HELP! I had to replace a rotting gable vent. The replacement is a half moon consisting of a rectangular functional vent with a half round molding attached. The problem with the new one is the molding is not long enough on each side and leaves a gap on each side of the exterior walls. Should I try to "patch" the compressed wood "siding" or try to get molding and extend the molding to obscure the gaps? If I can fill in the gaps about 2 1/2 X 2" each, what product do I use? Please help. As a woman this is not my field of expertise. Thank you for your input.
Vickie Davenport

Hi Vickie, if I understand your question, you are probably better off using wood of some kind to fill the gaps.

My temptation (again, if I'm picturing it properly) would probably be to affix trim - either to siding or to the new vent - then plug into place, then affix (nail or screw) and caulk well.

You could even place the new vent on a piece of exterior-grade plywood with a cut-out to fit your new vent. I'd use thin plywood (1/4 or 3/8") and get help cutting the hole for the new vent if you need it (you'd need a jig saw).

There are different ways to handle it, but - whatever your solution - it will be exposed to the elements so it should be exterior-grade stuff. It is certainly common practice to trim out something to fit with your application.

Hope this makes sense. If not, hopefully others (if not me) will step in with advice.

speaking of advice - be careful on ladders! :-) take care!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

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