Dear Houzz Customer,

Thank you for contacting us. The 1/2" bumpers are there for the optional function purpose of reducing the vibration from the unit when it's against the wall. If you would like, the rubber pieces can be removed from the unit if you would like to have the unit completely flush against the wall.

I hope this helps. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to contact us. Our Business hours are M - F, 9AM to 5PM PST. If your message is left after business hours, we will respond to you on the next business day.

Thank you and best regards,

Joshua

I realize the original post is almost 2 yrs ago now, but I feel the subject matter is still relevant. I too was frustrated that the bumpers on the fan itself caused the chimney covers to not be able to be hung in line with the fan unit. IF you use the hangers provided the chimney tilts back from the unit to the wall. There is no way around this. Either you hang the fan without the bumpers or hang the chimney kinda crooked. That was what my contractor was doing when I walked in: trying to MAKE it fit, which looked horrible to me. So, after some discussion, we decided to use the bumpers, but to also put something between the wall and the bracket to bring it out from the wall the same distance that the bumpers did the hood so that everything would line up plumb. No, the chimney is not flush to the wall, it is out about 1/2 inch from the wall which is not noticeable unless you know what you’re looking for and get up really close. But, everything IS straight, which makes a world of difference believe me!

Now why can’t the manufacturer include something like that in with the hood when they ship it out? Yeah, I know, keep dreaming, right?