How high does range hood vent pipe need to be to meet code?

17 years ago

Ok, I know all local codes are different, but I wanted to know if this sounds right. We took out an over the range microwave and had a contractor/builder install a Kobe range hood (RA-094) which vents up and out the roof. The pipe sticks out very tall out the roof however and looks funny (and is even leaning to the side just slightly). When I asked him why it was so high he said it has to be 2 feet taller than anything within 10 ft, per code. There is another vent nearby, probably from a bathroom.

So he says my options are to cut it down shorter, which would violate code but not be a problem necessarily unless we sold the house, and even then I guess we could replace with a code height pipe. Or, we can paint it a darker color, right now the galvanized steel really sticks out.

Does that "code" sound right? Don't know how the average consumer verifies what they are told about code issues. Don't like how it looks, for sure.

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Comments (5)

sombreuil_mongrel
17 years ago
The 2/10 rule is for a chimney, not a range vent. You can use a low profile roof cap in your application. It is not a drawing chimney, it is a fan-forced vent; worries about backdrafting are a non-issue.
Casey
mimi72
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you, sombreuil_mongrel!
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sue36
17 years ago
I can't comment on the code, because our town doesn't regulate range vents, but I will say that painting the vent pipes does help disguise them. Ours were painted a flat gray, similar to the roof color, and it really helps them visually disappear.
manhattan42
17 years ago
Your contractor has no clue what he is talking about.

Building and Mechanical 'Codes' do not address residential range hood installation requirements...and instead defer back to the manufacturer's installation instructions for vent termination heights and clearances in cases like these.

Your contractor obviously did not read those instructions.

So find a new contractor who can read them, and install your range hood duct termination as it was intended to be installed.
robin0919
17 years ago
ditto what sumbreuil said.....