To install a range hood vent through the ceiling, you must plan the vent path, cut through the ceiling, route the ductwork through the roof, and secure the vent cap outside.
Proper guidance and tools can help you handle the process, even if it seems complicated and overwhelming. This article will guide you step-by-step through installing a ceiling vent for your range hood.
| Project difficulty: Expert Estimated time to complete: 6-10hrs Project cost: around $157 |
When asked about installing a range hood vent through the ceiling, mechanical engineer Colin Young says, “Venting through the ceiling will likely be a longer run of vent. So factor in more material costs and more time for routing through obstacles.”
He added, “Similarly, a roof vent means the homeowner would be interacting with their home’s roofing. It is vitally important they do not ruin their roof’s water-sealing ability. Installing the right vent and sealing the vent to the existing roof is critical.” He concluded, “Again, this depends on what is in the way from the range hood to the exterior exit point.”
If venting your range hood through the ceiling proves too difficult, check our article on how to install a range hood vent through the wall for another option.
Read More: Who Installs Range Hoods?
What You’ll Need:
- Pencil
- Plumb line
- Straight edge tool
- Hole saw
- Reciprocating saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Roofing nails
- Roof sealant
- Ductwork, vent cap, and termination collar
- Mesh tape
- Mastic
Step 1: Assessing Range Hood Location
The initial step is to evaluate the location where you plan to install the range hood. Make a plan to ensure the ductwork’s route to the roof is straight and the shortest possible distance to enhance the effectiveness of your appliance.
Step 2: Mark and Measure the Ceiling
To identify where to place the mounting bracket, mark the locations of the four corners and the center of your cooking surface onto the ceiling. Use a plumb line, a weight on a string, to accurately match the corners to the ceiling.
After marking the positions, connect the four corner markings in the ceiling with a pencil and a straight-edge tool to find and mark the center. Then, use the center mark to position the mounting bracket in the ceiling. Use a pencil to mark its position, including the four holes that will be used for the mounting screws.
Step 3: Cut the Ceiling
Align the ductwork with the center of the ceiling bracket and trace its outline. Tracing the ductwork will make cutting the hole through your ceiling easier. Be sure to purchase ducting that matches the diameter of your mounting bracket, vent cap, and termination collar. Use a hole saw to cut a hole in the ceiling, ensuring the size matches the manufacturer’s guidelines.
After that, pull the ductwork through the hole in your ceiling, ensuring it moves smoothly without coming into contact with the hole’s edges.
Step 4: Cut the Hole for the Roof Vent
Find the best spot on the roof for the vent, ideally near the roof’s peak. From inside your attic, use your plumb line to find a straight line to the vent hole in the kitchen ceiling.
Drill a small pilot hole between the roof rafters to mark the location. Next, mark the roof deck area, taking into account the size of the termination collar that connects the ductwork to the roof vent cap.
On the roof side, use a reciprocating saw to cut the hole slightly larger than the termination collar.
Step 5: Mounting the Roof Vent Cap
After cutting the hole, insert the roof vent cap and apply sealant around the perimeter to create a watertight seal. Secure the vent cap with roofing nails to keep it firmly in place. Ensure the termination collar extends down through the roof into the attic.
Attach the vent ducting to the termination collar and secure it firmly in place using the provided screws. Then, connect the ductwork to the range hood using screws and wire nuts. Complete the vent installation by sealing the duct joints with mesh tape and mastic.
Step 6: Finish Range Hood Installation
Now that the vent is set up, install the mounting bracket to the ceiling using your drill and the included screws, and install the other parts, including the supporting brackets and upper and lower chimney sleeves.
Mount the range hood, install the range hood cover, and then check if it works. Check our article on how to install a range hood for a complete step-by-step guide.
Learn more about range hoods:
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Main Image Credit: Sergey / Adobe Stock / License
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