Installing a Roof Fan

Intro

If it is not possible to install a gable fan, a roof fan is the next best choice. Wiring is simple. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cutting the hole and attaching the fan.

Checklist

Time
About 5 hours to cut a hole in the roof, install the fan, and run cable inside an attic

Tools
Voltage tester, drill, bit, reciprocating saw or jigsaw, pry bar, utility and putty knives, screwdriver, strippers, long-nose pliers, lineman's pliers

Skills
General carpentry, splicing wires and connecting wires to terminals, installing boxes, running cable in walls and ceilings

Prep
Find power source and make sure the fan does not overload the circuit.

Materials
Roof fan, cable, roofing nails, roofing cement, wire nuts, cable clamps, electrician's tape

Once the fan is attached to the roof, wire the fan's thermostat directly to a power source. Some roof fans have a humidistat, which measures humidity, in addition to a thermostat. This runs the fan when the attic humidity is high, even if the temperature is not.

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Step 1

Drill a locator hole from the inside of the attic to ensure that you do not cut through a joist. Mark the roof with the manufacturer's template and cut the hole with a jigsaw or reciprocating saw.

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Step 2

You may need to cut back some shingles. Slide the fan into place so that shingles cover the top half of its flange.

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Step 3

Drive roofing nails and cover them with roofing cement. Use roofing cement to seal down the roofing above and beside the vent. Wire the fan as you would a gable fan.

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