DIY Gable Vents & Covers

Create the frame that will hold the gable vent. Place wooden boards the same size as the studs in your home, either 2-inch by 4-inch or 2-inch by 6-inch, into a 2-foot by 4-foot frame. Secure the boards by drilling in 2 1/2-inch screws with 1-inch drill bit. Continually place a spirit level along the frame to ensure it's level.

Drill through the sheathing and siding on the inside of the frame at all four corners with the 3/8-inch bit. Go outside and climb the secured level up to the drill holes. Place the chalk string along each of the drill holes and snap the string against the siding, leaving a chalk line in a square representing the inside of the frame.

Saw through the siding with the circular saw with metal cutting blade. Remove the siding to leave a rough hole. Place the vent into the opening and draw the outline of the nailing flange against the siding. Take out the vent and saw away the siding along the outline.

Install strips of felt building paper along all the edges to provide waterproofing. Overlap the existing building paper with the new paper until 2-inches deep, caulking the strips of building paper on top of each other. Staple the building paper in place with the staple gun and 5/16 inch staples. Push the metal cap flashing under the siding at the top of the opening to cover the building paper.

Install the gable vent by applying caulk under the mounting flange. Slide the mounting flange under the metal cap flashing. Drill in the screws into the flange on the sides and bottom. Place vinyl trim over the flange. You can also secure a gable cover over the vent for a decorative touch.