Tag Archives: grease damage

Exhaust Fan Grease Containment, Do You Really Need It? Answer: Yes

Example of a exhaust fan grease catcher that isn't maintained.
Example of a exhaust fan grease catcher that isn’t maintained.

Simply put most restaurant owners forget about the roof top equipment until it causes a problem. Sometimes those problems are simple like a broken or loose exhaust fan drive belt.  However sometimes those problems can cost a bunch of money like a HVAC system compressor or a new roof.

That’s right I said a new roof.   Or at least some serious cleaning and repairs due to the  grease that has overflowed the grease drip pan on your exhaust fan.   The standard drip pan is not that big and it does not have any media to absorb grease. The result is often an overflowing pan that is leaking onto the roof, I see it ALL the time.

Example of a good  hydrophobic grease catcher.
Example of a good hydrophobic grease catcher.

The answer is to invest in a roof top grease containment system. There are several choices but the good choices include a system with hydrophobic grease absorbing media.   Hydrophobic means that the media does not absorb water, so when it rains the media does not get waterlogged. However the media is designed to absorb grease and hold onto it even when it rains.   The result is that the grease from the exhaust fan is contained and allowed to run onto the roof causing damage.

There is a second part to the answer that can not be overlooked. A routine trip to the roof to inspect and replace the hydrophobic media.  Even though the media can hold more grease than the standard grease pan it still has a limit to its capability.  If you don’t maintain the system it will fail.

So spend a few bucks now and a few minutes every few months and save your roof and your wallet.  If you don’t want to take the time to climb your roof every couple of months and do the inspection yourself, or if you don’t know what you’re looking for, give Western Equipment Sales in Kennewick, WA a call.  They will give you a quick estimate, and send someone out to look at it for you, and if needed, provide some great suggestions on ways to take preventative steps against roof damage and proper grease containment.

WES-ContractingIf you are in the Columbia Basin Area of Washington State and are interested in a grease catching system or inspection estimate, Call 1-866-585-6978 and press 3 for general contracting.  Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm PST.

Here are some examples of other grease catchers that are either home made, or custom fitted that don’t necessarily work properly.

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