Exhaust fan shutter noise

[Thomarann]

Hiya,

I have searched and not found anything.

The shutters for my 18" exhaust fan clatter and make noise - I realize it is likely from an air leak that I'll fix in the spring with better weatherstripping around my front door.

In the mean time, I was thinking of building a box around the exhaust fan to insulate it better and reduce the noise.

Anyone done this? Have any pics?

Thanks.

Marc
p.s. old photo showing exhaust fan high on the back wall

 

[jonny o]

Does the noise appear while the fan is running, or when it's not?

A stiff breeze will pop mine up and down in the middle of the night if it catches one of the beat up edges just right. Mine is set back into a very deep wall and framed out with a door. When I installed a course screen to the frame, I also sealed the edges and insulated the door, which virtually stopped the windblown flapping.
This might be out of the question for your situation, so sealing any other air leaks might keep it from getting "pressured" out. They will move with very little air movement, as you can see in the pic. Probably had the one window near the shop open and the flaps are visibly open.


My girlfriend will tell you that El Chupocabra still rattles it at about 4am every once in a while to remind her that he's there.

 

[digdug18]

I've been using a makeshift box made from 1/2" foam board to cover mine. Seems to insulate it somewhat from both sound and cold, though I like the above better.

 

[Thomarann]

Does the noise appear while the fan is running, or when it's not?

Only when it is now running so I think it is being blown out. The shop is a detached building so the noise is not a problem waking me up or anything, just a nuisance (and heat loss source).

Your frame-out with door is exactly what I was thinking of - build a box around it with door that I can open when the fan is running. I think I'll insulate it with blue foam board stuff too.

Thanks.

Marc

 

[Thomarann]

I've been using a makeshift box made from 1/2" foam board to cover mine. Seems to insulate it somewhat from both sound and cold, though I like the above better.

Good idea - I'll do that until I can get around to building a box.

Marc