Home Improvement question for you DIY's...

[ToolGuy]

OK, I have two Gables or Louvers, whatever you want to call them on my house, one at each side of the house at the attic ends. Here is what I am asking. Both vents are made of plastic and from being weathered and old, are like paper thin and have surface cracks. If hit by something they will surely break apart. My house is aluminum sided and sided right to these vents on all four sides of the vent. I can find the parts at the local home centers so that is not an issue. How do I go about replacing these vents? Do I break them apart and than mount the new vents inside through the attic hole and caulk everything in? Do I have to cut the siding to remove them, that would not be fun!(please no smart guys stating yeah I know, call someone! I basically do everything myself so that is not an option here )Thanks,

[joatmon]

I can't say without knowing how it's all put together. which parts overlap which other parts, how closely the replacement matches the original, etc.

[nygiantzz1]

You can break out or cut the old ones. Make sure you clear out any nails and pieces of the nail hem that may be stuck behind the siding. The siding should be loose enough to fit in the new gable vent. You can try liquid nails or a similar product to secure the vent in place. I would try to angle in a couple wood or sheetrock screws on each side under the outer lip on the vent. Use a long bit holder so you don't mark up the new vent with drill chuck and wear gloves(aluminum siding has nasty edges).

[ToolGuy]

Currently it appears the vents were put in first, nailed in place or other means to secure but I cannot see, then the siding is sided right up to the vents and than caulk finishes off the gap/crack between the two materials. Thus why I cannot see if there is a fastener under the siding holding the vent in place. I have not gone into the attic to inspect from that side but from watching new construction on homes, it looks like the vent is put in first, than the siding of choice sides up to it.

[nygiantzz1]

Quote, originally posted by ToolGuy »Currently it appears the vents were put in first, nailed in place or other means to secure but I cannot see, then the siding is sided right up to the vents and than caulk finishes off the gap/crack between the two materials. Thus why I cannot see if there is a fastener under the siding holding the vent in place. I have not gone into the attic to inspect from that side but from watching new construction on homes, it looks like the vent is put in first, than the siding of choice sides up to it. You are correct, the vent is nailed in first. There is no need to go into the attic. You can do everything from the outside. With a little prying, you should be able to loosen the siding enough to squeeze the new vent in. the outer lip of the vent will keep the siding inplace once you install it.

[ToolGuy]

OK then I should probably buy the replacements which I think I will get vinyl from the Home Depot and there is a trim ring with it if I remember correctly to go over it lastly. If worst comes to worst I put them in, screw through the aluminum and then caulk over the screws and crack.

[jimincalif]

Much like window replacements are done it should be possible to replace these, with the end result being that it looks good from outside and no leaks. Before actually removing them, I think the first thing would be to find out what is available for replacements and how they install. This will guide you as to how careful you need to be in removing the old ones and dealing with the siding. Given that the old ones are plastic you can probably break them clean back flush with the siding or pull the nailers out sideways letting the old plastic tear around the nails (seen this done with old aluminum window frames).

[ou.grizzly]

ToolGuy,Are you able to post a picture or are you going to go ahead and tackle this project this up coming weekend? From past experiences those vents are installed 1st and the siding is placed on top if I remember correctly.If there is a way to slide a new one in underneath without damaging the siding and caulking it to keep any moisture out that may be the best avenue.

[nygiantzz1]

Home Depot should have exactly what you need. Vinyl is what you want, preferrably with a screen installed in the vent ( keeps bees and small critters out of the attic). If the siding was installed tight, you can cut small notches in it to allow you screw the vent down without denting the siding.

[ToolGuy]

Hey! I am only one for a few minutes here and can't grab a photo right now but I was not going to do the project this weekend... Not for a few more weeks really but just wanted to start thinking about it before winter.I did stop at the Home Depot and saw what was in stock. White vinyl, it has a trim ring and the box said for aluminum and vinyl and all types of siding. I than went home and measured my size and it came to 14 x 20, so I may have to order them.I also looked at my siding and it appears like nygiantzz1 said I can somewhat move it around when the old one is out. I also figured I can heat the new gables with a hair dryer or heat gun so I can bend them in place too. All of which remains to be seen, not until I pull an old one out. I appreciate everyone help and that is why I ask since we can all help each other with any thing for it seems someone has done whatever before and can help...OU, I take it that is Oakland University? Great school, I live close to it in Rochester.

[Sublimewind]

Usually vinyl siding vents have a groove all around them for the siding to slide into so you don't see any gaps... This usually requires you to remove the siding, but being aluminum, that will be VERY difficult without ruining it... The vents usually have a large flange around them to attach to the hous to... I HAVE seen them that have a removable flange, so you mount it, side up to it, and then snap in the outer part of the flange.. like so... http://www.duraflo.com/install/ins_gablevents.html

[sam999]

hello all,I saw your post and wanted to give you the heads up on a site that may help to answer all your questions.Home Renovation Guide it is called: home improvements Or have you taken care of the trouble already?