What Can I Use to Cover the Vents on the Side of My House?

It can sometimes be necessary to completely cover the vents on the outside of your home. This can be for painting the home, or to seal off the vents when you are expecting severe weather. You can make a small cover from hardboard. It is a thin but extremely strong material that protects and is easy to use. It can be painted or sealed and will last for many years. When you're not using it cover the vent, you can remove it and store it anywhere.

Tape measure
1/4 inch hardboard
Table saw
2 pieces, poplar lumber, 3/4-by-1-1/2-by-15-inches
2-pieces, poplar lumber, 3/4-by-1-1/2-by- 21-inches
Miter saw
Construction sealant
Staple gun with 1 1/4-inch staples
Cordless screw gun
1/4-inch drill bit
2-inch screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height and width of the vent. Using a table saw, cut a piece of hardboard three inches longer in both directions. For example: if your vent measures 12-by-18-inches, cut the hardboard 15-by-21-inches.
- 2
  Miter all ends of the poplar pieces on a miter saw making sure to not lose any length. Lay them flat to miter them. Run a bead of construction sealant down the back of all four pieces of poplar. Place the long pieces of poplar on the long sides and the short pieces of poplar on the short sides -- glue sides down. Bring the mitered corners together. Shoot staples around the perimeter every six inches.
- 3
  Drill holes around the perimeter of the frame using a cordless screw gun and 1/4-inch bit. Space them six inches apart, one inch from the edge. Place the frame over the vent. Insert 2-inch screws in the holes. Use the screw gun to tighten the screws, securing the frame over the vent.

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