Summertime is here, and the heat is on.
That means you might be looking to cool off your home by increasing the air circulation in your attic. Or perhaps you want your home to be a little more eco-friendly.
Either way, installing or replacing a soffit vent is a great way to save money on energy bills. Fortunately, soffit vent installation is a simple process that only wants a little time and know-how, and of course the right tools.
Here's our quick nine-step guide on how to install soffit vents. Follow these instructions, and you'll be on the way to having a cooler and more energy-efficient home.
Tools for Soffit Vent Installation
Before you get to work, you need to assemble your tools and materials.
Since soffit strip vent installation is easy, you won't need a complicated array of materials. Still, it's a good idea to make a checklist to ensure you have everything you'll need:
- Ladder (to reach the roof eaves)
- Metal vents
- Drill
- Stainless steel screws
- Screwdriver
- Jigsaw
- Pencil/Marker
- Silicone Caulk
Safety Is Paramount
As with any DIY project, you've got to make sure that safety is a priority.
That's why it's always best to have a friend help you, if for no other reason than to help steady the ladder while you're working. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and use work gloves if you think they're necessary.
Mark Your Location
First, you want to know where to install soffit vents.
Use a stud finder to locate the rafters, because you don't want to cut into these. Use your vent as a template, and mark out the edges and corners with a pencil or marker on the soffit.
Do Some Drilling
Next, drill holes into the corners of where your soffit vent will be installed. These are access points for you to insert the saw and make the actual cuts.
Get Cutting
Okay, here's where you make the cut.
Use your saw to cut within the scribed area, about 3/4" inside the lines. This is because you'll need to have a surface wherein to drill the mounting screws for the vent.
And remember to wear your safety goggles while cutting.
Apply Silicone Caulk to Edges of the Soffit Vent
With your caulking gun, apply a small line of silicone caulk to the outer edges of the vent. Don't use too much—we don't want spillage. Then, lift up the vent and press it to the newly cut hole in the soffit.
Screw It in
Now all that remains is to secure the vent to the soffit by screwing it in. Attach stainless steel screws to the four corners first, to secure the vent while you affix the remaining screws.
Ensure the Vent Is Sealed
Check the vent, and make sure it's sealed. Tighten any screws if necessary.
Enjoy the Result
And that's it. We told you soffit vent installation was easy. Your home is ventilated, and you'll start seeing those power bills come down.
Soffit Ventilation Is a Piece of Cake
Now that you know how simple soffit vent installation is, there's no reason to keep putting off this important home upgrade. If you're looking for other ways to update your home, please check out our many DIY soffit projects to find new ideas and inspiration.
