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What's Wrong With This Picture? Attic Fan Repair

By
Home Inspector with U.S. Inspect, LLC

Answer:  Rubbermaid Trash Can Lid Temporary Only

- Probably from the street, you would never notice this fancy attic fan cover designed and installed by our creative homeowner or his hired worker. At first glance it almost looks like it should.

However, it's actually a plastic trash can lid that has been modified somewhat to take the place of the original attic fan cover, which may have come to the end of its useful life or been damaged by the elements. At any rate, what you're looking at is a creative fix, but only temporary.

Deteriorated or improper attic fan covers will allow water and debris, as well as wildlife, into the attic area. While this repair may work for awhile, it's not the long term solution we would recommend during a home inspection. This attic fan needs a proper repair or replacement.

Thanks to Mark Konschak of our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area inspection team for this submission.  I'm sure you were laughing at this one!

Posted at U.S. Inspect blog.

Kathy Stoltman
Ventura, CA
RETIRED

Kudos for creative thinking for the short term.  I do hope the owner gets this fixed by a professional.

Dec 15, 2011 03:36 AM
Erna Neal
The Viking Team, Realty - Winter Park, FL
A Knowledgable Central Florida Realtor

William, this is funny. I hope that gets fixed soon, it's a creative solution, but won't work for the long term. Thanks for sharing.

Dec 15, 2011 04:27 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

William, It is a creative solution for a quick fix.  I agree it should be properly repaired as soon as possible.

Dec 15, 2011 07:41 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Yes, you're right!  I was laughing a little when I first glanced at that photo.  But then I also thought I saw an extension cord wrapped around it, and that gave me a little concern! 

Dec 15, 2011 11:43 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

William, you are surely aware how often these "short term" fixes end up becoming "out of sight, out of mind" and then forgotten.  This is definitely no a good long term solution.

Dec 16, 2011 04:23 AM