How to Build Soffit Vents

An attic's ventilation is vital to removing moisture and reducing the likelihood of mold. It also balances the outdoor temperature with the attic temperature, reducing ice damning on the shingle surface. This ventilation consists of upper roof vents and lower soffit vents. As the warm air rises out the upper vents, fresh air is pulling in through the soffit vents. The total amount of ventilation for an attic space is a 1:300 ratio of ventilation area to total floor space in the attic.

Ladder
Soffit vents
Saber saw
Screws
Drill
1/2-inch bit
Vent baffle
staple gun with 1/2-inch staples

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the ladder in the location you want to install the soffit vent. When working from a ladder make sure your body always has three points of contact with the ladder.
- 2
  Position the soffit vent template on the soffit and outline its shape with a pencil. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the center of the template marking with the drill.
- 3
  Cut along the soffit template markings with a reciprocating saw. Use the hole you drilled as a starting point and work your way around the marking until it is completely cut.
- 4
  Hold the soffit vent in the cutout and secure with several screws through the vent and into the soffit.
- 5
  Climb up in your attic and work your way to the location where the vent is installed. Only step on the wood joists to avoid falling though the top floor ceiling.
- 6
  Pull back the insulation with your hands around the soffit vent. Hold the soffit baffle against the roof sheathing, in a location that allows the baffle to provide air space for the vent. Fasten the baffle to the sheathing with the staple gun.
- 7
  Push the attic insulation back up against the vent baffle. Repeat this process to install the correct amount of soffit vents.

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