There are several ways to ensure your home is comfortable and cosy. One approach is by ensuring your roof is adequately ventilated. You may underestimate the pivotal role this plays, but it significantly contributes to bolstering overall well-being within your dwelling.
Today, we will explore choosing the right roof ventilation exhaust fan.
The Role and Function of a Roof Ventilation Exhaust Fan
A roof ventilation exhaust fan operates on a straightforward principle. It pulls out hot, humid air from your attic, paving the way for fresh, cooler outside air to replace it. This air circulation influences the overall temperature within your house and helps prohibit the buildup of moisture that could lead to rot, mould, and destroyed insulation.
Choosing the Right Exhaust Fan for Your Roof
As you select a roof ventilation exhaust fan system tailored to your home, note the distinction between passive and active vents.
Passive vents facilitate the natural flow of air in and out of a building. This process, known as convection, produces a gradual yet continuous air circulation in your roof cavity. The operation is simple: hot air ascends naturally while cooler air simultaneously enters from below.
A motor, fan blades and a turbine actively push out the air in the cavity; they simultaneously pull fresh air inside to circulate throughout your roof space.
Both passive and active vents constitute an effective roof ventilation exhaust fan system: the former facilitates inbound fresh air flow while allowing outbound stale air concurrently; by incorporating active vents–a process that accelerates the rate of atmospheric turnover within your roof space–you optimise this system’s functionality. As a result, you create more effective and efficient ventilation.
To ensure the effectiveness of your roof ventilation system, you must install the vents and fans in strategic positions. Ideally, place passive vents that draw fresh air under eaves or low within shady areas of your structure; this method ensures a cool entry point for incoming airflow. Appropriately positioning these low-lying ventilators guarantees sustained circulation of refreshing coolness throughout an ample space atop roofing structures.
Place the active vents high on the roof to push out warm, stale air. The fan will draw cool air in from passive vents as warm air rises and expels it; this process facilitates the circulation of fresh inside your space.
Selecting The Right Size Roof Ventilation Fan Exhaust
An average Australian home needs 10 air changes per hour unless you live in a tropical, humid area or have moisture issues at home, escalating the need. Consequently, the air must circulate—entering and exiting—ten times each hour. Achieving higher rates of air changes facilitates maintaining a healthy temperate environment.
Therefore, when you calculate the volume of air in your roof, you must ensure the roof ventilation exhaust fan system’s capability to circulate this volume ten times within an hour.
Types Of Roof Ventilation Exhaust Fans
There are three types, which are classified by power source. They are:
- Mains Fans– that rely on electricity from the main grid to operate.
- Solar- Exhaust fans that run on solar power
- Wind or Whirly Birds– These are essentially turbines you mount on your roof that use wind power to work and ventilate the roof.
Of the three, the solar-powered ones are the most powerful and efficient. They also help you save money as some models have a battery that stores power for continuous operations on cloudy days and overnight.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that roof ventilation is indispensable for your house, and an exhaust fan is a great option. If you opt for the solar type, it is best to consult a reputable solar energy expert for advice on choosing the right fan and proper installation.
