Installing a Roof Vent

Written by Jen S.
on Jan 15, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
Charles Ramos, Jr.
on Jul 31, 2021

Installing a roof vent is a good idea if you want to prevent condensation from attracting fungi and rotting disorders to the beams of your roof. There are a surprising number of roof vent options from which to choose, including ridge roof vents, turbines, and hood roof vents. Following these steps to put in whatever kind of vent you wish.

Cutting a Hole

Measure the roof vent you have chosen and mark this measurement onto the roof. Remove the tiles around the outside to prevent them from getting damaged. Place them somewhere nearby and remember to replace them at the end of the installation. After you've done that, use a reciprocating saw to cut the hole.

Installing a Hood Vent

Push the hood vent into the hole you have made. Tap the vent into the hole using a hammer and secure it using the screwdriver and screws supplied with the vent. Now, check that the hole is tightly sealed. If not, place caulking around the edges to keep dampness out.

Installing a Ridge Roof Vent

Remove the roof tiles from the area where you wish your vent to go, and make the hole in the eaves large enough to fit your vent. Once the ridge roof vent is installed into the hole, surround it with weather stripping. You can use nails to hold the stripping in place. Use roofing tar to cover the outside of the roof and prevent moisture from building up inside the attic.

Installing a Turbine

For a turbine, proceed to cut the roof as previously described and then insert the vent into position. Add a mounting base, and then adjust the turbine to the pitch of your roof, twisting the base support ring until the turbine is level. Screw the turbine and mounting base together using a screwdriver. All that's left is to caulk the edge of the attic and replace any tiles you removed.

Replace the Tiles

Replace the roof tiles and seal them over with roofing tar in order to protect all of the roofs. Inside, caulk the hole around the ridge roof. You can then add paper or paint to the attic wall so that it matches the rest of the attic.

Don't climb down from the attic yet, here are some tips about insulating the attic floor!