Adding a Maxxfan Deluxe
Our original fantastic fan was squeaky when running and slow to open/close, it was tied. We decided to replace it with a Maxxfan Deluxe model which provided more speed settings as well as a built-in roof cover.
The Maxxfan has a much different opening style, due to its built in cover, so you need to ensure you have room on the roof to accommodate its longer length. The width will not be a problem nor with the height as both are equal or less than the fantastic.
Installation
The replacement is straight forward. Remove the existing inside trim ring, then get on the roof and remove all the flange screws (there are a bunch). Next, you separate the old flange from the butyl caulk, which seals it to the roof. I used a 5 in 1 scrapper to work around the flange. A little help from a heat gun can help soften the caulk (if needed). Once it was free, I removed all the residual caulk using goo gone but there are several products that will remove the old butyl. Be sure to clean off any residual goo gone when done.
The Maxxfan flange then gets caulked and screwed to the roof. The 4 corner screws matched up with the old fantastic ones. All others fell right between the old screws, so you need to drill a dozen new pilot holes. I filled the old holes with some marine epoxy just to fully seal them. With the new holes drilled, pick your sealant of choice and run a generous bead around the roof opening, set the new flange and screw it down.
I let the new caulk cure a day and then installed the Maxxfan unit which sits on the flange and fastens to it with (4) screws. Since the roof is domed, you will find that you have to push down assertively to get the screws to line up properly.
You have to cut the new inside trim ring to size (I suspect you could use the old fantastic one but did not try). We painted the new trim ring to better match the ceiling as what you get is stark white. Rust-Oleum Satin Heirloom White is a great match for the existing Ozite ceiling.
The new fan opens and closes much faster and the remote makes it easy to use and of course its quiet, especially on low to mid speeds.
