Roof ventilation rarely ranks among a company’s top considerations when it comes time to begin planning for metal building projects. Even so, it probably should. You see, airflow is one of those elements that most people don’t think about until the situation has become uncomfortable, unhealthy — and unsustainable.
And when things reach that point, it often requires an expensive trip back to the drawing board.
Incorporating quality roof ventilation accessories — and a smart approach — from the very start of a steel building project is the best way to ensure air keeps moving as it should, your structures remain healthy and your people inside remain comfortable and productive. Read on for insights into overall airflow, tips to help you formulate a roof ventilation approach that works, and information regarding how to select the right tools for the job.
Although the idea of improved airflow conjures images of high-powered fans and open windows for most people, roof ventilation plays a crucial role in the process. Let’s take things back to a key lesson from high school physics classes — that warm, less dense air rises.
Industrial operations that carry out regular manufacturing or production work, or which have a large number of people working indoors, are bound to generate heat. When that heat accumulates and rises — but has nowhere to go from there — it creates warm, stuffy spaces. Not only that, but it keeps humidity and fumes trapped inside and leads to an altogether uncomfortable situation.
Roof-top ventilators do a lot of heavy lifting with regard to keeping temperatures and humidity under control, but they don’t do their jobs alone. Ideally, they’re part of a well-thought, science-backed approach to metal building airflow.
As with any steel building accessory, you have a wide range of roof-top ventilator types from which to choose. Of course, not every vent makes sense for every space. Here are a few common roof-top ventilator options you’re likely to find on the market — and a bit of information regarding the benefits they have to offer. A quick note: Every option listed below carries out its work without requiring electricity.
Metallic Products Tip: Interested in learning more about your various roof-top ventilator options? The Metallic Products Ventilators page offers information that’s more in-depth, including available colors, sizes and finishes.
At Metallic Products, we offer two ridge ventilator options: Continuous and low profile. While both carry out the same basic work - and can be installed as a single unit or continuous run - certain distinctions do provide advantages, depending on the situation.
Find Roof Ventilators that Match Your Metal Roof’s Pitch and Panel Type. This helps ensure a weathertight fit that stops unwanted moisture from making its way in. Not only that, but it helps ensure your vents sit at an angle that allows them to carry out their work unimpeded.
Select Vents That Are Up to the Task. Certain roof ventilators are equipped to handle more airflow than others. Incorporating low-volume varieties in environments where you’re churning out heavy manufacturing or production loads on the regular can leave indoor areas woefully under-ventilated — and create unhealthy scenarios. On a related note, be sure you’re adding enough vents to your building. After all, incorporating too few is the same as incorporating vents that can’t handle your workload.
Opt for Roof Vents that Can Withstand the Elements. High winds, heavy rains and the like can all do a number on your steel building accessories. Make sure yours can stand up against whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Seek out products that have undergone (and passed) extensive wind uplift tests, for instance, or those approved for use by the Florida Building Commission. Florida approved products are specifically designed to stay the course and continue carrying out their work in areas regularly impacted by heavy winds.
Incorporate Vents that Complement Your Existing Ventilation System. When it comes to metal building ventilation, more isn’t always better. Roof ventilators installed without louvers, for instance, don’t have what they need to aid in airflow. Similarly, vents placed too close to indoor fans often find pressure working against them — and again, can’t carry out their work. Taking a science-minded approach to your ventilation needs can ensure a system where every piece comes together just right and air keeps moving as it should.
Find Roof Vents that Look Good on Your Building. Aesthetics aren’t the most important aspect of your metal building accessories, but they do matter. Make it a point to find vents with builds you like, and which come in colors and finishes that complement your structure as a whole.
Metallic Products Tip: Your metal building accessories provider can help with every aspect listed above (and more). Bring them into the conversation early on in your planning stages to get your steel building projects off on quality footing right from the very start. If you’re looking for someone to help get your project started, feel free to contact the Metallic Products team.
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