How to Vent Metal Roofs

Ventilating your attic space to allow for ample circulation is mandatory in preventing moisture build-up that leads to wood rot. Ventilation is important no matter what type of roof you have. Proper ventilation saves money on heating and cooling by removing moisture and heat from the attic. Other problems caused by non-sufficient roof ventilation is metal rust, warped roof rafters, and ice dams due to melting snow which get under the shingles causing leaks. Metal roofs are growing in popularity. While they may cost more, they last longer than other roofs. In some areas a homeowner with a metal roof can get an insurance reduction due to the lower energy consumption of a metal roof.

Tape measure Metal roof vents 7 1/4-inch circular saw Caulking Self tapping screws

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how many vents you will need to install on your metal roof. You should have 1 square foot of venting for every 150 square feet of attic space. For example, a 2000 square foot home would require 4 medium sized vents placed on the upper part of the roof toward the back, so they are not seen from the street.
- 2
  
  Clean and dry the area on your metal roof where you will mount a metal attic vent, very similar to a jack vent with a hood on it. The hood allows the venting out of hot air while keeping the elements from coming in.
- 3
  Use a 7 1/4-inch circular saw to cut a round hole into your metal roof 1/2-inch smaller than the base of the vent. Place a strip of caulking 1/2-inch wide around the perimeter of the hole, and also on the underside of the vent 1/4-inch away from the edge.
- 4
  Center the vent over the hole and press it firmly into place. The pressure will spread out the caulking.
- 5
  Put a bead of caulking around the bottom of the vent's flashing 3/8-inch from the edges. Screw down the flashing with self-tapping screws that are snug but not too tight. Make sure the screws go through the caulking bead for extra strength.

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Ventilation