How to Install Soffit Venting From Inside the Attic

Don suitable safety clothing and a face mask if the attic is insulated with loose insulation materials such as cellulose "snow." Clear a work space around the area in which to fit the soffit vents. Remove boxes, slip and trip hazards, and carefully brush away any loose insulation. Ensure that you have adequate lighting to work safely.

Mark the locations of the vents onto the upper surface of the soffit boarding. Use a pencil and tape measure if measuring from a feature within the attic, or locate pilot holes drilled through from the outside if the positioning has already been marked. Check that the vent positions are correct before going further.

Fit a circle cutting bit into the chuck of an electric drill that is switched off and not connected to the power supply. Center the bit and tighten the chuck using the chuck key. Remove the chuck key. Connect the drill to a power supply and squeeze the trigger. Observe the bit to confirm that it is correctly centered and does not wobble.

Align the pilot bit, in the middle of the circle cutter, with the mark made on the soffit at the location of the first vent. Hold the drill so it is perpendicular to the soffit surface. Squeeze the trigger and apply gentle downward pressure, allowing the cutter to do the work. Do not push down hard; you can damage the underside of the soffit. Lift the drill up again once the cutter has passed all the way through the soffit.

Sand the edges of the hole to remove rough edges. Use a sharp knife to cut a square of fine mesh approximately 1 inch larger than the hole. The mesh square should overlap the edges of the hole on all sides to prevent insects, birds and animals gaining access. Place the mesh over the hole and staple it in place. If the soffit is made from metal, use epoxy glue rather than staples.

Replace any insulation you moved at the start of the job, ensuring that you do not cover the new vents.