Hoodmart’s Easy Rooftop Exhaust Fan Installation Guide

If you are building out a new kitchen space or simply looking to upgrade your existing kitchen space, you may be looking into installing a new exhaust hood system. While the exhaust hood that is visible from the kitchen may seem like it is the main important piece of the system, the unsung hero of every exhaust hood system is the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is what removes smoke, grease, odors, moisture, and hot air out of the kitchen in order to increase the air quality of the kitchen space. Taking proper steps ahead of the exhaust fan installation will help ensure a painless, smooth installation.

First step is to determine the best location for your exhaust fan. Finding an adequate roof spot that is closest to the kitchen space is ideal - this will help keep ductwork needed for the installation simple, reducing the need for long, twisty lengths of ductwork. Fans must be at least 10ft away form supply intakes, and NFPA 96 codes require the fan discharge is at least 40” above the roof surface. Check your local codes as well to ensure there are no other local requirements needed when installing the rooftop exhaust fan.

Since the fan is being installed on a rooftop you will need a curb. The curb is used to cover the opening that is cut into the roof when installing the fan, and helps to secure the fan unit to the rooftop. Once the curb is installed the fan is then securely mounted onto the curb. After curb and fan installation you’ll want to check some key components such as the fan wheel, pulley, and belts. Once all of those items are checked to ensure proper functionality you can begin installing the exhaust fan hinge kit, allowing for easy access to the inside of the unit for inspections, maintenance, and cleaning. NFPA 96 fire codes require that exhaust fans have a hinge kit installed. The final step is another NFPA 96 fire code required unit which is the grease trap. There are several types of grease traps, and any will work as long as it is compatible with your exhaust fan.

If you follow this basic guide you should have everything you need to easily execute a rooftop exhaust fan installation. There are obviously more intricate details for the installation, such as the electrical components, however with the prep and steps in this guide you should have the basic requirements to have a seamless rooftop exhaust fan installation. HoodMart provides our customers with a wide range of exhaust hood systems - from Compensating (Short Cycle) to Perforated Supply Plenum PSP - as well as all exhaust hood accessories such as no weld Grease Duct, hood filters, canopy hood lights, and curbs. If you still have questions regarding the purchase of your hood system, please feel free to contact one of our experts today by calling us at 1.800.715.1014 or by contacting us through our live chat system.