The kitchen exhaust duct ends inside the attic instead of passing through to the outside
What we found
The duct — the tube that carries air away from the range hood — was observed ending inside the attic.
Why it happens here
A range exhaust duct is designed to carry cooking air — heat, moisture, and grease particles — completely out of the building. When the duct stops inside the attic instead of continuing through to the exterior, that air is released into the attic space rather than discharged outside, which works against what the duct is there to do.
What it means for you
Cooking exhaust depositing into the attic exposes the insulation and structural framing there to heat, moisture, and grease that those materials are not meant to handle.
What to do
Have a qualified HVAC or ventilation contractor evaluate the duct and extend it so it terminates through the roof or an appropriate exterior wall, discharging cooking byproducts fully outside the building.
How common is this
Improper duct termination is something inspectors specifically look for, and routing it correctly to the exterior is a well-understood repair for contractors who work with ventilation systems.
Your agent or attorney can help you decide how to address this with the seller before closing.
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