Bathroom fan location
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5c208b912a8db9dfff9c5361361a0d1d?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.greenbuildingadvisor.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Fb.png&r=g)
My upstairs bathroom has a vaulted ceiling, parallel to the roof. There is a 18 inch cavity where I will install fluffy insulation and have an air gap below the sheathing for ventilation.
I am wondering about the bath fan. I’m not too inclined to drop the ceiling in the bathroom although it is an option if need be. I have read here that it may be a bad idea to have the fan installed in the vaulted ceiling.
Would putting the fan in the exterior wall be a better? Or can I do an impeccable air sealing job and it will be fine in the vaulted cavity? Or is dropping the ceiling far and away the best option?
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb1.png)
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb2.png)
Replies
Joe,
Rather than interfere with the roof or exterior wall, consider dropping a bulkhead. Design it to look good architecturally and perhaps incorporate some lights too. That removes all the problems with air-sealing and insulation.