How to Install Whirlybird Roof Turbine Vents | 72

Today, on Workshop Edits, I'm installing a set of Whirlybird Roof Turbine vents to help vent heat and moisture build up in my attic. I'll pin and answer as questions as they come in - thanks for watching!
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Written Details:
www.instructables.com/Easy-Wh...
🌳 MATERIALS
2 x 12" Black Aluminum Whirlybird Turbines - amzn.to/3zlCIeH
Roof and Flashing Sealant (Black) - amzn.to/3zIcWmi
Roofing Nails
🗜 TOOLS
Power Drill / SawZaw - amzn.to/2q1l5wn
Jigsaw- amzn.to/2p1bfvK
Pry Bar - amzn.to/3bnfb4X
Other tools: Hammer, Tape Measure, PPP gear, Straight Edge Level, Rubber Mat
📓 Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
0:29 - Why Install Roof Turbines?
2:21 - Tools for the Project
3:58 - Materials for the Projects
5:34 - FAQs about Roof Turbines / Installation
8:34 - The Installation
15:36 - The Wrap Up
Zach

[@workshop_edits]

Few extra tips from folks (ongoing list): Screw on the small holder that attaches the tube to the base before installing the base to avoid losing the small screw to the depths of your attic. Take before and after attic temp measurements so you can evaluate if you need to modify anything after you fully install. Note - changes after can only be minimum, but you can always add more turbines, more soffit vents, or install an additional motorized / solar run fan. Put the vent under 2 shingles instead of 1 it would to minimize the chance of water infiltration under the flashing. The top of your roof is called the "RIDGE", and the vents in the wall are Gable Vents, not soffit vents as I call them. Soffit vents are under your roofing eaves.

[@girlatendofrwjishot]

Also, they spin better if they're placed a bit higher so they catch wind from both directions. Overall good effort!

[@Devildog2856]

I've been a roofer for over 30 years, you did a good job with your install 👍 , if you would of put the vent under 2 shingles instead of 1 it would of minimized the chance of water infiltration under the flashing. NOTE : the top of your roof is called the "RIDGE" , and the vents in the wall are Gable Vents not soffit vents , soffit vents are under your eaves. Over all I give you first time install with instructions only 8 out of 10 keep up the great work , being self sufficient is What it's about 👍🙏

[@workshop_edits]

Thanks for the praise! I used a lot of sealant too so hopefully that makes up for the shingles piece; we have received so much rain in California since installing these and its all held up without issue. Appreciate the extra insight too - gonna pin this comment as its constructive and helpful for people looking for tips.

[@cwardinger]

I installed one of these in the attic part of my garage. It was a first for me. That was several years ago. I really like your video. It covered all the reasons why I installed mine. Having watched this video I am now considering installing two more on the house itself. This was very thorough. Thank you.

[@workshop_edits]

I just went off of the recommendation for square footage - I wouldn't overdue it both for the cost of it and incase too many compromise your roof

[@dantosinferne]

Glad I found this. I'm about to replace one so my job will be easier than yours. I relate with you, I'm no pro, but interested in diy, and I spend a stupid amount of time researching before doing something. It's nice to find someone with similar researchyness so i can save some time. Thank you for sharing all this.

[@workshop_edits]

Glad it was helpful! We sound very alike and to be honest it's a super simple quick project as long as you can mentally get over the hurdle drilling a hole in your perfectly good roof!

[@kathleenadams6421]

Thanks for posting this.

[@workshop_edits]

my pleasure

[@lynettebeckles9842]

Love the way you teach!

[@workshop_edits]

Thank you! 😃

[@2slofouru]

I know the airhawk vents from Lowes and the master flow vents from home depot both had grease in the sliding seams. If you try and put sealant over those seams, it's not going to stay for long. Definitely put sealant over the outside screws and the nails. I plan to wipe everything with brake cleaner to help the sealant stay.

[@workshop_edits]

I just followed the written instructions exactly and it’s held up great ever since with the correct roofing sealant

[@xbrizzcakez]

I`ve done a little roofing, you should have raised the tabs on the upper shingle to fasten the base to the roof, eliminate any perforations to the shingles. Good job!

[@workshop_edits]

Thanks! I think I did do that though? Cheers

[@xbrizzcakez]

@@workshop_edits You did lift the tabs to set the base under the upper shingles, that was pro. The video doesn't`t show you actually nailing through the shingles but at 15 minutes there are nail heads through the shingles, I`m suggesting to lift those tabs and nail the base to the sub roof and then drop the tabs back down and the nails would be under the shingle. 🍷

[@DCice13]

I was actually thinking of doing this yesterday (First time home owner). Also, you could've used the box as a straight edge, since it was at hand.

[@workshop_edits]

I would add - its super simple and it will just help your house life. good call on the straight edge.

[@rshutterbug47]

Nice Job, & I've Heard That The Heat In The Attic Well Cause It To Turn ? Thanks

[@workshop_edits]

The rising heat and a tiny breeze makes it all function

[@johnmalkowic693]

Hi and thx for your video. My question is , is there any codes/rules how close active type vents can be installed to static roof vents . Does it have to be closed to avoid improper air suction from soffits ? (In my case) Thx

[@workshop_edits]

I don’t think I’m qualified to give that advice. These are pretty standard and I followed the guidance in the install directions which feels very universal to roofs overall

[@johnmalkowic693]

@@workshop_edits thank you 👍

[@ewijntuin]

do you have before and after temps of the attic?

[@workshop_edits]

I have before - on hot days - lets say 90-100 degrees - at the peak they were in the 120s+; I have not had a hot day yet (I installed these two days ago) to really get up there and see how it vents. I will say in the two days though, I have noticed my HVAC system running less to maintain the same temps. Right now its 90 ish at my house with a good breeze, they they are working overtime. the attic feels much cooler.

[@M00Nature]

This may be a dumb question but does the turbine vent need passive vents such as soffit vents in order to ventilate the attic? The house I recently purchased was remodeled by a house flipper who covered up soffit vents with siding. I assume I will need to get a roofer to help me create some kind of passive venting before I add a turbine?

[@workshop_edits]

Yes you need to have soffit vents to allow the current to flow in and out

[@M00Nature]

Thanks for the info and very helpful video for the average homeowner who doesn’t know much about attic ventilation!

[@LesPaulLarry]

I'm curious if you noticed a temperature difference in the house, i.e. did your A/C work better. Also, did you take a temperature reading in your attic before and after? Great job!

[@workshop_edits]

I wish I could answer this but no I did not take readings and I wouldn’t be able to tell you if there is a meaningful difference. That being said having these does circulate the cool air in and help your roofs life expectancy so to me they were very worth it knowing they also are helping alleviate the heat - I just don’t have data to show my own before and after

[@andreagriffin2485]

Glad I found this video my husband is a little hesitant to take this on but I believe he can I live in ky I got a quote today from a licensed contractor to install 2 whirlybird 28 inches down from the ridge of my root is gonna cost me $600 that’s just labor I have to buy the whirlybirds and he said a pack of roof shingles is this necessary do you think I am getting ripped off

[@workshop_edits]

You're either taking on the risk of the DIY job, or paying a professional for his years of experience - depends how you value your time, what your skill level is, and how you value your roof. You also might have a more complicated roof than mine.

[@andreagriffin2485]

@@workshop_edits how long would you say this took you?

[@ibjuscoolin]

Thanks for sharing, I too am refusing to pay $400 a piece for installation of two of these.. I think I can follow all of the instructions and do this myself.. $800 for Labor is ridiculous!

[@workshop_edits]

Just remember that you’re paying for professionalism and experience, not necessarily exact hourly labor. It’s a pretty doable easy DIY project, but if you hire a pro, you have to pay them like a pro

[@workshop_edits]

@@andreagriffin2485I would say the total install time was probably 2 hours.

[@dynoesaur]

Is the gable vent facing the front back or sides of your home?

[@workshop_edits]

sides

[@dynoesaur]

@@workshop_edits of course 👍

[@akanesoratobu8889]

i have a question from the pitch of the roof how many inches down does the whirly bird need to be installed by. I tried one and since i did it too low the whirly bird wouldnt level.

[@workshop_edits]

I installed it 30 inches down from the apex of my roof; there is no reason that being too low on the roof should in anyway affect your ability to level it - those two things are not correlated

[@akanesoratobu8889]

oh ok its weird i tried rotating it and got the same result, i even used the leveler each time but someone it would come out slanted. @@workshop_edits

[@workshop_edits]

I recall needing to do two things - one was set the pitch, the other was rotate. It’s been a few years so I’m not 100% sure without the directions but they’re universal and you shouldn’t end up with a slant if you follow directions regardless of pitch. Sorry I couldn’t be more clear

[@ojibberwe7079]

Should've covered at least 1-2 more courses of shingles with the flange.

[@workshop_edits]

for water protection you mean? I can see how that would be a good idea, but between the sealant on top and bottom and the overlay (and a HUGE amount of California rain), it all does seem to have held up totally fine as it but the point is taken for others!

[@akanesoratobu8889]

is a attic without a ventilation similar to how a microwave work? All the condensation builds up on the top and the heat no where to escape?

[@workshop_edits]

Yes

[@akanesoratobu8889]

@@workshop_edits my house currently dont have any vents on top but a gable vent on one side. Would adding two of those turbines be enough for a small home? I currently have mold issues growing on the bottom side of the attic wood.

[@akanesoratobu8889]

@@workshop_edits also how much difference do you feel now compared to how it was before? Do you feel a major difference in temperture change during the summer heat?

[@workshop_edits]

I’m not a roofing professional so I can’t speak to anything beyond what I installed for my set up and house size. I notice very little difference because an attic still will get hot, but I do know they are also keeping my attic healthier long term

[@lonniergmail]

I heard that Vents around the soffit are equally important to the whirlybird up top. They were saying equal air in equal air out...

[@workshop_edits]

Different houses have different types of vents - houses in my area are are near mid attic level, whereas other areas might have soffit intakes

[@peachwedding]

Is there any way to access these without getting on the roof? From the attic?

[@workshop_edits]

What do you mean by access? Like to install, or after installing? What do you need to access them for?

[@akanesoratobu8889]

I think she meant marking the middle of the center point without going inside the attic.

[@akanesoratobu8889]

I installed three of these by following your videos . Unfortunately Home Depot no longer have colored one in stock in my area so I got the silver one. Two of them are doing great but the last one isn’t spinning as much as the other two. Summers coming up so I’m hoping these would help lower the temperature. My attic last summer was 138 F in California all I had were gable vents and one intake. Now with 3 whirly birds installed I’m hoping it would help this year

[@baldeagle8695]

My vent does not turn really freely is this because they are not level properly

[@workshop_edits]

is it newly installed, or old? it needs to be level to work to its fullest capacity; but old and worn down or bent bearings / alignments could be an issue

[@mariepersaud2055]

Hi I don't know anything about whirlybird..I heard a big noise and saw the top part is on my patio.....my question is if it rain tonight my attic will flood. ..my roof is only 5 yrs old. The guy wants 500.00 to put a reg vent...

[@workshop_edits]

These are water proof if installed properly - if it fell off then there is a hole in your roof so water will get in but it probably is fine. Put a tarp over it temporarily to mitigate things. $500 seems right though - you’re paying for their professional experience and materials, not just the hourly installation.

[@BaulDeChinneo]

As someone who had done this many times before u were born i would say you get a C+ from me or 7 out of 10. You blew ot by calling a ridge vent a soffit and by NOT APPLYING YOUR SEALANT IN A WAVE PATTERN!!!!!!!!

[@workshop_edits]

Feels like an 8.5 at a minimum

[@dynoesaur]

The previous owner of the house actually installed one on the garage but not on the home. I wonder why

[@workshop_edits]

Probably picking his battles. Garages with little insulation or climate control really need ventilation to keep it even somewhat usable during summers (at least in SoCal)

[@markomus1]

@@workshop_edits SoCal. I KNEW it! I live in southern California as well and because of the surrounding environment and your comment, "it's kind of like an awful place," was like, "That guy could ALMOST live in my city." That said, I'm glad I found this because I'm installing whirlybirds soon (well...replacing the old ones; they're worn). I was glad to see that there was no insulation on the bottom part of your roof, either (in the attic, that is). Same house builders perhaps? I was afraid someone neglected something, but maybe that's how it is here. At any rate, QUESTION: How did it work out for you? Quite noticeable difference? Do you know what the temperature in the attic was before and is now? With my broken whirlybirds, my temp was at >140℉, which is WAY too hot. It was leaking into my house via the attic access panel. I've installed soffit vents into the eaves, which allows intake of "cool" air. I'll see how it goes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@cybernessful]

Why would do that? Attic is supposed to be hot, this is what pulls all the moister out there.

[@workshop_edits]

I cover this in extreme detail upfront

[@akanesoratobu8889]

putting those whirly bird helps eliminate moisture when its hot, as hot air if not removed turns into humidity thus having a fan or a whirlybird will pull the hot air outside.