Bathroom fans and perceived noise

[diy_dude]

I need to install a fan in my bathroom due to problems with condensation mainly over the winter months.

My initial thought was to fit an axial fan in the external wall and vent directly outside. Now I am changing my mind. I would prefer not to have to core drill a 100mm hole through the cavity wall so was considering ceiling mounting a fan and venting through the soffit via the loft. Is this a bad idea?

I then got on to thinking about noise.... Screwfix sell three fans I am now considering, each state their noise output.
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100593&ts=54219&id=15061
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100593&ts=54219&id=41379
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100593&ts=54219&id=15061


Would having an inline fan in the loft be quieter for bathroom users than a ceiling mounted axial fan? Any pros or cons for the inline axial or centrifugal type. Currently I think the centrifugal inline is the way to go, but wanted a second opinion before going ahead with the install

 

[Taylortwocities]

I prefer the inline loft types but mount it on a good solid joist or put a good chunk of wood for it to stand on. Otherwise your roof woodwork and/or the ceiling will vibrate.

Assuming u dont want the combo lite & fan type I would go for the 41379 from sfx. Its made by Manrose, well priced and really sucks out that curry blow!

 

[diy_dude]

Will the centrifugal inline fan be quieter than a surface mount one? I mean quieter for people in the bathroom that is...

 

[Taylortwocities]

Depends on what the wall is made of. If its dot & dab it will reverberate like a drum skin. If its plaster onto brick or block then its better but you still have the actual fan in the bathroom. Plus you have to core drill & line the hole.

If you have decently wide soffits & access above the ceiling the in line is the way to go IMHO. (You can get acoustic boxes for some of them too)

 

[diy_dude]

I have a brick cavity wall with plaster then tiles. I dont really want to core drill as I risk smashing tiles, etc. The soffit is wide enough and there is enough access, so inline it is.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Steve]

The best way to mount an inline fan is on a sheet of plywood or similar, which hangs on ropes from the roof, just below the ceiling joists. This way, not much vibration will be transmitted to the habitable rooms below.