Do you want to know how to install a range hood vent through a ceiling?
Both wall mount and island range hoods can have flexible vent hoses that go through the ceiling (and to the outside).
In this guide, I will go over...
- How to install the ceiling mounting bracket
- Tips on connecting the support brackets
- How to connect the inner and outer chimney (duct covers)
Let's get started with this guide!
Quick Summary: Installing A Range Hood Vent Through Your Ceiling
If you purchased either an island or a wall mount range hood, both of these types of appliances may require installing a range hood flex vent go through the ceiling.
The first step is to carefully trace a circle onto the drywall, and then make your drywall cut. After the hole, you will need to connect the vertical frame brackets to the ceiling joists and connect it to power (either plug in or hardwire).
And when it is connected electrically, you want to install the duct covers (chimney). Lastly, you will want to connect the range hood to the flex vent, and to the hanging brackets.
Read Also: What Are The Best Ductless Range Hoods?
Installation Guide
My 13 steps below on installing a range hood flex vent through a ceiling is based on a Winflo installation manual. These basic steps can be generalized to most other range hoods that need to make a cut in the ceiling.
If you have any doubts about the install, please hire a qualified contractor for the installation.
#1. Trace Circle
The first step is to trace a circle on your ceiling so you can cut out the drywall.
You may want to use the ceiling mounting bracket to trace the circle. This circular hole of the bracket should be a bit larger than the actual duct size. Please use a stud finder first to make sure there are no studs where you are making the cutout.
Read Also: How Many CFM Do I Need For My Range Hood?
#2. Make Ceiling Cut
Now make the drywall cutout using a drywall saw or a handheld jig saw. Be careful that you don't damage electrical wiring and other hidden utilities.
#3. Ceiling Support
Some island range hoods may need to be supported at the joists or studs. Make a wooden support and attach to the top of the studs or joists.
#4. Attach Ceiling Mounting Bracket
After installing the wooden ceiling support (if required), you will want to attach the metal ceiling bracket.
Use the screws provided with your hood, and fasten the screws through the ceiling bracket and into the wooden ceiling support.
#5. Install The Vent Duct
Now it's time to install the flexible vent duct, likely either 6-inch or 8-inch depending on your range hood.
You will need to connect this to the exterior vent hose either with aluminum tape or strapping.
#6. Install The Upper Support Frame Brackets
Before you can install the exterior frame of the vent hood, you will need to install the four upper support frame brackets to the ceiling mounting bracket.
Use the screws provided to fasten them.
Read Also: How Does A Ductless Range Hood Work?
Source: Winflo Installation Manual
#7. Attach Lower Support Frame Brackets
In order to have the correct length of the support frame brackets, measure the the distance between the top of your stove (cooktop) and to the bottom of the range hood.
And now connect the lower support frame brackets to the upper support frame brackets (at the correct length) using the provided screws.
#8. Attach Range Hood To Lower Support Brackets
You will likely need two people for this step. You need to align the holes in the range hood to the bottom homes of the lower support brackets. Once aligned, install the provided screws (going through the brackets) and into the range hood.
Read Also: What Are The Best Rated Range Hood Inserts?
#9. Pull Power Cord Through Ceiling
For this step, you need to pull the power cord through the ceiling cut out and into an attic outlet.
If there isn't an attic above, you will need to hard wire the hood into a junction box. An electrician is recommended if it needs to be hard wired.
Source: Winflo Installation Manual
#10. Fasten The Inner Duct Cover
The square metal vent cover (chimney) of the range hood hood is composed of an inner and outer duct cover. The outer duct cover overlaps the inner duct cover.
To install the inner duct cover, remove the two screws connecting them, and pull them apart. There is a tongue and groove clip that will have to be undone.
Now separated into two halves, slide the inner duct covers over the the ceiling mount. Make sure that the tongue and groove clips are re-aligned. You also want to make sure that the inner duct cover halves are aligned with the clips on the ceiling mounting bracket.
Now that the inner duct cover is place over the ceiling mounting bracket, use the screws provided to connect the two pieces.
Read Also: How To Clean Range Hood Baffle Filters?
#11. Connect Flexible Vent Hose To Range Hood
Before you fasten the outer duct cover, you need to connect the bottom of the flexible vent hose to the range hood.
Use aluminum tape to connect the flexible hose to the round vent flap at the top of the range hood. You can also use a clamp to fasten the flexible vent hose.
#12. Install The Outer Duct Cover
Before you can install the outer duct cover (chimney), unfasten the screws connecting the halves, and undo the tongue and groove clips (slide them up).
Now disconnected, connect the outer duct cover halves onto the support frame brackets. The outer duct cover will go over the inner duct cover.
You will now want to re-attach the screw connecting the two halves, and make sure the tongue and groove clips are re-aligned. The bottom of the outer duct cover should go into the grooved slot at the top of the range hood.
#13. Fasten The Outer Duct Cover
To fasten the outer duct cover, you will need to remove the range hood filter.
And from the bottom of the range hood, use the provide screws to screw into the bottom of the outer duct cover.
Read Also: What Are The Best Rated Island Range Hoods?
The Toughest Part Will Be Installing Duct To Exterior
In my opinion, the toughest part of the installation will actually be installing the flex duct to the exterior. Installing a range hood flex vent through just the ceiling isn't that hard, and it can be done within an hour or two if you are fully prepared. However, installing the flex vent to the exterior can involve cutting through brick or vinyl siding.
For that step you will need either a hole saw or a reciprocating saw. You will also need need to install an exterior vent hood (with a flapper) in order to keep out rain and pests (especially birds).