How to Vent a Barn Roof

Whether your barn is used for storage or to shelter horses or livestock, venting the barn's roof will prevent moisture buildup inside of the barn. This moisture can lead to mildew, wall and ceiling damage and high humidity levels inside of the barn. Venting the roof also keeps airborne pathogens, carbon dioxide levels and high summer temperatures in check. In the winter, venting hot air that is trapped near the roof can prevent ice dams that can damage your barn's roof and gutters.

Roofing nails
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Pry bar
Reciprocating saw
Dust mask
Safety goggles
Roofing cement
Roof vent
Putty knife
Calk
Shingles (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a spot for the roof vent from the inside of the barn. The ideal spot is between two rafters and is free of wires and objects that will block airflow. Drive a long nail through the center of the spot.
- 2
  Mark the outline for the vent on the outside of the roof using a pencil or chalk. Be sure the lines are straight and the space is centered on the nail. Allot the amount of space recommended by the vent's manufacturer.
- 3
  Cut the shingles along the outline of the vent with the utility knife and remove the shingles inside of that space. Pry away nails and stuck-on shingles with the pry bar if necessary.
- 4
  Cut the roof with the reciprocating saw along the outline of the vent. Wear safety equipment -- including goggles and a dust mask while sawing -- and be sure your footing is secure on the roof.
- 5
  Apply roofing cement to the edges of the hole and install the vent. The vent's topmost flanges should be positioned beneath the surrounding shingles. The vent's bottommost flanges should be on top of the surrounding shingles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when securing the vent to the roof.
- 6
  Calk around the edges of the vent and nail in replacement shingles around the vent, if needed.

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