How to Make Baffles for a Soffit Vent

Soffit vents are cut into the soffits of your gable roof to provide intake air and improve attic ventilation. Because attics are insulated from the inside, however, the insulation can fall into the soffit and block the vent, keeping the fresh air from circulating around your attic. To fix this problem, you can install baffles to keep the insulation at bay and maintain unrestricted airflow. Most store-bought baffles are made of plastic, but you can make your own from thin plywood.

Measuring tape
Plywood
Circular saw
Gloves
Goggles
Nails
Hammer
Rake
Staple gun

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the size of your vents with the measuring tape. Measure the width and length of the vents, and write the measurements down. The baffle should be 2 to 3 inches larger on each side than the vents, with about 2 inches of height.
- 2
  Put on the goggle and gloves.
- 3
  Cut out five pieces of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch-thick plywood for the baffles with the circular saw. Cut the baffle’s sides 2 to 3 inches longer than the vent’s length and about 2 inches wide. Cut the baffle’s bottom 2 to 3 inches wider than the vent and as long as the sides. Cut the baffle’s wings 2 to 3 inches wide and as long as the baffle’s sides.
- 4
  Stand the sides of the baffle up. Put the baffle’s bottom over them to form a long rectangular box with open ends. Hammer nails into the bottom of the baffle where it overlaps the sides. Space each nail apart by 1 inch.
- 5
  Turn the baffle over so the bottom is flat. Put the baffle’s wing on the side’s edge so it overlaps the side but faces away from the baffle. Hammer the nails into the bottom of the wing where it overlaps the side’s edge. Space the nails about 1 inch apart. Repeat the process with the wing on the other side of the baffle.
- 6
  Move the insulation from the vent with your hands, if it’s batt insulation, or with the rake, if it’s loose insulation.
- 7
  Place the baffle over the vent so it covers the vent and the wings stick out on both sides, touching the joists.
- 8
  Staple the baffle to the roof with the staple gun. Place the staples into the baffle’s wings, spaced apart by 1 to 2 inches.
- 9
  Place the insulation around the baffle.

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