How To Successfully Install Roof Vents

Sufficient roof ventilation is necessary for a property to prevent the growth of mildew and mould by allowing air to escape. Wood rot – a type of fungal decay – can also be stopped from developing by the use of ventilation. Generally, the roof vents are manufactured from metal or durable plastic. A hardware store or supplier will provide you with the vents, and you will also need a reciprocating saw, caulk and some roofing cement to install the vents correctly. Here's how to install roof vents.

Preparation

Measure the length and width of your attic floor to determine how many roof vents you will require. When you purchase the vents, the instructions will tell you how many are needed for your size of roof. Purchase the number of vents accordingly. When deciding to place the vents, remember to place a few feet away from the ridge at the apex of your roof, and avoid positioning a vent above a rafter. Once you have decided where the vents will go, you can drive a nail through the attic ceiling; this will be visible from the roof and will serve as a marker.

Mark The Location

Outside, on the roof, use a marker to trace where the vent will be positioned, using the nail as the center point for measuring. Remove the shingles where you have traced by cutting the loose part with a sharp utility knife, then pry off the nailed down section of the shingles with a pry bar. Remove any other nails that remain in this area.

Make The Hole

Next, use the saw to carefully make a hole in the roof where the vent will go. Then, slightly elevate the shingles surrounding the hole so you can place the vent down. Then re-cover with the shingles you have elevated.

Place The Vent

Apply caulk to all the vent's flanges; then insert the roof vent into the hole, making sure it it positioned the correct way. The side portions of the flange slip under the elevated shingles, and the front flange sits on top of the shingles. The caulk provides a seal and secures the vent to the roof.

Secure The Vent

Using a hammer, nail the front flange of the vent to the roof. You should also apply caulk to the nail holes once you have hammered a nail into place. This seals the nail holes. Then apply the roofing cement to the underside of the shingles which you elevated. Only apply the cement to the rear and side shingles surrounding the vent's flanges. Press the shingles back into place. Repeat this process for any other roof vents you need to install.

Once installed, you should brush around the roof vents to remove any debris which has accumulated where you were working. 

For more information and advice, contact a company such as Skydome Skylights System Pty Ltd.