How to Use Soffit Ventilation Plugs for Ventilating an Attic

Good attic ventilation is important for the health of your home. In the summer, attic ventilation allows the heat to escape into the air. In the winter, attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup that can cause damage to the rafters and shingles. If your house doesn't have adequate attic ventilation, you can quickly install soffit ventilation plugs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Measuring tape
• Soffit ventilation plugs
• Safety glasses
• Keyhole saw or jig saw
• Drill
• Drill bits

1. Decide what type of soffit ventilation plugs you wish to use. There are round ones and rectangular ones. Both work the same and the only difference in installation is the cut of the hole.

2. Set the ladder in place. Measure your soffits. You need a soffit ventilation plug to go between each rafter.

3. Purchase the soffit ventilation plugs. Be sure to get plugs with screens on them to stop insects from moving into your attic.

4. Put on your safety glasses. Drill the holes. Depending on the type of soffit plugs you are using, you either need to cut a round hole for each soffit plug or a rectangular hole. To cut a rectangular hole, drill a hole in the soffit for each corner of the rectangular shape of the soffit plug. Insert the keyhole saw or jigsaw to cut out the hole.

5. Install the soffit plug according to the manufacturer's directions. The plugs come with a rubberized edge that should pop them securely in place. Repeat the installation process for each soffit plug.

6. Finish the attic ventilation by installing louvered vents on the gables of the house if it doesn't already have them. These vents help the air flow into the soffit vents and out of the attic.

Tips & Warnings

• Use extreme caution when climbing a ladder.

[surlyoldman]

on 11/6/2009 Venting the soffit without providine for air movement into the attic will accomplish nothing.