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HRV intake location

Chad Sytsma| Posted inMechanicalson

Hello,
I have a 1920s home in the northern part of 5A, in West Michigan. While I have yet to test it, I think I’ve been able to get it fairly tight (old mail slot whistles when bath fan is on).
I’ve insulated my roof deck with 4″ of close cell and have an additional 6″ of fiberglass inside of that. I’m installing an HRV (Venmar E15 ECM) for moisture management and fresh air in the conditioned attic. Given challenges with exterior air quality (lots of outdoor cooking) and design, I’d love to put the intake and exhaust on the roof (hip) near the ridge and relatively adjacent to the HRV. (near the middle of the house in attached photo)
Any thoughts on locating these ports on the roof?
any suggestions for the intake type/style? It’s an asphalt shingle, several years old. Obvious concern is proximity to shingles and potential for VOCs/odor in the incoming air.

Aside from that, it seems like it could work.
Am I nuts? Certainly open to suggestions.

Have a great holiday and thanks in advance for your help!

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay||#1

    Chad,
    Standard advice is never to locate a ventilation intake on a roof, especially if there is asphalt-based roofing.

    When it's 90 degrees out, that roof is going to stink.

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