How to Build a Soffit Air Return Vent

Soffit air return vents are situated under the eaves of your home to provide return air to your attic space. They are used in correlation with exhaust vents positioned on the top of the roof to ventilate your attic properly. You have to cut the vent’s holes into the soffit board on the underside of the eaves if there are not already holes in place to install the vents.

Stud finder
Template
Pencil
Jigsaw
Screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Use the stud finder to locate the eave studs beneath the soffit board and mark each one. You need to install the vents between the studs.
- 2
  Make a cardboard template of the vents about ½ inch smaller on all sides than the actual vents. Hold the template up to the soffit board between the studs and trace it.
- 3
  Poke two holes in the opposite corners of the traced vent holes with the jigsaw, and then cut out the soffit vent opening using the jigsaw.
- 4
  Position the soffit vent over the vent hole with the vent louvers facing the house. Place screws into the holes in the sides of the soffit vents and use the screwdriver to tighten them in place.

How to Make a New Chimney for a Wood Stove Through a Metal Roof

How to Install Garage Ceiling Vents

Ventilation