If you build or work out of steel buildings, you’ve likely researched the best types of ventilation systems for your spaces. And if that’s the case, you’ve probably had questions. Is simple wind power enough to keep your building safe? Is powered ventilation an unnecessary expense? Do you need your louvers to be able to open? (On that note, what’s a louver?) At Metallic Products, our crew understands the sheer amount of information out there, and we want to make life easier. Here, we offer an overview of the types of ventilation systems you’re most likely to encounter.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation, as you might recall, is a way of ventilating a space without the use of mechanical means such as power ventilators. By incorporating openings in strategic areas throughout a space in the form of louvers, ridge vents and similar ventilation accessories, you allow fresh, clean air to move into a space, while also ushering warm, stale air — as well as fumes — out.
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation, as we’ve touched on in the past, is a means of helping a building breathe with metal building accessories such as industrial roof-mounted fans or wall-mount fans. These accessories are typically connected through a system of ducts and pipes, refreshing a space by moving air through — and moving heat, fumes and the like out.
Hybrid Ventilation
Hybrid ventilation, as you’ve likely guessed, is an air system comprised of a mix of mechanical and natural components. Also known as “mixed mode ventilation”, it involves fresh air coming into a space through an apex vent, turbine vent or similar ventilation tool, while removing warm, stale or contaminated with help of components such as exhaust fans.
Spot Ventilation
Spot ventilation is a means of keeping air clean and healthy, but on a smaller, more targeted scale. It serves as something of an add-on to your overall ventilation efforts, removing excess heat, humidity and the like in areas where they’re most prevalent. (Think of it like the exhaust fan over your home’s stove.)
The ventilation world can be a fascinating — and complex — thing, but having the right steel building accessories can make a real difference. If you’re interested in learning more about how Metallic Products can aid in your airflow needs, consider reaching out to our team. And if you’re interested in digging deeper into the world of ventilation concepts and the types of ventilation systems out there? We’ve got some great blog posts that touch on the chimney effect, the wind effect and even the differences between passive and mechanical ventilation. Stop by and read up!