When it comes to the overall health and comfort of your home, having an effective roof ventilation system is key. A well-ventilated roof not only regulates temperatures but also safeguards against moisture-related issues within the roof space. If required roof ventilation can be linked directly to the inside of the home via ceiling grilles to assist with managing hot spots, providing direct ventilation to areas where internal mould/mildew may be occurring and to assist with extracting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) gases created within the home.
With a plethora of options available, how do you choose the best type of roof ventilation system for your home? Here we will explore some of the most effective and intriguing options that can breathe new life into your living space.
Ridge Ventilation
Ridge vents have traditionally been used in commercial buildings, however, are being used more in residential homes with metal corrugated roofs. Installed along the peak of the roof, it allows warm, moist air to escape naturally as hot air rises under “heat stack”. The ridge vent can create a continuous flow of hot air out of the roof space but is impacted by wind direction and the creation of negative pressure to create the air flow. If the wind is from the wrong direction, then the ridge vent can be very ineffective, and the heat continues to build up inside.
Benefits:
- Ridge vents can provide ventilation across the entire roof.
- They are subtle and blend seamlessly with the roofline, maintaining the architectural integrity of your home.
Considerations:
It is important to keep in mind that ridge vents will be impacted by wind direction and can be ineffective if wind direction not helping. Relatively ineffective in buildings with flat roofs and/or low ceilings and may require fan assistance.
Solar-Powered Attic Extraction Fans
A smart, sustainable solution, these ventilation fans draw power from the sun to operate, promoting energy efficiency. These fans expel hot air from the roof cavity, preventing it from seeping into your living spaces.
Benefits:
- Harnessing solar power reduces your home’s energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- Effective in both summer and winter, solar extraction fans regulate temperatures and prevent moisture buildup. Many have the ability to monitor roof temperature and relative humidity as pre-sets for operation.
Considerations:
Solar attic fans require ample sunlight for optimal performance. Ensure your roof receives sufficient sunlight for a significant portion of the day or you may want to have a solar extraction fan with battery back-up or a back-up that plugs into 240V power and allows the fan to run when there is not enough sun present.
Wind Driven Turbine Ventilators
Combining modern design with high tech features, wind driven turbine roof ventilation extracts heat and moisture from the roof space without the need for electricity. Strategically placed on your roof, they allow hot air to escape, creating a natural upward airflow.
Benefits:
- Wind turbine vents facilitate efficient air exchange, preventing heat buildup and moisture-related issues.
- Wind turbine vents are effective in light breezes but the stronger the wind the more effective they become as part of a total ventilation system.
- Without using any electricity, they are an energy-efficient form of roof ventilation.
Considerations:
Most 300mm wind turbine roof ventilators used for residential installation will only deal with around 90sqm of roof space so most installations will require a minimum of 2 but up to 4 vents installed. As such it maybe more cost effective to install a greater flow rate capacity solar or mechanical ventilator.
For a seamless aesthetic, choose a wind driven turbine in a complementary colour to your roof.
Static Vents
Static vents, also known as roof louvers or box vents, are static openings on the roof similar to ridge vents. They rely on “heat stack” to allow warm air to escape. Their simplicity makes them a cost-effective ventilation solution.
Benefits:
- Static vents are budget-friendly and require no power source, making them a cost-effective choice.
- With no moving parts, static vents are low-maintenance and durable.
Considerations:
Static vents rely on prevailing winds for effective ventilation. Consider the prevailing wind direction in your area when installing them.
Relatively ineffective in buildings with flat roofs and/or low ceilings and may require fan assistance.
Powered Roof Ventilators
Powered roof ventilators, or attic fans, are electrically operated fans installed on the roof. They actively draw hot air out of the attic or roof cavity, promoting highly efficient ventilation with the ability to monitor roof temperature and humidity for required speed activation.
Benefits:
- Powered fans provide quick and effective ventilation, especially during hot summer days.
- They can regulate attic temperatures and humidity, preventing heat and moisture buildup that can impact your home’s comfort and wellbeing for occupants.
Considerations:
Energy Consumption – While effective, consider the long-term energy costs associated with their operation. Most modern powered roof vents are very cost effective when it comes to power usage and if you have solar panels installed on to your roof then power usage becomes a non-issue.
The ventilation system
Selecting the most appropriate roof ventilators for your home is subject to a number of considerations in relation to the size of the roof space, the volume of air contained within the roof space and insulation within the roof space just to name a few.
You must also consider that the roof ventilators are only part of the ventilation system and that they need to be fed “free or exchange air” in order to be effective. This can be done in a number of ways including installation of under eave vents, gable vents, ceiling grilles or even static vents installed down low on the roof if under eave vents, gable vents or ceiling grilles can’t be installed to provide free air to the roof ventilators. It is important that the roof ventilators are able to draw in cooler outside ambient air or cooler air from within the home via ceiling grilles to flush the roof space of hot air.
Openable roof window skylights
A much more expensive option depending upon your budget and whether you would also like to create a feature within your home that provides natural light as well as ventilation would be to install an openable roof window skylight. These can be manual, electric or solar openable, are double glazed to provide improved thermal performance and come in various sizes dependent upon the area for installation. Multiple roof window skylights are able to be installed side by side (min 100mm apart) in large areas to maximize their affect and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Ventilation System for Your Home
Selecting the best roof ventilation system for your home involves assessing your specific needs, considering the climate in your region, and evaluating your budget. There are many effective options available, and each brings unique benefits to the table. The key lies in finding the perfect balance that keeps your home cooler, dry, and breathing freely. After all, a well-ventilated home is a haven of comfort, ensuring you can relax and breathe easy in every season.
If you are looking for the best roof ventilation or roof window for your home, reach out to Calidad Industries today. For over 25 years, we have been experts in the installation of ventilation, skylights, and sky windows in Perth. Contact us today.
