When installing roof ventilators, you have various choices in terms of design. Before choosing any of those designs, you must ensure you understand how much ventilation your space needs. The size of your roof and its slope can guide you towards this.
As you look into roof ventilators, you should know that it’s better to have too much ventilation intake than too little. You can learn all the factors you need to consider before installing any type of attic ventilator to be safe.
That said, let’s get started!
Step By Step Process of How to Install Roof Ventilators
The most important part of having ventilation installations is assessing your home to know how many vents it will need and the types. Although there are different ventilators, the installation process is pretty much the same for all.
It might help to have a guide, whether you are an installation expert or not. This article will walk you through the various steps of installing different roof ventilators.
Intake Vents — Continuous or Individual Soffits
A ventilation expert is most likely to recommend soffit vents for you under the intake vents category. Installation for soffit vents is usually under the roof’s overhang, which hides them from weather and prying eyes.
Step 1
Check your attic for wiring that could get in the way of installation around the installation area. If there are wires that you can’t move, look for another spot to install them. Place insulation around the outer edges to ensure that you can use power tools safely.
Still, in this step, trace the center of the spot where you would leak to install your ventilator and drill a hole to mark where to saw.
Step 2
Use a pencil to mark a 7 in × 15 inch rectangle on the bottom of the overhang outside. Typically the size of your vents will determine the size of the triangle, but 8 in ×16 in is the standard size.
Allow nails and seam to show you the position of the rafters. You will need a ladder to reach a taller overhang. Do so while observing all safety requirements. Trace a cardboard template that’s the size of your vents and cut it to the width of the overhang.
Step 3
Use a drill to make holes large enough to fit a saw blade loosely on the corners of the triangle. Drilling holes in all the corners of the triangle will relieve pressure from the saw. Safety glasses are necessary to keep the sawdust away from your eyes.
Step 4
Get your jigsaw on medium speed and cut out the rectangle outlined on the overhang. Stand at a safe spot where the wood won’t fall on you while ensuring you cut in the right direction on the holes.
Step 5
Hold the vents in place using wood screws. You can finally secure soffit vents over the opening using a drill and screws. You have about 4-6 holes to add screws but start with the corner ones.
Step 6
You can install a soffit every four ft. on the overhang. The first one could be the marker of where to start. Finish by placing a window screen outside the vents to keep out rodents and insects.
Installing Exhaust Ventilation
The most effective position to install exhaust ventilators is along the roof’s ridge.
Step 1
Spot a position 2 ft. from the peak of your roof once at the attic and mark where the vent will go with a nail. You will need a hammer and nail for that part to protrude from the roof or raise the shingles.
Step 2
Remove the singles where you want a vent and draw a square that’s the same size as the vent. Ensure you practice safety while on the roof, removing the roofing material.
Step 3
Cut the top of the roof along the outlined square avoiding the rafters. Protective eye gear is necessary for this part. Use a high-quality right saw to make the work as easy as possible.
Step 4
Lay out an even layer of the adhesive or roofing caulk on the hole’s edges. Ensure the vent rests on the hole and that you press it to adhere.
Step 5
Use nails to secure the vent at the corners and the sides. It’s easier if your ventilator already has holes for the nails.
Step 6
Put new roofing material at the bottom of the vent and use roofing tar or glue to secure it. Additionally, you can apply nails on the roofing materials to fully secure the roof.
Ridge Ventilation Installation
A ridge vent is most suitable for you if you have a pitched roof.
Step 1
Use a tall ladder to get to your roof, where you will pry up the shingles using a claw hammer. Remove them in a way that ensures you can use them later.
Step 2
Set the depth on your circular saw to cut ¾ inches on both sides of the peak. Be careful that you don’t cut the rafters. Cut along a straight line across the entire peak of the roof. Remove the debris.
Step 3
Install vents into the slot while making sure that you center them on the peak. Doing this ensures the sides of the vent lay flat on the roof. Hold the vent in place until you nail it down.
Step 4
Drive long nails into the predrilled holes on the vents using a hammer. The nails should go through the vent and into the roof.
Step 5
Put new shingles on top of the vent and nail them to score them. The nails need to reach into the roof to ensure they can withstand strong winds.
Roof Ventilators Installation — Final Words
Ventilation generally ensures a constant supply of fresh air in your space. A roof ventilator completes your space by ensuring your attic is free from condensation and possible roof damage. Ensure that your installation does not cause any damage to your roof. If you can learn how to install tall roof ventilators, you can save more money.
