work.
Wind across vent opening creates less pressure above the vent. Pressure inside the home is momentarily higher and pushes up on the vent. The vent drops back down when the wind ceases.
Same principle involved with the aerodynamics that allow an aircraft to fly.

[MrFlorida]

I just take my hearing aids out, and the noise goes away.

[JMintzer]

Bernoulli’s principle at work.
Wind across vent opening creates less pressure above the vent. Pressure inside the home is momentarily higher and pushes up on the vent. The vent drops back down when the wind ceases.
Same principle involved with the aerodynamics that allow an aircraft to fly.

Look at the big brain on Brad! For the life of me, I couldn't remember Bernoulli's name!

Good call! :bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

https://static.onecms.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/06/bill-nye-the-science-guy.jpg

[tammy5912554@gmail.com]

I resolved the same issue yesterday. Took the old one down and replaced it. It looks modern, it’s thinner, it’s extremely quiet when it’s on and no flapping noise driving you crazy.
If you are interested in the info and guy to install it I am happy to pass the info along.

[Annie66]

Had the same problem in an previous home. I removed the light cover and light bulb. Took a few pieces of electrical tape (BTW, any tape would work) and placed it on the flapper. Don't use too much tape. It worked for me.

[Petersweeney]

Someone is selling a tree on the next thread - buy it and plant it close to exterior vent- it will slow the wind….