Frame roofs of all types are designed in such a way that water vapor and moisture constantly accumulate inside the structure. Because of this, over time, the roof insulation is destroyed. A simple but very effective device - a roof aerator - will help remove this destructive moisture. You will learn about the benefits and advantages of installing the device, the main characteristics, installation features and much more from this publication.
A roof aerator is a simple device against the destruction of thermal insulation in a house.
Content
- 1 What is aerator: general information about the device
- 2 Roofing aerators: fighting moisture sources
- 3 Roof aerator: reasons for installing the device
- 4 Aerators for soft roofs: the principle of operation and functions of devices
- 5 Types of Technonikol roof aerators: device features
- 6 Technology for installing aerators on a soft roof
- 7 Roof aerators: prices for a ventilation device
- 8 DIY aerators: installation instructions
What is aerator: general information about the device
A soft roof aerator is a special device that is mounted under the roofing material on the roof. The main task of the device is to remove excess moisture from the under-roof space. Installation of aerators prevents the destruction of the roofing under the influence of precipitation and moisture that forms in the space under the roof.
An aerator is needed in order to remove excess moisture from the under-roof space
With the help of an aerator, the roof is filled with fresh air. This allows stale air, dust, condensation, moisture and gases that are formed as a result of temperature changes, microcracks in the waterproofing layer to be removed from the ventilation cushion. If you do not use a ventilation device, then over time the roof will sink, and the roof will begin to collapse from the inside.
Useful advice! Experts recommend installing a deflector not only for structures with a slope, but also using aerators for a flat roof made of tiles or profile decking.
Roofing aerators: fighting moisture sources
Moisture in the insulation may come from the external environment. The reason for this is most often mechanical damage or deficiencies in the roofing. Also, moisture can appear as a result of damage to the vapor barrier. Climate changes, which do not depend on the wishes of a person, also contribute to an increase in moisture and soak insulation.
In the event that the layer of thermal insulation in the roof is gaining an excess amount of moisture, it will not be possible to solve the problem of water seeping through the roof without special methods of drainage. It is possible to replace the damaged layer only with a complete disassembly and repair of the roof. This process is laborious and financially costly.Plus, not every homeowner will be able to do such costly jobs.
The aerator is the most effective and cheapest way to deal with excess moisture
The problem can be solved by dehumidification. But these works are problematic to perform, since the place of leakage is difficult to determine. In addition, they will have to be carried out often. The optimal solution is to install ventilation aerators.
Roof aerator: reasons for installing the device
The lifespan of a roof depends on various factors:
- high-quality heat and waterproofing;
- correct use of roofing materials;
- timely preventive examination and repair work.
During operation, the roof receives mechanical damage. Water seeps through it and collects in certain places under the roof covering. In the warm season, the roof is heated by the sun's rays, which means that the water also heats up. As a result, the liquid tries to escape. Due to the lack of such an outlet, water creates excessive pressure on the roof covering from the inside. This becomes the cause of the bloating of the roof.
The sun's rays can heat the roof surface up to 90 ° C or more. Roofing rolls contain bitumen-polymer substances, the physical characteristics of which change under the influence of temperature fluctuations. When heated, the coating forms a sealed enclosed space in which steam is generated from water. It is he who exerts high pressure on the coating, which can be up to 2-2.5 tons per square meter.
The principle of operation of a roof aerator
Trying to find a way out, water seeps through the screed, thereby destroying the thermal insulation layer and forming leaks on the ceiling. Finding a leak is very difficult. You can solve the problem by using a plastic aerator. Installation of the device allows you to remove water vapor without causing new damage to the coating itself.
Installation of aerators is carried out both when installing a new roof and when repairing an existing coating. The devices reduce the pressure in the under-roof space and allow water vapor to escape before they harm the roof. In addition, condensation is prevented by the installed aerators.
This allows you to extend the life of the roof, and also makes it possible to significantly save on roof repairs. In addition, moisture deteriorates the thermal insulation characteristics of the insulation material. Moistening by at least a couple of percent increases the thermal conductivity of the insulation by 30-40%. As a result, much more money will be needed for heating. Also, waterlogging of the insulation leads to the appearance of mold.
The installation of the aerator must be taken very seriously. The main thing is to choose a high-quality and reliable ridge or flat device. The assortment of TechnoNIKOL products - lightweight and durable metal roofing aerators - has proven itself well.
Installing an aerator can significantly extend the life of the roof
Useful advice! In order for the aerator to effectively perform its functions, it must be periodically cleaned of dirt and stagnant water accumulated in the pipes of the device. To make this possible, a valve is provided in the design, which allows you to easily remove the top layer of roofing material.
Aerators for soft roofs: the principle of operation and functions of devices
You can ventilate the roof naturally or use forced technology. Natural ventilation consists of exposing certain parts of the roof covering. The sun's rays and fresh air must pass through these openings.
The compulsory method of ventilation and drainage of the roof insulation consists in installing branch pipes (aerators) according to a certain scheme. The principle of operation of this device is simple: it is based on the creation of thrust in the device. Low pressure areas are formed in the pipe of the TechnoNIKOL roof aerator.This is possible due to wind currents outside the device and due to the pressure difference in the environment and in the under-roof space. The main task of aerators is as follows:
- facilitate the removal of rising water vapor before it begins to damage the roofing;
- reduce the pressure on the roof covering that causes bubbles to form on soft-roofed flat roofs;
- prevent the formation of condensation.
The aerator removes water vapor, reduces pressure on the roof covering and prevents condensation
Typically an aerator is a pipe with a diameter of 63 to 110 mm. The structure is covered from above with an umbrella, which is designed to protect against precipitation. Most often, low pressure polyethylene is used for the manufacture of aerators.
The device itself does not remove moisture. The device is a channel that performs excellent air exchange. Fresh air, in turn, dehumidifies the interior space of frame roofs and maintains an optimal air humidity value. This means that all functions of the aerator are reduced to providing optimal conditions for natural air exchange without external interference.
The peculiarity of the device is that it is effective in any weather at any time of the year. Even cloudy weather does not become an obstacle to the free movement of air, which is located in the inner space of the roof cover. The aerator is a guarantee that humid air from the external environment does not get under the roof, at the same time it provides an outlet for the accumulated moist air.
Useful advice! Free air circulation can be obstructed by an attic window or a roof-mounted lantern. Therefore, in such places on both sides of the obstacle, it is reasonable to install an aerator. At the same time, the roof will be perfectly ventilated.
The aerator serves as a channel through which air exchange occurs
Types of Technonikol roof aerators: device features
Roof aerators come in a variety of sizes and models. They are used to ventilate the space under the roof, remove condensate and remove water vapor. Installation can be carried out both during construction and on the finished roof. This device is necessary to timely prevent rotting in the roofing sheet and eliminate the likelihood of roof leaks.
Installation of aerators for roofs covered with metal-plastic tiles is carried out in the upper part as close to the ridge as possible. The body of the device is made on the basis of a material that is most resistant to the influence of substances with a high acid content, to ultraviolet exposure, corrosion, temperature extremes. Stainless steel and high-strength plastic are best suited for this purpose.
Installation of TechnoNIKOL aerators for soft roofs is carried out evenly over the entire surface at the highest points. Such devices are capable of withstanding temperatures from -50 to + 90 ° C. They are suitable for roofs and coverings of any type.
When determining the number of required aerators, the technical characteristics of the devices and the roof area are taken into account. Also, this value is influenced by the condition of the roofing and the concentration of moisture inside the room. Roof aerators are of two types:
Roof aerators Technonikol are of two types - point and continuous
- point - provide ventilation of individual sections of the roof;
- continuous - they are mounted along the entire length of the roof and are intended for general ventilation of the under-roof space.
Spot aerators are available in two versions:
- Sloping devices - designed for installation on an inclined roof plane. Most often, this version of point models is installed in those places where the accumulation of water vapor is most intense.
- Ridge pipes - mounted on the roof ridge. This option helps to remove moisture throughout the roof structure.Such aerators work on the basis of convection, using the property of warm steam to rise up.
To increase the efficiency of ventilation, pitched aerators must be correctly installed and placed. It is recommended that the distance from the device to the ridge be small, namely about 15 cm. If the insulation is not made for the ridge, then moisture will concentrate in the upper part. Installing the fixture will fix this problem.
For sloped roofs, Technonikol produces sloped models
The advantage of ridge aerators for soft roofs is the ability of the device not only to perform a ventilation function, but also to remove harmful fumes from the roofing materials. In addition, ridge models are almost completely hidden under the roof, which means that it is difficult to notice them from the outside.
Useful advice! It is better to install point pitched aerators on slopes of significant length, on roof planes that have a complex structure, on ridges.
Technology for installing aerators on a soft roof
The installation technique for aerators is as follows:
- In the place where the installation of the device is planned, a hole is cut in the screed. It is important to make sure that it goes right up to the point where the insulation is located.
- If in this place the insulation turns out to be wet, then it must be immediately replaced with a dry material with thermal conductivity corresponding to the required characteristics.
- To securely attach the aerator, a layer of special mastic must be applied to the lower base of the device pipe.
- The devices are attached to the screed with self-tapping screws, which must be evenly distributed around the circumference of the device pipe. They will need about 6 pcs.
- An additional layer of waterproofing material will help protect the base of the ventilation pipe more thoroughly.
The installation quality of the aerator depends on the type of roof, its size and condition
The need to install aerators is determined depending on the shape of the roof, its dimensions, as well as the air humidity in the room itself and the general condition of the roof. For example, if the roof is flat, of a simple configuration with standard parameters, then for every 100 sq. m, experts advise installing one aerator. It is also important to ensure that the distance between structures does not exceed 12 m.
Useful advice! For objects with high humidity (baths, saunas, laundries, swimming pools), it is better to entrust the exact calculation of the placement of points for the installation of aerators to the engineers of design organizations.
Roof aerators: prices for a ventilation device
Modern manufacturers provide a wide selection of different roof aerators. The price for the simplest models starts from 260 rubles, and the cost for the most expensive device reaches 3000 rubles. Let's consider several examples of devices with different parameters and differing costs, so that it is easier to navigate in the variety of models.
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450 rubles - the price of a roofing aerator consisting of three parts and equipped with a special ring for pressing against the roof covering for better insulation. The device has the following parameters: height - 260 mm, weight - 330 grams. Such a device is intended for an area of 50-60 square meters.
In order for the aerator to serve for a long time, it is better to buy an expensive and high-quality model
A similar model with improved aesthetic qualities, designed for use in regions with a lot of snow, can be bought for 550 rubles. One such device serves 50-60 square meters of roofing. Product parameters: height - 360 mm, weight - 320 grams.
850 rubles - the price of an aerator consisting of four parts: a pressure ring, two base-skirts and a unique cap. Designed to create additional thrust in the pipe.The model's cap increases the efficiency of the device several hundred times. Construction dimensions: weight - 1.23 kg, height - 470 mm. Such aerator is designed for 80-100 square meters of roof.
You can buy a roof aerator, consisting of four parts, which is used when ventilation is needed over the insulation, for 950 rubles. This device effectively copes with the ventilation of 50-60 square meters of the roof. The height of such a device is 340 mm, and the weight is 780 g.
The cost of the Technonikol roofing aerator 160x460 mm (diameter, height) is 990 rubles. This model is made of propylene and a block copolymer, which provides high reliability and resistance to environmental influences. The manufacturer promises that the product will provide reliable operation for 25 years. Experts recommend installing one TechnoNIKOL ridge aerator per 100-150 square meters. It is considered optimal to place devices in the ridge of the roof at a distance of 6-8 meters, and at the highest points.
Prices for roofing aerators range from 260 to 3000 rubles
You will have to spend 1150 rubles to buy a three-part roofing aerator, the principle of which is based on the pressure difference created by the air flows. The model's hood is designed to help create extra thrust. The device is recommended for use on a roof with an area of 80-100 sq. meters. The model has the following parameters: weight - about 1000 g, height - 450 mm.
About 1,300 rubles will be spent on the purchase of the KTV Technonikol point aerator. It is best to use this model for shingle roofing. The product is made of low pressure polypropylene. The ventilated area of the roof space is 5-10 m².
Helpful advice! If you want to avoid unscheduled repair of the roof and ceilings of the room, then it is better to buy an expensive aerator for the roof. You should not save on such a device.
DIY aerators: installation instructions
It is quite possible to make an aerator yourself. You do not need to have special skills, knowledge and experience for this. It is only important to adhere to the following requirements for creating a device:
You can install the aerator yourself without special experience and knowledge.
- The base of the product must be steel. Normal steel does not have sufficient strength. It is best to choose a material with chrome or nickel.
- The dimensions depend on the needs of the roof and the climatic conditions of the region. Dry areas do not require large aerators.
- For a roof made of metal, a PVC pipe can be used.
After the manufacture of all the necessary parts, the product is installed. First of all, holes are made in the roof that have the same diameter as the aerator pipe. The lower part of the ventilation pipe and the corner of the gutter must be lubricated with sealant, oil or special mastic and securely fixed at the base with self-tapping screws.
To reduce to zero the probability of the roof covering getting wet from the inside and filling the aerator pipes with water or dust, a special skirt is installed on the upper part, which will protect the device from external factors. The entire structure must be treated with waterproofing from above.
Helpful advice! During installation, experienced craftsmen insulate the area where the aerator pipe will be installed.
To install the aerator correctly, you must strictly follow the instructions
A roof aerator is a device that allows you to free the under-roof space from excess moisture and steam and to protect the roof structure from decay, mold and damage. Removal of vapors will prevent the appearance of bubbles on the roofing, will protect from an increase in the level of thermal conductivity of the insulation, as well as from the destruction of the screed and waterproofing.
The need to install a ventilation system is directly related to the complexity of the roof structure, its dimensions, as well as the humidity in the room.When installing several devices for ventilation, it is necessary to adhere to a distance between them equal to 12 m.
The device can be installed at any stage of roof construction, even on an already finished roof. The cost of aerators depends on the specific model and is in the range of 260-3000 rubles. This device does not require special maintenance. It is sufficient to clean it once a year. The rest of the device is considered completely autonomous.
A well-planned roof must have aerators. Mistakes made when installing the device will lead to even greater problems with the roof. Therefore, if you are unsure of your abilities, then it is better to entrust this process to professionals who have mastered all the subtleties of performing these works.
