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Considerations for Metal Buildings Circulation



In recent years metal buildings have gained popularity across a wide range of industries — and for a wide range of uses — thanks to their durable, versatile and affordable nature. It’s important to note, however, that not every structure is the same. To serve its end user well, and to ensure longevity of the structure itself, a metal building must maintain a quality ventilation system.

A well-designed ventilation system doesn’t just enhance indoor air quality and create a more comfortable indoor environment. It also helps stave off condensation buildup, temperature fluctuations and growth of mold and mildew, all of which can impact a building’s overall lifespan. Here, Metallic Products’ ventilation experts are covering key considerations for building owners and contractors to keep in mind when incorporating a ventilation system into an upcoming build — or even for those looking to upgrade airflow after construction is complete.
 





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What Factors Should You Consider When Adding Ventilation Systems to Steel Buildings?


Ensuring adequate metal building airflow requires more than opening windows and installing a few fans. It’s important to ensure your ventilation accessories are built to last, installed in the right places (and in the right way) and that they’re up to the unique challenges your operations present. Here are some things to keep in mind.
 
  • Assess Your Structure’s Unique Ventilation Needs: The first step in creating a successful ventilation system is to gauge the type and amount of airflow needed to keep operations running safely. Consider factors such as the building's purpose, everyday manufacturing or production output, occupancy levels, internal heat sources and local climate conditions.
     
  • Keep Science in Mind When Incorporating Ventilation Systems: Remember, sufficient airflow is crucial for effective ventilation. Your system’s design should facilitate proper air circulation throughout the entire building, ensuring that fresh air enters and stale air exits on a consistent basis. You’ll want to make sure the louvers and vents you incorporate into your ventilation systems don’t compete with other systems that cancel one another’s efforts out.

Metallic Products Tip: If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to assessing such issues, our hygrothermal dynamics blog post offers helpful tips for a science-backed approach to airflow.
 

  • Decide Between Natural or Mechanical Ventilation (or a Mix of Both): Evaluate the feasibility of both natural (or unpowered) ventilation, and mechanical ventilation options which require electricity. A natural approach often means incorporating strategically placed wall louvers, windows and buildings vents into a design. Mechanical ventilation, meanwhile, draws help from accessories such as industrial roof-mounted fans or exhaust fans. Many metal building contractors find success by incorporating a combination of both into their ventilation systems.
     
  • Opt for Ventilation Accessories that are Built to Last: From potential exposure to extreme weather scenarios, to wear and tear that comes with regulating airflow in high-output operations, your metal building accessories are likely to be put through their paces. Look at more than price tags when selecting the right tools for the job. Seek out accessories that are within budget and engineered for unique environmental and operational needs. At Metallic Products, we offer a range of Florida approved products for use in areas regularly impacted by high wind scenarios and the like.
     
  • Keep Energy Bills in Mind: Consider incorporating ventilation solutions that promote energy efficiency. Accessories that aid in temperature control, for instance, can help reduce reliance on HVAC systems while lowering overall energy consumption. Complementary building accessories, such as personnel door canopies installed above cooling units, can also help keep costs in check (and keep your systems healthy).

 


Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Selecting and Installing Ventilation Systems


No steel building project ever goes exactly to plan, but you can sidestep many surprises by entering into a project aware of what could (and often does) go wrong.



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Inadequate Sizing: An improperly sized ventilation system, or one that incorporates too few louvers and vents, will fail to provide the desired airflow. This can lead to a system that’s inefficient and indoor environments that are unsafe — and uncomfortable — for those who frequent your metal buildings.


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Poor Placement: As we touched on earlier, incorrectly placed vents or exhaust fans can create dead zones where air circulation is limited, reducing the ventilation system’s overall effectiveness. This includes placing ventilation accessories too close to other cooling systems, such as installing ridge vents directly above large ceiling fans.


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Ignored Maintenance: An ideal ventilation system will require very little maintenance — but some TLC is always necessary. Neglecting to clean your ventilation accessories or replace damaged elements can lead to clogged vents and reduced airflow, ultimately compromising the entire system. Neglect can also turn your building accessories into eyesores.


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Overlooking Noise Levels: Some ventilation equipment can generate noise, which may be a concern depending on the steel building's location and purpose. Be mindful of selecting quieter ventilation options when needed. At Metallic Products, for instance, the belt drive version of our jet upblast fan tends to be quieter than the direct drive option which is powered by motors.


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Using Low-Quality Accessories: Investing in subpar ventilation accessories may result in premature wear and tear. Such issues lead to costly repairs and replacements — and oftentimes reduced system performance, too.

Seek Help from a Ventilation Accessory Provider You Know and Trust


Ensuring adequate airflow for your metal buildings might not be rocket science, but it isn’t always cut and dried, either. We recommend looping your accessory manufacturer in at the start of a project to ensure airflow needs are met from square one. Why? Although it is possible to circle back and fix an imperfect approach, doing so can be costly — and can grind operations to a halt while crews remove ventilation elements, relocate them and install them in areas better suited for the building’s needs.
 

 

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