Installation Instructions for a Roof Vent
Attic ventilation is an energy-saving addition to your home. In the summer months it will keep your attic cool by preventing the hot, humid summer air from warping the roof. It also brings fresh air into your attic, which makes your whole house cooler. In the winter months ventilation prevents water from sitting on the shingles and ice from forming. When you select a roof vent system, make sure it complies with your local codes and standards. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- White chalk
- Electric drill with bit
- Saber saw
- Pliers
- Roofing cement
- Trowel
- Roofing nails
- Hammer
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose locations for the roof vents on your roof. The vents should be evenly spaced. Place the vents on the rear slope of the roof, not further than 2 to 3 feet below the ridgeline.
-
2
Center the vents between the rafters of your roof. Mark the position for each vent with white chalk.
-
-
3
Drill a starter guide hole in the center of each area where a vent will be placed. Position the bit of an electric drill on the guide mark and push it through the mark you made.
-
4
Place the roof vent on the roof. Draw a white chalk line around the perimeter of the vent. Cut out the vent hole with a saber saw. Begin sawing in the guide hole and cut around the chalk outline of the shape of the vent. Cut out all the roof shingles inside the chalk circle you drew. Remove the roofing nails from the top row of shingles with a pair of pliers.
-
5
Apply roofing cement around the edge of the vent hole. Mix roofing cement and apply it to the edge of the hole with a trowel.
-
6
Slide the base of the roof vent under the shingles. Position the vent so that it is centered over the hole. Position the shingles so that they lie on top of the roof flashing down the entire length of the opening of the hole.
-
7
Attach the base of the vent to the roof with 2-inch galvanized roofing nails and a hammer. Insert a nail in each corner of the roof flashing and in the middle of each side of the roof vent. Make sure the nail goes all the way through the vent, the shingles and the decking.
-
8
Seal all seams and nails with roofing cement.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consult with a roofing expert to choose the roof vent system best suited to your home.
Wear gloves and other safety equipment to avoid injury from exposed sharp edges.
References
- Photo Credit roof vent image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
