How to install a power gable vent

Apply a continuous bead of caulk around the top brace, then position the tar paper into place against the brace, tucking the paper behind the wall sheathing on the outside of the house. Tack the paper into place with a construction stapler. Repeat with tar paper on the sides and finally the bottom of the rough opening. Cut a piece of cap flashing with a pair of metal snips, and slip the flashing between the tar paper and the siding above the rough opening.

Apply a bead of caulk around the interior side of the vent's mounting plate, and insert it into the rough opening. Have an assistant check the placement of the vent to ensure that it is centered in the opening, then slip shims under the bottom edge to center it vertically. Check to see that the vent is level and plumb with a torpedo level, then attach the vent to the siding and braces with 3-inch wood screws through each hole in the mounting plate. Measure the width of the gable vent on the outside.

Then set up a miter saw with the miter angle set to degrees right and the bevel set to 0-degrees. Place a piece of exterior molding of the same shape and size as the trim of the house's windows and doors flat onto the saw table with the back edge against the fence. Slide the trim to the right and make a miter cut on the left edge of the trim. Measure the width of the gable vent from the short point of the miter, and make a pencil mark.

Rotate the miter saw's miter angle to degrees left, and miter the right edge of the trim. Climb the ladder and dry-fit the trim board across the top of the gable vent. If the trim fits properly, caulk the back side of the trim and mount it in place with finish nails and a hammer. Trim the sides and bottom of the vent in a similar manner before priming and painting the trim to match the rest of the house trim. Chris Baylor has been writing about various topics, focusing primarily on woodworking, since By Chris Baylor.

Set a circular saw to cut just deep enough through the siding and sheathing. Or use a jigsaw and stop when you come to a stud. Attach the vent louver panel by driving screws into the siding and sheathing. Caulk the edges as needed.

You may need to modify the framing, depending on whether the gable framing is 16 or 24 inches on center. If installing a gable fan, add top and bottom horizontal framing. Shut off power to the circuit and run code-approved cable to a nearby junction box. If no junction box is available in the attic, bring power up from a circuit in the room below. Wire the thermostat following the manufacturer's directions. With the thermostat shown, stripped wire ends are inserted in a terminal bar and screwed tight.

Adjust the thermostat control and restore power. How to Install a Gable Vent or Fan. Not only are gable vents beautiful additions to your home's exterior, but they also improve air flow in your attic. This tutorial shows you how to install both a gable vent and a gable fan. January 26, Save Pin FB More. Mount a gable fan by driving screws through the mounting flanges into framing members. Comments Add Comment.