Framing for Air Returns

June 4, 2021

Last night I was reviewing the plans and realized I still hadn’t modified the attic wall to make room for the two air return vents.

Each vent will be 22.5 in. x 22.5 in., fitting between standard 24 in. OC stud layout. One feeds the heating/cooling system, the other is split and feeds the dehumidifier (60%) and ERV (40%).

To achieve symmetrical layout, I had to modify the attic wall, as one of the vents is right in the middle of a stud.

Spray foam insulation will be applied to this wall, but I’ll have them skip over the areas of OSB that will be cut out for the vents.

I used a reciprocating saw to quickly remove a section of the stud, and then screwed in some new boards around where the vent will be. These will provide structural strength and drywall backing.

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