5 Steps to Installing an Attic Gable Fan

Installing an attic gable fan is something that any home improvement fan should be able to do in a matter of hours. It can help to improve the circulation of air in your attic for decades. Heat in your attic is one of the reasons why your home seems to hot in summer, and installing an attic fan can make an enormous difference in how you keep cool during the warmer months.

Choosing a Fan

Choosing the right attic gable fan is important, so find the model which best suits your purposes. There are versions that have a temperature control switch and others that run on an electrical current and can be controlled with a manual switch. Some fans are considerably more expensive than others, so the cost of your fan will depend entirely upon the size of fan you require and how much you are prepared to spend.

Measuring

The next step in installing an attic gable fan is measuring the fan, and working out where will it will fit inside the gable end of the roof. Consider where the louver of the fan will go, and then begin to mark out an area where the fan will fit into the gable. Don't install it too high, as this may interfere with beams supporting the roof. Instead, position the fan so that it is in the center of the gable end wall. You should place the attic gable fan near to a power source if you are not using a self-powering fan, and this will also require measurements for leads, wires, etc. Make sure you have all of this planned out before you make a cut into your gable wall.

Making the Hole

The next stage is to make a suitable hole for your fan. The hole should be slightly larger than the area of the fan, so that there is space to caulk. Remove any drywall, brickwork, or stucco that cover the gable end. Once you have cut a complete hole through to the outside, you can start positioning the fan.

Fitting the Fan

The hole you have cut will be slightly larger than the fan, so you will have to screw it in tightly in order to hold it in position. You will then have to caulk around the entire fan, in order to ensure that the fan is secure in the hole, and to keep out any moisture. You will also need to block off the fan ring using plywood or cardboard in order to ensure that the ring circulates properly. If using cardboard, you can duct-tape the edges to the wall. You will also need to block off any vent openings which are near to the fan.

Finishing Up

Once the fan is completely fitted into the hole, you should cut the bricks removed earlier to ensure that the fan is held tightly in place. You may also consider installing a series of slats between the gable end and the fan, rather than replacing the bricks.. Ensure that the fan can turn properly in the hole, and then connect it to the power circuit. Try your fan for a full hour before you shut it off, ready for when it is next needed to cool your home.