Hi. First post here!
I'm installing a gable-mount attic fan in my attic (go figure!). I purchased an aluminum shutter-type gable vent (Master Flow 20” Power Gable Vent Shutter from Home Depot). I basically have all of the inside-of-the-attic stuff either planned out or finished. I have yet to cut the 16 1/2" x 16 1/2" hole in the side of my house, which has vinyl siding.
Here's the problem...I don't have a ladder tall enough to get to the exterior part where the vent is going. There is actually a lower roof level that I could stand on, but it's a 45-degree pitch and way high off the ground. I started thinking...could I possibly do the entire install from inside the attic? I think I’ve worked out the details enough where yes, it’s possible.
I’ll cut the hole from the inside; drill the eight vent mounting holes through the plywood using the vent itself as a template; insert the two top carriage bolts into the vent’s mounting holes and glue them in place so they won’t fall out; insert flashing and a drip guard across the top; apply caulk around the edges of the vent; stick the whole vent diagonally through the hole (perhaps tying a string to it, just in case); hope the top two bolts align with the holes; secure bolts with locknuts on the inside; then stick my hand through the vent vanes and insert the remaining six bolts and fasten them.
The main question I have: Do you think a reciprocating saw would work for the cutting, going through both plywood and vinyl siding? I’d probably have to use a bimetal blade, since there may be nails in the way. The siding is 13 years old, so I’m not sure how much splintering might happen. The edges don’t have to be super clean, since they’ll be hidden by the vent flange. I’ve thought about using a circular saw to go just ¾” deep, then using a utility knife or something for the siding. But it’d sure be easier to use a recip saw. Any thoughts?
And, of course, any obvious reasons why I can’t pull off the above stunt?
I'm installing a gable-mount attic fan in my attic (go figure!). I purchased an aluminum shutter-type gable vent (Master Flow 20” Power Gable Vent Shutter from Home Depot). I basically have all of the inside-of-the-attic stuff either planned out or finished. I have yet to cut the 16 1/2" x 16 1/2" hole in the side of my house, which has vinyl siding.
Here's the problem...I don't have a ladder tall enough to get to the exterior part where the vent is going. There is actually a lower roof level that I could stand on, but it's a 45-degree pitch and way high off the ground. I started thinking...could I possibly do the entire install from inside the attic? I think I’ve worked out the details enough where yes, it’s possible.
I’ll cut the hole from the inside; drill the eight vent mounting holes through the plywood using the vent itself as a template; insert the two top carriage bolts into the vent’s mounting holes and glue them in place so they won’t fall out; insert flashing and a drip guard across the top; apply caulk around the edges of the vent; stick the whole vent diagonally through the hole (perhaps tying a string to it, just in case); hope the top two bolts align with the holes; secure bolts with locknuts on the inside; then stick my hand through the vent vanes and insert the remaining six bolts and fasten them.
The main question I have: Do you think a reciprocating saw would work for the cutting, going through both plywood and vinyl siding? I’d probably have to use a bimetal blade, since there may be nails in the way. The siding is 13 years old, so I’m not sure how much splintering might happen. The edges don’t have to be super clean, since they’ll be hidden by the vent flange. I’ve thought about using a circular saw to go just ¾” deep, then using a utility knife or something for the siding. But it’d sure be easier to use a recip saw. Any thoughts?
And, of course, any obvious reasons why I can’t pull off the above stunt?
