Droopy Drawers...
If someone gave me a nickel for every time I see interior rated fans used for exterior applications, I would would have accumulated quite a stockpile of nickels. Interior rated fans are not suitable for exterior applications because:
1. The blades are made of MDF (medium density fiber) board or similar crap. This material is okay for interior applications but is about a useful as paper board when it come to holding up to wet or humid conditions.
2. Once the blades get moisture in them, they get out of balance and the whole unit wobbles badly.
3. The bearings are cheaply made. After about a year in less than desirable conditions, they rust and begin to fail.
4. The motors and other electric components are not sealed or designed for wet applications.
5. As these are electrical devices, often times, they are not installed on GFI protected circuits.
However, contractors and well meaning home owners still insist in using interior rated fans on porches, pergolas and decks as they are less expensive. As long as this practice continues, I will continue to add installations such as this to my report.
P.S. As a side note, I was not to fond of the BX (armored) cable being used to power the fan as it is not weather resistant.
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677
Good morning Michael,
I've never thought about this, but it makes complete sense. Have a great Sunday.
Sep 14, 2013 10:24 PM
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor
Hi Michael. Dumb move sue to cost the homeowner a lot more in then than he saved on the fixture.
Sep 14, 2013 10:26 PM
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner
GOOD MORNING MICHAEL ... well, it matches the aluminum roof and overgrown bushes though. Just being funny - but something like this isn't really if you are trying to sell a house.
Sep 14, 2013 10:27 PM
Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque area Master Inspector
Those are some sweet flex blades that feller has right there... LOL, I'm not a fan of those outlet brackets for ceiling fans either. Those are made for light fixtures.
Sep 14, 2013 10:37 PM
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
Sounds like them there fans are made in China! Cheap everything! And I would not recommend that BX either!
Sep 14, 2013 10:45 PM
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance
Michael, I see that all the time, but more often in bank REO properties that have had the A/C off for months or years. The humidity builds up in these structures and you know what follows...that's right - mold.
Sep 14, 2013 10:51 PM
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
Good morning Michael,
I see this all the time....many homeowners do not take the time to learn about the difference in the interior and exterior fans..they just buy what is cheap and get it up! Not smart..money wasted!!
Sep 14, 2013 11:00 PM
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
Michael, I always love your titles...peaks my interest and the posts never disappoint...thanks!
Sep 15, 2013 12:42 AM
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
Michael, people focus on the price and no the practicality, which ends up costing them twice as much
Sep 15, 2013 02:09 AM
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
Good Morning, Michael: Some folks really shouldn't be a Do-it-Yourself-er! :)
Sep 19, 2013 06:58 PM
IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581 - Canton, GA
Experience the IHI Difference
Great share, Michael. We see this a lot in our climate here in the South. Sometimes, even interior fans will succumb to the humid air.
Oct 10, 2013 01:54 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,862
2,759,862
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
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