How to Install a Roof Vent

House roofs are vented to allow warm, moist air to escape from the attic, preventing mold build-up. Properly vented roofs will also allow cold air to circulate through the attic, preventing snow from melting on the roof and creating ice dams in your gutters. Many roof venting solutions exist today ranging from very simple the more complex. Presumably, your home already has soffit venting and/or ridge venting and you simply need to implement an additional type of venting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gable vents
• Turbine vents
• Hand tools
• Jig saw
• Caulking
• Weather stripping

1. Begin by cutting the hole for the gable vent. Measure the vent and then cut a hole centered in the end of your attic wall using a jigsaw.

2. Secure the vent in the hole using the included hardware for the gable vent. Seal the opening with caulking and insulate with foam weather stripping to prevent leaks.

3. Repeat Steps 1-2 for the other side of your home.

4. Determine the locations for your turbine roof vents. Position the vents in an unobstructed area of the roof to provide the best possible airflow.

5. Pull up the shingles in the area where you will mount the vent and use the jigsaw to cut a the hole for the vent.

6. Install the vent using the supplied hardware, caulk the hole, and install shingles surrounding the vent.

Tips & Warnings

• Install at least two Gable vents and 3-4 Turbine vents to ensure your attic and roof are properly ventilated.

References

• Forum on properly installing roof vents

Resources

• Lowes carries a wide variety of roof vents and supplies