How to Install Vents on a Residential Metal Roof

Place your vents near the ridge or around the apex of the roof. Check that there are no wires or other objects on or under the place you have chosen. Put on your gloves and start taking off the shingles that cover the metal roof, using your hands or a crowbar to lift each shingle carefully so you don’t break it.

Measure the size of your vent, using a tape measure. Since your roof is metal, use a circular saw to cut out a hole. After you cut into the metal, use a large chisel to push out any remaining wood that the saw left behind. Take out the sheathing and any nails.

Waterproof the vent to keep out rain and snow. With a metal roof, put a line of silicone caulking on the underneath side of the flashing, which are the pieces of sheet metal used to cover and protect the joints and angles. Use a screwdriver to screw the flashing into place.

Fit the vent into the space you made, and use a hammer and roofing nails to nail it into place. Secure the vent in place with caulking. Put some caulking around the screws to seal them against leaks.

Cover the area around the vents, using the shingles you took off in Step 1. Use 1½-inch roofing nails to hold them in place. Now that the vents are installed, check them to make sure they work and that there are no holes that could leak. Fill any gaps around the vents with silicone caulking.