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How to install a roof vent

Overview

Installing a roof vent is a simple DIY project that will help keep your roof-space cool in summer and dry in winter. It's easy to do yourself and we'll show you how. Learn about all the tools you'll need, what safety precautions to take when working on a roof, how to waterproof your vent and how to adjust the vent so that it sits correctly. 

Steps

1Before you start

Before you start installing the roof vent, take the appropriate safety precautions. Make sure that you have easy access to get up and down the roof, and that your ladder is secure. Install perimeter scaffolding around the roof area where you're working and make sure you're wearing work boots or appropriate footwear. Also, check with your local government to see if you need permission to install the roof vent.

2Remove the tiles

Choose the location where you're going to install the roof vent. Near the top of the roof is ideal for extracting heat from the roof-space during summer. Remove two tiles that are next to each other. To remove the tiles, lift up the tiles above them and slide the tiles out. This space is where the flashing will be installed.

3Install the flashing

Install the flashing by sliding it into place, so that it is sitting under the tiles above it. Run a bead of silicone on the two tiles next to the flashing. Use the mallet to gently tap down the sides of the flashing, so that it follows the profile of the tiles. With your hands, roll the front edge of the flashing, to form a lip. This gives the flashing more water protection. Make sure you're wearing gloves when working with the flashing because it has sharp edges.

4Secure the flashing

Secure the flashing by drilling one end of the strap that comes with the roof vent, to the roof batten under the flashing. Make sure the strap is attached to the batten, so that it is approximately in the centre of the flashing. Bend the strap up and over the lip of the roof vent. Use your hands to shape the strap, so that it matches the front profile of the flashing.

5Install the whirly-vent on the flashing

Do not remove the foam packers on the whirly-vent before you install it. The packers stop the vent from spinning around. Place the whirly-vent on top of the flashing, so that it is sitting snugly. Use the cordless drill to screw the whirly-vent to the flashing using the pre-drilled holes in the vent.

6Adjust the angle of the whirly-vent

After securing the whirly-vent to the flashing, remove some of the foam packers so that you can turn the vent to its optimal angle. The top and bottom of the whirly-vent turn independently. Adjust the two halves of the whirly-vent to change the vent angle. Keep adjusting it until the top of the whirly-vent is sitting flat when you look at it from all angles. If it isn't, the vent won't work efficiently. Once the whirly-vent is sitting flat, take the last of the foam packers out, to make sure the vent spins freely.

7Secure the whirly vent

Use the cordless drill to screw down the flanges on the side of the roof vent. This stops the bottom half of the vent from moving. Drill three screws into the pre-drilled holes at the bottom of the whirly-vent to fix it into position. After securing the vent, clean up the silicone on the sides of the flashing and make sure the front of the flashing is properly tucked over the tile. Don't forget to take away any tiles that you removed during the installation.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.