I've dealt with this exact issue before. In my case, it wasn't really the duct angle itself causing trouble, but more about how the duct was routed and insulated. Initially, I thought upgrading to a stronger fan would solve everything, but nope—still had moisture buildup after showers, especially in colder months.
What finally worked for me was repositioning the fan closer to the shower area (it was originally near the door), shortening the duct run as much as possible, and making sure it was insulated properly along its entire length. Also sealed up all those tiny gaps around the vent exit on the roof—those little leaks can add up surprisingly fast.
Honestly, I think it's less about finding a perfect duct angle and more about minimizing distance, sealing everything tight, and getting airflow right where you need it most. Haven't had condensation or mold issues since...knock on wood.
Good points about insulation and sealing—those little gaps really can cause headaches down the line. But honestly, I've seen plenty of bathrooms where the duct angle actually did matter quite a bit, especially if there's a sharp bend or kink somewhere. Did you have any bends in your ductwork originally, or was it pretty much a straight run? Sometimes even minor angles can trap moisture and cause trouble...
"Sometimes even minor angles can trap moisture and cause trouble..."
Definitely agree with this. Even a slight bend can create a low spot where condensation collects, eventually leading to mold or water damage. I've found that using rigid ducting instead of flexible helps minimize these issues—flex ducts tend to sag or kink more easily. Also, keeping the duct run as short as possible and ensuring it slopes slightly downward toward the exterior vent can make a noticeable difference in moisture control.
"flex ducts tend to sag or kink more easily."
Haha, tell me about it. I once thought flex ducting would save me some hassle during a quick weekend bathroom fix... ended up with a mini waterpark in my ceiling a few months later. Lesson learned the soggy way. Rigid ducting is definitely the way to go if you want to avoid surprise mold colonies or mysterious drips.
But honestly, even rigid ducts can cause headaches if they're not installed right. I found out the hard way that a slight downward slope toward the vent is key—gravity is your friend here. And don't underestimate sealing the joints properly either. A little aluminum tape goes a long way in keeping moisture out and sanity intact.
Glad you finally nailed your reno though—nothing beats a bathroom that doesn't fight back every time you shower.
Haha, gravity really is underrated. I almost made the same mistake with flex ducts—luckily my neighbor warned me just in time. Still had to redo some joints though... aluminum tape was a lifesaver. Glad your bathroom finally surrendered peacefully!