Introduction:
Roofs are overhead structures that help protect the interior and the occupants from various external factors. Ventilation is the process of allowing the air from outside and the interiors of an enclosed space to exchange - causing an air circulation. Ventilation helps replace the stale air from the enclosed space by the fresh air from the outside environment. Like how walls have windows, roofs also have ventilation facilities to allow air to circulate within the space. A roof vent consists of an Intake vent and exhaust vent.
How does roof ventilation work?
A roof ventilation has two components- Intake vents and exhaust vents. Intake vents are provided along the overhangs near the end where the roof and the wall meet, while the exhaust vents are provided over the upper tip of the roof. The circulation of fresh and the stale air happens though these intake and exhaust vents. The hot humid air is drawn out from the exhaust vent and the fresh cold air from the environment flows in through the intake vent. Usually it is ideal to have an equal number of intake and exhaust vents. But, if there are more intake vents, the cold air flows in more creating a pressure and faster elimination of the hot humid air from the exhaust vent.
Why is roof ventilation required?
Roof ventilation are created during an installation of the roof or during roof repair. In coastal areas of India, like Kerala, it is ideal to maintain your roof after every rainy season to avoid damage caused by moisture collection. Roof ventilation is vital for proper air circulation. Stale air circulating inside the space tends to grow moss and moisture collection on the roof. It also leads to spread of infections in the air.
Benefits of Roof ventilation:
- Roof ventilation helps in increasing the lifespan of the roof. The vents prevent the moisture from collecting on the roof and causing dampness. The dry air keeps the roof breathing and fresh.
- As there is constant air circulation, the load on the air conditioner is decreased. This helps in increasing the energy efficiency of the building and curbs the heat emitted in the environment.
- The roof ventilation helps in preventing the roof from moisture damage of the roof interiors.
- If the whole space is enclosed with no ventilation, the temperature of the space increases. However with good roof ventilation, it helps in decreasing and regulating the temperature of the space and maintaining it at ideal room temperature.
Conclusion:
Roof vents are important in coastal areas owing to the extreme tropical conditions the area witnesses. Onduline has a range of roofing sheets and roofing tiles that are lightweight, eco-friendly and provide great thermal comfort. They also withstand high-speed winds of the coastal areas. The roofing sheets and tiles are available in a variety of colours like green, red and brown based on the preference of the user.