DIY Builds
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Should you caulk roof vents?

Install Your Roof Vents and Caulk the Edges Some ventilation systems may give you the option to screw or nail the device directly into the roof. This is a good way to secure it, but caulking will also provide enough protection, so long as you cut the hole properly to fit.

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Only DIY if you know what you're doing.

Doing the labor yourself goes a long way.

Most of us know that heat rises—but we may not understand exactly what that means for our roof or attic. The truth is, a warm roof or attic usually isn't an issue. But an extremely hot attic full of stale air can cause serious problems, especially if moisture creeps in. The possibility of structural damage due to mold and heat should give homeowners a reason to take action. Fortunately, installing a roof vent can help alleviate these issues. Learn how to install a roof vent in this step-by-step guide.

Prepping to Install a Roof Vent

A roof vent's primary purpose is to help air pass through your attic. When your attic can breathe, so to speak, it's far less prone to damage due to excess heat or moisture inside.

When prepping, it's worth asking the question: Do you need to install a roof vent over your shingles?

Signs you should install a roof vent include:

Shingle erosion, especially within your warranty years

Mold or mildew

Ice dam buildup during winter

Excessive temperature

Visible damage from heat or moisture on wood

Inefficient air conditioning system

If your answer is yes, here are two more items you'll need to check off before you can proceed with a DIY roof vent installation. Related Article You Can’t Always Stop Ice Dams From Forming, But These Tips Can Help Ice dams are a pain in the gutter, but these tips can make life easier

Determine Your Roof Ventilation Needs

Contrary to popular myths about roof vents , more vents is not necessarily better. You'll need to determine the right size based on how big your roof is, which you can calculate simply by finding how much attic surface area you have. A good guideline to follow is 150:1, which means for 150 square feet of ceiling space in your attic, you'll need one square foot of ventilation. So for a 450-square-foot roof, you’d want to install three 1-square-foot ventilation holes. If your roof has a vapor barrier, which is used to prevent moisture from entering your attic, use a ratio of 300:1. This is because vapor barriers put a cap on how much moisture can creep in. Too much ventilation will just leave your attic colder in the winter without the benefit of pushing air and moisture out.

Determine Which Type of Roof Vent Is Best

There are three main types of roof vents to choose from, with some more specific subcategories to consider as well:

Static exhaust vents

Ridge vents

Soffit vents

Roof ridge vents cost up to $650 to have installed. This price is a good guideline for soffit vents and static exhaust vents, too. While ridge and soffit vents are popular options, ridge vents require a single peak ridge on your roof, which some don't have. Soffit vents, similar to the types some people install as a bathroom vent, are installed under the eaves of your roof, which, depending on your attic's layout, may not be an effective position to let out hot air. A static exhaust vent is the best option for many homeowners because it gives you the most flexibility. They come in various shapes and sizes (cone, cylindrical, box, etc.) and can be installed on almost any type of roof.

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Should vinyl soffit be nailed tight?

Drive these nails through the fascia and only into the “V” groove of the soffit. You may also need to face-nail the fascia. Always pre-drill holes into fascia and do not nail tight.

Soffit Installation

Soffit is used to enclose the underside of an eave. The installation of soffit will determine the positioning of the inside and outside corner posts. It also is necessary to complete the soffit before the final course of siding is installed on the wall. Vinyl soffit is designed to be easily installed lengthwise from wall to fascia. Soffit panels are similar to vertical siding. Manufacturers produce both solid and vented panels, as well as combinations of the two. NOTE: Ventilation Requirements: Proper attic ventilation is important for any home. Consult local building codes for the appropriate requirements for a specific geographic area, and use vented soffit or other vented products as required.

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