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How To Install Attic Fan On Roof

Hiring An Attic Fan Installer

Installing a roof top attic fan

Before hiring a local roofer, electrician, or carpenter near you to install an attic fan, be sure to:

  • Get at least three estimates to compare.
  • Look for pros with experience installing attic fans and evaluating the attic’s venting requirements.
  • Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
  • Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
  • Ask for references.
  • Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
  • Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
  • Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.

Who Installs Attic Fans

Attic fans are installed by roofers, carpenters, electricians, handymen, and HVAC contractors. Installation may require more than one expert, depending on the fan type, location, and site conditions.

  • Hire a roofer if installing a roof-mounted attic fan.
  • Hire a licensed electrician if new wiring is needed.
  • Hire a carpenter if structural changes or framework are needed .

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Solar Attic Fan Installation Cost

A solar attic fan costs from $300 to $1,000 for the fan and installation. Since the fan depends on the power of the sun, it is highly energy efficient. They are mounted on the roof to utilize the suns power on the panels, so they cannot be installed in the homes gable end. The installation costs are higher than the cost to install other types of attic fans, but the savings in electricity compensate in the long run.

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Dry Fit The Attic Fan

Once you have lifted up the shingles, and cut any nails that will prevent installation, it is time to dry fit the attic fan.

Simply insert the attic fan over the hole, and lift up the shingles over the flashing. The bottom flashing of the attic fan should go on top of the shingles, not under.

How Do You Inspect Attic Fans?

Energy Efficient Attic Fan

Venting Exhaust Fans Through the Roof (DIY)

While you will spend $225 to $850 on a standard attic fan, you will probably spend closer to $300 to $1,000 on an eco-friendly model designed to maximize ventilation with minimal energy use. Choosing an energy-efficient attic fan refers to the electric and solar-powered fans designed to deliver premium airflow with built-in motors. You can find several styles of energy-efficient fans that utilize solar energy, operate more efficiently, and have premium energy-saving features. However, they come at a slight increase in cost.

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Cut Out The Attic Fan Hole

It’s time to drill a starter hole onto the roof for your reciprocating saw. You can use a half-inch wood bore bit to make the hole. Before making any cuts on the roof, wearing eye protection is recommended due to possibly flying wood chips.

Insert the reciprocating saw blade into the starter hole, and cut around the outline that you drew with the pencil.

Make sure not to cut into the attic rafters or trusses because this may cause structural damage to your home.

When you get close to the end of the cut, make sure you grab the screw so that the cut out doesn’t fall into the attic. If you don’t hold onto the cut out, it may damage your ceiling drywall.

Check To See If You Have Adequate Attic Ventilation

As a result of your solar fan sucking hot air out of your attic, what will be used to replace that air? The majority of attics have ventilation ports located at the eaves of your roof, at the lower right-hand corner. Soffit ventilation is the term used to describe this. Make certain that the attic has enough ventilation before installing your fans so that cooler air may be drawn in when the hot air is expelled by the fan when it is not in use. Having proper ventilation for your solar attic fan can last up to 30 years or longer.

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Installing An Attic Fan On A Roof

  • 1Turn off the electricity in your attic. Use the main fuse box or circuit breaker box to shut it off. Never try to install an attic fan on your roof with the electricity on. Its also a good idea to turn any wall switches in the attic to the off position.XResearch source
  • 2Drill a pilot hole through the roof where you want your fan to go. That way youll be able to tell where to cut out the hole when you climb up on the roof later. The pilot hole should be in the center of where the hole will be. Make sure the hole youre going to cut out will be centered between 2 rafters so the fan fits.XResearch source
  • 3Draw a circle on the roof matching the diameter of your fan. The pilot hole you drilled should be in the center of the circle. Use a tape measure to determine the diameter of your fan, or check the manufacturer’s specifications. Then, get on the roof and draw the circle around the pilot hole with a piece of chalk.XResearch source
  • Wear a hard hat and boots with good traction when you’re up on the roof.
  • Ask someone to be there with you when you get on the roof in case you need help for any reason.
  • Don’t get on your roof if it’s wet or you could slip.
  • 5Loosen the shingles surrounding the hole with a pry bar. You need to loosen the shingles so you can slide the attic fans flange between the shingles and the roof underneath them. If you encounter any nails or staples while youre loosening the shingles, remove them with the pry bar.XResearch source
  • Final Thoughts On Solar

    How to Install a rooftop attic fan Masterflow

    For sure, a solar attic fan will make your attic cool and bring down your cooling costs. But the costs of installing one can be quite steep. To this end, you may choose to install the fans by yourself to avoid the huge installation expenses. With the guide we provided above, you should have little or no problem sorting out the connection yourself. But ensure you prioritize safety as you take on this task.

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    Choose Where To Install The Attic Fan

    The first step when installing a roof mounted attic fan is to determine where to place it. In general, you will want to install the attic fan about 2-feet below the ridge of the roof.

    Also, it is best to place the fan towards the middle of the roof in the horizontal plane. If you install the attic fan towards one side or gable, then the ventilation will be heavily favored on just one side.

    In addition, you want to keep the attic fan away from any passive vents as much as possible.

    If you install an attic fan right next to a passive vent, it will suck in air from the passive vent which will interfere with blowing out hot attic air.

    Read Also: Venting Your Attic Without Soffits?

    Where Should Attic Fans Be Placed

    You can place attic fans in the roof or in the gable wall inside your attic space. If you want to place a fan in the roof, you should position it between the rafters. Ideally, you should place your new attic fan over one of your existing vents, cutting a larger hole if necessary. This saves you the time and inconvenience of creating a new vent.

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    When It Comes To Placement On Your Tile Or Shingle Roof Where Should Your Solar Attic Fan Go

    Due to the fact that the United States is located in the northern hemisphere, solar panels that face south get the most sunshine. As a result, you should aim to install your solar fan on a roof slope that faces south. If this is not feasible, you might consider purchasing solar fans that are equipped with tilting solar panels. You may install your solar fan on an east or west-facing roof and then orient it towards the south using a tilting panel. If youre installing a solar attic fan on a shingle roof it is much easier to install rather than a tile roof. Both are easy installations but you can find all the step by step solar attic fan installation directions on our website.

    In an ideal situation, you should locate your solar fans in the center of your roof. This will allow for a more uniform distribution of cooler air from the soffit ventilation on your roof.

    Choose A Good Location Our #1 Rule For How To Install A Solar Attic Fan

    The Advantages of Whole House Fans

    You should already know that a south or southwest-facing spot is the best place to install a solar panel. When youre deciding how to install a solar attic fan, youll also want to consider other location factors, such as placing it about two feet from the peak of the roof. In most cases, this is the most energy-efficient way for how to cool your attic .

    Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings.

    In addition, if you plan to install multiple solar-powered attic fans, space them as far apart as possible to enhance the air circulation in your attic space. This way, youll get the most out of your machines.

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    Step : Installing The Attic Fan

    Now that everything is ready, you can begin installing the attic fan. Before it starts raining and wet snow falls on your roof, make sure all preparations are complete, and you have turned off the attic fan switch. The next step is to remove the old insulation from your roof. Now slip a protective sheet on top of that and put down another layer of thicker insulation. Make sure there are no sharp objects that can damage this sheet.

    The next thing to do is prepare your home for mounting the new fan. Use screws and drill holes in your roof until you find the right spot to install the fan. Now connect all wires and turn on the power supply. The last thing is to replace the insulation, but before that, make sure there are no nails or sharp objects present on your roof.

    You must never try to install any product by skipping these instructions as it may cause serious damage to your roof and attic fan.

    Donât hesitate to get in touch with Fox Roofing and Construction at . We specialize in attic insulation and ventilation. We are serving in Gresham, all Portland Metropolitan area, SW Washington, and all surrounding cities.

    Whole House Fan Installation

    Installing this system is a job for a pro. The process requires measurements, wiring and the creation of new vents. Improper installation can result in backdrafts, pulling air from your furnace, water heater, or gas appliances. Without enough ventilation, this can allow dangerous combustion toxins like carbon monoxide into the living space.

    A licensed, experienced professional will put in a tight-sealing winter cover and provide an access door, so the homeowner can switch between heating and cooling methods easily. The HVAC service professional will also calculate attic ventilation requirements to maximize cooling and energy efficiency.

    A professional will perform the following steps for the fan itself, not including the installation of added ventilation where necessary:

  • Prepare the framing.
    • Remove plywood and insulation from installation area, which should ideally be in a central hallway. Whole house fans are sized to fit between the joists of your attic.
    • Install two 2 x 10 boards as a frame for the fan between joists. Be sure to leave a little bit of wiggle room for the fan. Secure with nails.
    • Re-install plywood and cut a square along your framing both in the plywood and the ceiling.
  • Insulate and weather-strip.
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    Why Should You Install An Attic Fan

    Often, attic vents do a decent job of keeping your attic cool and ventilated without any need for an attic fan. However, there are some circumstances when installing an attic fan is a good idea.

    If you notice that your home frequently overheats or you’re spending a fortune on running your air conditioner, an attic fan could give your ventilation system a helping hand. Humid attics often cause mold issues, which cost a lot to rectify and can even lead to breathing problems. If you see mold growing in your attic, an attic fan can help keep the space cool and dry enough to prevent further growth.

    However, attic fans come with a few potential drawbacks. Unless you choose a solar attic fan, the fixture will add a little to your electricity bills. But assuming you’re installing an attic fan because your air conditioning costs are sky-high, you may actually lower your overall utility bill.

    It’s also worth mentioning that attic fans blow air from outside into your home. While this may not be an issue for many homeowners, it could be a problem if you live in a very polluted area or suffer from seasonal allergies.

    Cost To Install Attic Insulation

    QuietCool AFR SMT ES-2.0 Roof Mount Attic Fan Installation on Shingle Roof

    The average cost to have attic insulation installed ranges from $2,000 to $3,250 for blown-in cellulose. Insulation in an attic space helps to prevent heat loss during the winter and keep the space cool during the summer. The use of attic insulation partners nicely with the functions of an attic fan. You can easily have attic insulation installed at the same time that you have an attic fan installed.

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    Pencil The Attic Fan Outline

    Grab the paper template that came with the attic fan.

    If an install template didn’t come with it, you can make your own by penciling the outline of the fan onto cardboard.

    Place the template on to the screw so that it is perfect centered. Now pencil around the template onto the shingles — so now you have a perfect outline of the attic fan.

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    Attic Roof Fan Or Vent Cost

    Roof fan prices are $200 to $1,400 with installation, depending on the size, type, and power source. Roof attic fans are electric or solar-powered and are typically installed below the ridge on the back of the house. A roof-mounted fan is ideal for flat-roofed homes or limited attic space.

    Installing a roof vent costs$200 to $700, depending on the size and style. Roof exhaust vents paired with soffit intake vents are the most common and effective passive ventilation method.

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    Best For Sound: Attic Fan

    Individually, an attic fan and a whole house fan each have about the same sound level. But when installed, there is a greater separation between the attic fan and the living space, plus attic insulation may act as soundproofing. This means that an installed attic fan will be quieter than an installed whole house fan.

    Questions To Ask Fan Installers

    Installing a Whole
    • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
    • How long have you been in business?
    • What experience do you have with installing attic fans?
    • What type of attic fan do you recommend for my attic, and why?
    • Does the installation include a thermostat and humidistat?
    • Do I need to control the fan, or does it turn on automatically?
    • Can I run the AC at the same time as the attic fan?
    • Will the attic need additional vents?
    • How long will the installation take?
    • How long should a new fan last?
    • Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
    • What is and is not included in the estimate?
    • What additional costs should I expect?

    Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

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    You Must Earth The Solar Attic Fan

    Some parts of a solar attic fan are made of metals so that they can conduct external electricity. Since the installation will be on or close to your roof, the solar attic fans may get struck by lightning. If this happens, they most probably will get damaged. To avoid this, ensure the solar attic fans come with a grounding or earthing wire and connect this wire correctly.

    Earthing your solar attic fan is pretty straightforward but very vital.

    How Does A Solar Attic Fan Work

    You dont need your solar attic fan to run all the time. The time you need assistance from a solar fan is when direct sunlight shines onto your roof tiles, heating the space below.

    Luckily when the sun is shining the solar panel that powers your solar fan starts to create electricity. Direct sunlight hits the solar panel and produces electricity through a chemical reaction known as the photovoltaic effect. We dont need to get into the detail here all you need to know is that a solar attic fan operates under direct sunlight and so it works when its needed most.

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    What Is The Slope Of My Roof

    The slope of your roof should be indicated in the plan of your house. The value of the slope is expressed in twelfths and can be any value between 1/12 to 12/12.

    Generally, a 12/12 roof is very steep, while a 1/12 roof is very shallow.

    Once you know the slope of the roof and the attic size, you can determine the number of fans you need to keep the attic cool by following the table below:

    The numbers of solar attic fans recommended in the table above are based on 20-watt fans under regular conditions.

    Where To Install Attic Fan

    Master Flow Power Attic Vent Roof Mount Installation | GAF Roofing
    • Post published:May 27, 2022

    You’ve decided to install an attic fan because it helps reduce your electricity bills, and it can also boost the comfort of your living space. However, your concern is where’s the ideal place to install it and how? Well, worry no more! We’ve done in-depth research and have some answers to share.

    Ideally, you can install an attic fan on the roof between the rafters or the gable wall of your attic area. Furthermore, you can install attic fans into an existing vent, such as a box vent and attic power vent, so that’s something to consider.

    Keep on reading as we dive right in on the steps of how to install your attic fan properly. We will also tackle the right size for an attic fan and how to install one, so keep reading!

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