Are you thinking of installing some soffit vents on your roof? It’s important to learn how to do it well for efficient results. One of the best ways to keep an attic cool is through soffit vent installation. Regulating the air temperature in this part of the house is essential in increasing the lifespan of a roof as well as saving money on heating and cooling bills.
Some people fear that adding vents to help with attic cooling can let in cold air during winter, but that’s never the case.
The living space is sealed from the attic, so no cold air gets in. Soffit vents help with air circulation through the attic. They work together with the ridge or gable vents at the peak of a roof.
When air within the attic is too hot, it’s pushed up by fresh air coming through soffit vents under the eaves.
The hot air is expelled through the ridge or gable vents, leaving cool air in the attic. Depending on the climate in your area, soffit vent installation can be very beneficial.
Here is how to install soffit vents in your attic the right way:
Buy the Soffit Vents
Soffit vents come in many designs, colors, and shapes.
Go for vents that match your home’s aesthetics. The general rule of thumb is that you should install one square foot of vent on every 150 square feet of attic.
A seller will help you calculate how many soffit vents you’ll need to cover your entire roof.
Plan For the Installation
First, prepare the tools you will need to carry out the installation.
This includes a chalk or marking pencil, stud-finder, circular saw or saber saw, nails or screws, and a drill or hammer. You don’t need special tools to do this, but remember to wear safety protection such as eye goggles when drilling holes.
Using the chalk or marking pencil, mark the areas where to install your soffit vents. Place them evenly around the eaves. Use the stud finder to locate rafters and be sure to drill away from them. Cutting the beams can weaken your roof’s structure.
Also, make sure that vents will allow air to flow well into the attic without obstruction. Ensure they are not blocked by insulation or any other object in the attic.
Make the Vent Hole
Once you have determined the appropriate location for each vent, start to make markings. Use one of the soffit vents as a template to set where you’ll make cuttings. Mark a line around the vent, and then make a hole inside the scribbled line.
Wear your eye goggles and use a circular or saber saw to cut inside the markings (could be ½ to a ¾ inch inside the line).
Install the Vent
Finally, place the vent over the hole and screw or hammer it in place. Make sure the louvers point towards the house.
Soffit Vents Installation Made Easy!
Installing soffit vents is simple when you know what to do. Follow the above steps, and your vents will be up and running in no time.
Read on to find more informative topics on soffits!
