An attic is a space in the house that we hardly visit, and it’s easy to underestimate it until a stain forms on the ceiling or your energy bill goes very high.
By installing a roof vent, a proper ventilation system in an attic can be assured and these problems can be reduced. After a few years of usage, these vents need to be replaced. And hence, you have to know how to replace a roof vent.
The process is quite simple and easy work. Now, let’s talk more about the replacement process, precautions, and other things in detail in this article.
What is Roof Vent
A system that permits air to circulate through the attic is known as roof ventilation. Roof vents are a must-have for any property. However, few homeowners are familiar with their roof ventilation systems.
Types of Roof Vents
Roof ventilation is very important to extend the lifetime of your roof. Two types of ventilation methods are popular among them. One is active ventilation and the other is a passive one.
Natural or passive ventilation depends on natural forces like the wind to continue fresh air circulation. Active ventilation uses power-based methods such as the use of solar systems, turbines, and many more.
Again, there are several variations on types and devices used for ventilation. For instance; box vent, ridge vent, turbine roof vent, solar attic vents, gable intake vents are trendy for roof ventilation nowadays.
Necessary Tools
Some tools are very necessary when you are thinking about replacing your roof vent. These are:
- Hammers
- Drills
- Nails
- Roofing adhesive
- Mud knife
- Crowbar
- Caulking gun
- New vents
- And something to cut off the shingles if needed
How to replace roof vent: Step by Step Guideline
Replacing a roof vent is not as hard as it seems. By following a couple of simple steps, you can master this useful art.
Step 1: Pre-inspection
Initially, climb up your roof safely and do a thorough inspection of whether your roof needs this replacement or not. After taking the replacement decision, now you have to pre-plan your work procedure.
Step 2: Taking nails out
Firstly you need to remove the nails that are attached with the previous shingles. This can be done using the mud knife and crowbar to pull them out.
Step 3: Evacuate the old vent
After removing the nails, gently evacuate the old box vent. Make sure to keep them aside in a safe place, otherwise, anyone can get hurt from them.
Step 4: Replace the new vent
You have to be very careful about the size of the new vent, it should fit the spot perfectly. Then replace the previous box vent with the new one and nail it down. The nailing should be done using the hammers very carefully.
Step 5: Applying adhesive
It is important to secure the nail holes from the first nail out process, as the wind can pass through them. Now, apply the adhesive or caulking gun to make it perfect, leakage free and usable.
Safety precautions
Avoid replacing your roof vents on hot summer days as it can be very uncomfortable rather choose a cool temperature day.
Again, when you are nailing out, be careful and do not throw them everywhere. These nails can hurt children and others at home.
A good adhesive and caulking gun is a day saver, in this case, you have to re-do the whole process. Make sure to use these properly and secure your nails to prevent leakage.
Cost of Replacing a Roof Vent
Roof vent replacement cost is determined by the roof’s size, kind, and whether the vents are visible or surrounded by shingles. It costs between $200 and $500, including supplies and labor.
Importance of Roof Vent
The roof vent prevents shingles damage and cracking. It is also very necessary to balance temperature issues, and also saves energy costs.
The roof vent is very essential because without it, the moisture build-up in an attic can lead to the growth of molds. Eventually, rooting will happen on a wooden roof. Again, if the ventilation is not done properly, it can yield stale air in the whole house.
Final Words
Now, what do you think? Do you find it hard to follow the steps on how to replace a roof vent? I hope this article has given you a detailed idea about how to start and work on that work.
Replacement of roof vents can easily be said as a DIY (Do it yourself) job. But, if you have any confusion or your roof shingles are damaged and leaking, it would be better for you to consult a professional.
