How to Install Soffit Vents in a Roof
Soffit vents are essential in allowing for air flow into the attic of a house which will keep it cooler in the summer. This can extend the life of the shingles on the roof as well as help in keeping the house cooler. Also if there is central air in the home, keeping the attic cooler can facilitate energy efficiency by causing the central air to not work as hard. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soffits
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Chalk line
- Carpenter's square
- Galvanized screws
Instructions
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1
Calculate the amount of soffits needed. The recommended amount of soffit needed is 1 square foot for every 150 square feet of attic space. Measure the length and width of the attic and multiply. Divide that figure by 150 and that will result in the number of square feet of soffit that will be needed.
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2
Decide which type of vents to use. There are two different types of vents. One type is thin strips which are meant to butt against one another in one long line of vents under the entire length of the soffit. The other kind is individual vents which are wider and designed to fit between joists or rafters. If the soffits are 16 inches or wider use the individual vents which are easier to install.
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3
Layout the openings for the vents spacing them between rafters. Choose a placement for the openings towards the middle of the soffit so that there is room to maneuver the saw. Size the openings so that the outer lip of the vent overlaps the edge of the hole. Use the chalk line and square to make an even opening for the vent.
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4
Cut the openings for the vents using the circular saw for the length-wise cuts and the jig saw for the width-wise cuts. If individual vents are being installed the jig saw is probably the best choice for making the entire opening.
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5
Install the vents with screws every 12 to 14 inches. Make sure that the whole in the attic for the vent is not obstructed by insulation or any other material. For continuous vents it might take two people to install, one to hold the vents in place and one to install the screws.
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