Exhaust Vent Cover

[Wade Sikkink]

Our building is older and has 3" ducting for the bathroom exhaust vents. Two of them that exit the building from the ground floor are missing the hood/flapper that keeps birds, etc. out of the duct. 4" stuff is easy to find, but I can't seem to find one for a 3" duct. I found one that was a 3" duct, but if it's exactly the same size as the duct it won't go in. It needs to be slightly smaller.

Any tips on where I could find such a thing?

[Andy Luick]

Hadn't even thought about it but I think you're right...most are 4" these days...check the dryer vents at HD or Lowes, I think those are still available in 3" and you might be able to swap them out. If not, try local AceHardware as they will often stock what the big boxes don't carry. You might have to the entire hood/flapper assembly. Ahhh the joys of landlording! Happy Investing!

[Michael Herr]

If you are into buying tools, get a crimper. It makes ridges in ducts (or gutters) to get one to fit in another of the exact same size. Go checkout ductwork in the store. It comes like that from the factory on one end. If you are patient, or don't like buying/storing tools you will rarely use, you can do the same thing with needle nose pliers one crease at a time.