5 Steps to Intstalling a Roof Vent

Installing a roof vent is a good idea if you want to prevent condensation from attracting fungi and rotting disorders to the beams of your roof. There are a surprising number of roof vent options from which to choose, including ridge roof vents, turbines, and hood roof vents. All of these are perfectly suitable for clearing a roof of damp and moisture, but they all have different installation variations. The basic format to installing a roof vent can be detailed in a few steps, and following these will help you to put in whatever kind of vent you wish.

Step 1 - Cut a Hole

Cut a hole in the side of the roof, large enough to fit your vent through. Measure the roof vent you have chosen, and then mark this measurement onto the roof. Using your jigsaw, cut the hole wherever you choose. In most cases, you will need to remove the tiles around the outside to prevent them from getting damaged. Place these somewhere nearby where you will remember to replace them at the end of the installation.

Step 2 - Install the Hood Vent

Take the hood vent and push it into the hole you have made. If the hole is still a bit small, you should perhaps remove a little more of the roof with a hand saw, but otherwise, tap the vent into the hole using the hammer, and secure the vent using the screwdriver and screws supplied with the vent. You should now check that the roof is tightly sealed, and if not, place caulking around the edges to keep dampness out.

Step 3 - Install a Ridge Roof Vent

Remove tiles from the area where you wish the vent to go, and make the hole you have cut in the eaves large enough to support a ridge vent. Once the ridge roof vent is installed into the hole, surround it with weather stripping. You can use nails to hold the stripping in place. You should also use roofing tar to cover the outside of the roof, and prevent moisture from building up inside the attic.

Step 4 - Replace the Tiles

The tiles should be replaced, and then also sealed over with roofing tar in order to protect all of the roof. Inside, caulk the hole around the ridge roof, and then use underlay to hold the flashing and all other materials securely in place. You can then add paper or paint to the attic wall so that it matches with the rest of the attic.

Step 5 - Installing a Turbine

For a turbine, proceed to cut the roof as previously described, and then insert the vent into position. Add a mounting base, and then adjust the turbine to the pitch of your roof, twisting the base support ring until the turbine is level. Screw turbine and mounting base together using a screwdriver. You should then proceed to caulk the edge of the attic, and replace any tiles which have been removed.