How to Replace Turbine Attic Vents With a Fan

Turbine vents are the rounded vents that spin when the wind blows, pulling air out of the attic space. In time, turbine vents rust and stop spinning, which means they no longer work. Attic fans don’t have that problem, especially solar-powered fans. Put he attic fans in the same hole as the former turbine vents, so that you don’t have to patch the roof.

Ladder
Hammer
Measuring tape
jigsaw
Silicone caulk
Nails

Instructions

- 1
  Climb onto your roof and access the turbine vents. Use caution when working on your roof.
- 2
  Pry up the shingles around the vent with the hammer claw. Pry up any nails holding the turbine vent to the roof and remove the vent.
- 3
  Measure the solar attic fan’s bottom. Most solar fans need a 14-inch diameter hole. Cut a hole large enough for the fan with a jigsaw. Remove any shingles in the way before cutting through the roof.
- 4
  Squeeze a thick line of silicon caulk around the hole.
- 5
  Set the fan over the hole. The fan’s lip should flare out over the hole by 2 to 3 inches. Remove any surrounding shingles so that the fan is flush with the roof.
- 6
  Nail the attic fan to the roof sheathing with the hammer. Insert one nail every 1-inch. Dab each nail head with caulk.
- 7
  Position the solar panel on the fan’s top so that it points to the south or west of the house.
- 8
  Position the shingles around the base of the fan and nail them in place.

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Ventilation