Installing a Gable Vent Step-By-Step

A gable vent is an important part of the heating and cooling of your home. You would not think that a vent in your attic would be so important, but without it you could be wasting a lot of money. An attic without a gable vent can be 60 degrees hotter than the temperature outside because the hot air is trapped in your home. In the winter, the moisture from the heat in your home will evaporate and begin to rot your insulation and roof joists. Installation of  a gable vent is not difficult, but it does require the use of power equipment and ladders. Safety precautions should be taken at all time.

Needed Materials
•Gable vents
•2 1/2 inch screws
•16d nails
•Reciprocating Saw
•Hammer
•Tape Measure
•Utility Knife
•Stapler
•Latex caulking
•Drill
•Screwdriver
•Level
•Shims
•Lumber

Step One - Prepare for Gable Vents
You will need two gable vents for this installation. One gable vent will go on each side of the attic. Using the template that comes with the vents, or the vent itself, mark on the inside of the attic wall the size of the vent.

Determine the location of the gable vents and build a frame out of 2x4 boards. Use the dimensions of the vent and build it between the existing studs. Make sure to keep at least a 1/8 inch clearing for the vent. After frame is built, drill holes in each corner clear through to the outside.

Step Two - Cut Holes for Gable Vents
Once the holes are drilled you will connect them on the outside. Using a chalk line, connect the holes together with straight lines forming the outline of your gable vent. Attach a bimetal blade to your reciprocating saw and cut out the outline of the vent.

Using a plumb bob in the opening of the vent to determine the flange location. Mark this with a pencil on the siding. Adjust the blade on a circular saw to the depth of the siding and cut along the outline. Remove the siding from around the opening. Apply building paper around the opening and under the siding as a protective barrier and staple the house.

Step Three - Install Gable Vents
Apply a bead of caulking around the opening for the vent so that when you slide it in there will be a watertight bond. Slide the metal flashing around the vent, under the siding, and building paper on the top of the hole and slide the vent in. Move the vent around until the flange is under the paper and flashing. Mount the vent to the house with nails or 2 1/2 inch screws. Apply a bead of caulking around the entire vent and smooth out with a scraper or your finger.

After you have installed the first one, repeat the process with the second gable vent on the other side of the house.