Calculation of aerators for a soft roof. Roof aerator

Installation of a soft roof is only at first glance easy and simple. Of course, this is not a ceramic tile, but you should pay attention to every little thing. Many people, constructing buildings on their own, want to save money. But many experts do not recommend doing this, especially when it comes to roof ventilation. If you don't install it, you may run into a lot of problems.

Aerators for soft roofs are a prerequisite, without which your roof will become unusable in a matter of years. The roof will begin to leak, an unpleasant smell of dampness will appear in the house, mold may spread, and icicles will constantly form on the eaves. As a result, expensive roofing material will become unusable. This can happen due to the fact that moisture constantly penetrates into the roofing cake. It accumulates in soft roofing, rafters and thermal insulation material.

You can eliminate such problems by installing artificial ventilation channels. Air will circulate through them, moisture will be drawn out, and the roofing cake will dry. It must also be remembered that a weather vane is an indispensable element of a modern roof.

In this article

Why does moisture accumulate?

We found out that aerators dry the heat-insulating layer and remove moisture to the outside. Where does it come from? Many developers claim that the soft roof is airtight. In addition, let's not forget that the roofing pie consists of vapor and waterproofing layers.

Unfortunately, this design protects the structure from rain and snow. But the roof can not cope with wet vapors. These couples are always present in the living room. They are formed in the process of human life. Specialists conducted a study that showed that in an average family of 4 people, up to 4 liters of steam is formed daily. A certain part of it accumulates in the attic.

During the contact of warm steam and a cold roof, condensation forms on its surface. These small droplets begin to gradually soak into various materials. First of all, the rafter system and insulation suffer.

There is another option for moisture penetration into the roof. Warm air accumulates in the attic, which, in turn, heats the roof surface. This causes snow to melt on the roof. It turns into a crust of ice, with which the same thing happens. As a result, water can get in at the joints, and the roof begins to leak. Microcracks appear on the roofing material, in which moisture accumulates. With a sharp cold snap, it freezes, and the material simply breaks. Over time, the same cracks will turn into through ones, which will lead to immediate repair.

Excessive accumulation of moisture on a soft roof can also be seen visually.

Soft roof aerators

But you can prevent such a situation, and at the construction stage, remember the laws of physics. Everyone knows that moisture can be removed by evaporation. It, in turn, occurs if air flows circulate. Due to the fact that the pressure indicators inside the house and outside have a significant difference, for the normal circulation of air masses, you simply need to connect these two environments.

If the attic in your house is non-residential, then it will not be difficult to provide good ventilation. It is only necessary to open the dormers, leave gaps in the ridge. Unfortunately, this option cannot be used for attic rooms and warm attics. In winter, unregulated ventilation will actively reduce the temperature inside the building itself.

The way out of this situation is to install an aerator on a soft roof. These are ventilation ducts that connect the space in the attic and outside. The pressure difference in the pipe provides forced draft. She also brings wet vapors out of the house to the outside.

Installation of aerators has some features. For ventilation to work, you need to make a supply of cold air. If this is not done, then the air will not circulate. It is for this purpose that gaps are left in the cornices for ventilation. In them, fresh air enters freely and rises to the roof, passing through the attic, gradually heating up. After that, he is thrown out into the street through a pipe in which traction is created. With the right ventilation device, the air flow passes 2 times per hour, drying and ventilating the space.

Due to the presence of the required number of aerators on the soft roof, the house will have a healthy microclimate. And roofing and heat-insulating materials will be safe.

Installation of aerators is best done at the construction stage. If this moment was missed, then you can build such a structure a little later. The main thing is that by this time there are no fatal defects in the roof.

Types of aerators

If you have chosen soft roofing to cover your roof, you should give preference to impact-resistant plastic aerators. They are not affected by temperature changes, corrosion, UV rays. There are point and ridge continuous aerators.

The ridge aerator belongs to continuous ventilation systems. It is placed along the ridge. Visually, this resembles a corner piece with a hole that is protected by a special barrier. It prevents insects, birds, snow and dust from entering the roof space.

Spot aerators are installed on certain areas of the roof. Often they are located on the slopes. This is a ventilation pipe, on top of which there is a cap. Visually, it resembles a box or a fungus.

Installation of a ridge aerator

The ridge roof aerator is very easy to install. It does not require special calculations, because it is often placed along the entire length of the ridge. This type of ventilation can be installed on roofs, the angle of inclination of which is from 12 to 45 degrees.

It is possible to install such ventilation only if there are air vents on the overhangs that provide air flow. A ventilation groove is cut in the warping of the ridge, its thickness should be up to 8 cm. The slots end in front of the edge of the ridge (for 30 cm). Here, ridge tiles are installed. The aerator segments must be connected into one structure and fixed with screws. The profile is covered with ridge tiles and fastened with roofing nails. Sealant is used at the joints.

Installation of a point aerator

Such ventilation elements are used on flat roofs and roofs with a slope of no more than 12 degrees. Sometimes they are used to increase the efficiency of a roof aerator.

You can install ventilation elements on slopes. In this case, the distance from the horizontal edge of the ridge should be about 70 cm. It is imperative to ensure air flow on the overhangs.
The ventilation device must be properly calculated. One aerator provides excellent ventilation of 5-100m2 of a roof. The minimum quantity is 2 pcs.

A gap is made in the crate and an aerator is placed in it, fixed with nails. Sometimes glue is used. In this case, the reverse side of the material is coated with bituminous mastic. Bituminous glue is used as waterproofing. A mesh is installed on top of the aerator, a cap is mounted.

Installing roof aerators is fairly easy. They provide the correct removal of water vapor from the under-roof space. Now there will be no condensation, mold, moisture and fungus. And this has a positive effect not only on the duration of the operation of the roof, but also on the health of all residents of the house.

Often a homeowner spends a lot of money to equip the roof of his house with more modern and durable roofing material, but in the end, instead of warmth, comfort and dryness, he gets cold, dampness and mold. The reason for this is the accumulation and stagnation of air, and further condensation of moisture from it. This problem can be solved by creating artificial ventilation ducts through which not only moisture will be drawn out, but also air will circulate. To do this, construction experts create a so-called aerator structure on the roofs. But before giving an answer to the question: a roof aerator - what is it, let's find out the reasons for the occurrence of condensate, and what the accumulated moisture under the roof actually threatens.

Where does moisture come from

• No matter how hard a person tries, he will not be able to create a completely hermetic roof, therefore, through defects in the roof, moist air from the environment (fog, snow, rain) penetrates under the roofing “pie” and due to the temperature difference (it is warm inside the house, and it is cold outside) condenses as dew.
• Also, it is impossible to exclude the penetration of moisture under the roof from the inside of the structure (cooking, operating the bathroom) through damaged places in the vapor barrier layer.
• In addition, as you know, warm air contains more moisture than cold air, therefore, in winter, the movement of water vapor occurs only from the inside of the building to the outside. On average, a person exhales within 1 liter of moisture in a gaseous state, plus cleaning, washing, using a bath / shower, cooking - as a result, up to 15 liters of moisture evaporates in one day. Hence the condensation.

Note! Another option for the penetration of moisture under the roof may be the situation when, when arranging the roof, a person loses sight of the accumulation of snow or rain between the rafters (in the autumn-winter period).

Purpose of the aerator

In some cases, it happens that the heat-insulating layer of the roof contains too much moisture, then the local elimination of zones of intense vapor penetration without forced drying will not give the desired result. One of the correct design solutions for such a problem will be the complete dismantling of the roof with the subsequent replacement of the insulation. But, most of the population of our country does not have not only the desire, but also the financial opportunity to carry out such a construction and repair event.

Then a person who is faced with a similar problem comes to the aid of physics, or rather one of its laws. So, excess moisture can be removed by its evaporation, which depends on the speed of movement of the moist air flow, that is, on its circulation. Since the difference between the pressure and temperature of water vapor in the street and inside the house is enormous, it is necessary to ensure the diffusion process - the mixing of two types of gaseous media. This will lead to a significant decrease in internal temperature and a rise in moisture to the roof surface. When communicating with the environment, optimal conditions will be created for its extrusion.

It is to ensure such a message that the roof aerator for a soft roof or a hard one serves. It makes it possible to drain the roofing "pie" and other structural elements of a residential building (walls, ceilings, etc.). The aerator, basically, is a polyethylene pipe with diameters up to 110 mm, which is covered with a fungus, which prevents the penetration of atmospheric precipitation into the aerator.

Consequences of moisture accumulation under the roof

Most often, problems with condensate are observed on soft-type roofs; it is they that require the mandatory arrangement of aerators. But, it is also impossible to exclude the accumulation of moisture under a hard type roof. To complete the disclosure of the problem, we consider both situations.

Soft roof (roofing material)

This type of roof is mainly characterized by the following problems:

• The occurrence of bubbles. A typical soft roof is formed from a waterproofing layer at the top and a vapor barrier at the bottom. This makes it possible to obtain a hermetically sealed environment. In summer, such a roofing "pie" heats up by more than 90 degrees, which leads to the evaporation of accumulated moisture and an increase in internal pressure. Given the characteristics of the thermoplastic components of the waterproofing material, the conclusion suggests itself that such conditions contribute to the swelling of the roof, and this entails its destruction.
• Decreased efficiency of the heat insulator. Stagnant moisture significantly increases the thermal conductivity of the insulation layer. It is known in the construction world that when an insulator is moistened by 2%, its thermal conductivity increases by 40%, and this increases heating costs. In addition, waterlogging is the first step to the formation of mold.
• Destruction of floors, which are mainly made of cement-sand mixtures, forming a capillary-porous structure. Water that has entered such pores crystallizes and increases in volume as the temperature decreases, along with this, the pressure on the pore walls increases, which leads to their destruction.

Note! The destructive effect of moisture on a hard roof is the same as on a soft one, but the truss system is also susceptible to corrosion. If the installation of a roof aerator has not been carried out, then the tree will begin to mold, and then turn into dust. In the worst case, the roof will collapse.

Types of aerators

Before installing roof aerators, you need to understand their types. Each type of roof has its own aerator made of a certain material:

For soft roof

Made from shock and weather resistant polypropylene. Usually they are installed at the joints of the plates, or at the highest elevation of the roof. Removes steam, reduces pressure in the roofing carpet, eliminates the occurrence of condensate.

For metal tiles

They are made from metals with a coating resistant to corrosion, aggressive environments and solar radiation. Removes moist air and prevents corrosion of fasteners. Mounted on any part of the roof.

For corrugated board

The functions and material of execution are similar to the previous case, but it is recommended to install aerators closer to the ridge.

In addition, roof aerators are divided according to their design:

• Continuous - are placed evenly over the entire roof, which allows you to completely ventilate the entire under-roof space. The most common types of such devices are: a ridge aerator for a soft roof and a ventilation tape.
• Point - provide ventilation locally, in places isolated from the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe roof. There are also two types: skating and pitched.
• Turbine - such aerators provide active ventilation, and are a regular pipe with an electric fan or an electric hood. Experts strongly recommend the use of modifications made of aluminum. This material is known to be resistant to corrosion and does not deform when heated. Turbine aerators must be selected according to the angle of the roof slope.

Aerator installation

We figured out the types of aerators, now we will find out how to install roofing aerators. The best option for creating an aeration system, for obvious reasons, is the installation of such devices during roofing. Then you can design and calculate everything. But home owners do not always think about the negative prospect of non-ventilated roofs, and then you have to “dance” from what you have.

Installation of aerators is carried out in several stages:

• Roof aerators must be installed in accordance with the shape and size of the roof, the condition of the vapor barrier layer and the level of humidity in the room.
• For flat roofs of a simple configuration with "normal" climatic conditions, it is recommended to install aerators at the rate of: 1 fungus per 100 sq.m. roof surface, but the distance between ventilated units should not exceed 12 m.
• In the case of a presence or a pronounced ridge, aerators are located in places of the watershed.
• For buildings with a high level of humidity, the calculation of the ventilation system is carried out by construction design companies.

Only at first unprofessional glance it may seem that the roofing pie is a simple and understandable design. In fact, various physical processes take place inside the roof, which can shorten the life of the roof, regardless of the quality of the materials used. It is very important to properly organize the work of the roof and under-roof space. Therefore, the roof aerator (wind vane) today has become an integral part of a huge number of roofs.

To begin with, it is worth understanding what physical processes we are talking about:

1. Thermal expansion of materials. All solids and liquids expand when heated. This is explained by the fact that when heat is absorbed, the molecules begin to move more actively, which leads to an increase in the interatomic space and an increase in the volume of the body. For all materials, an indicator such as the coefficient of thermal expansion is used, which, in turn, is divided by the coefficient of volumetric and linear expansion.
2. vapor permeability of materials. Almost all solids pass steam. Steam is the gaseous state of liquids. The ability to pass steam is characterized by such an indicator as the vapor permeability coefficient.
3. Condensate. It is a liquid that is formed when a gaseous substance is cooled. Drops of water settle in the roof from moisture-saturated air at a certain temperature. The temperature at which condensation begins to form is called the dew point. The higher the air humidity, the higher the temperature at which condensation forms.

All roofs can be divided into pitched (coated with slate, steel sheets, tiles) and flat (made of built-up bituminous materials). These roofs differ in the structures, materials and technologies used.

pitched roof

A pitched roof is a roof with a sloping surface. A flat roof also has a slope, only the angle of inclination is about 1–4 degrees. For a pitched surface, the slope of the surface starts from 10 °, but in this case the attic space will not be passable and suitable for living. Therefore, insulation and additional ventilation are not required. The optimal angle of inclination is considered to be 30-50o. On a pitched roof, snow accumulates less, but there is an additional wind load. It makes sense to install a roof aerator only on insulated roofs above residential attic spaces. Consider what it consists of and what processes take place in the structure. The supporting structure consists of wooden rafters and battens. Insulation, as a rule, is arranged between the rafter legs and is protected from the inside with a vapor barrier film. In the air of any living space there is moisture, the film protects the insulation from getting wet. On the outer side of the insulation under the roofing, a waterproofing film is arranged, which protects the insulation from rain leaks and condensate. Thermal physics of a pitched roof: It would seem that the design is flawless, but not a single film is capable of 100% protecting the roofing pie. As a result, moist air accumulates and stagnates under the roof covering, due to which the wood succumbs to decay and steel corrodes. Installing aerators allows you to deal with this problem, because they organize the circulation of fresh air.

Types and designs

For pitched roofs, a roof aerator is installed in two types:

1. Point (pitch).
2. Skate.

They try to install point roofing aerators at the highest points, approximately at the level of 150 mm from the ridge. The outside air is colder, getting into the under-roof space through the eaves, it becomes warmer and tends to rise. The result is an air exchange.

For pitched roofs, the following structures are used:

Image	Name	Characteristics
	dotted	Installs at any angle. H=450 mm, D=110 mm. Consumption - 1 pc. for 80 m2.
	dotted	Size - 530×465×110 mm Hole size - 250×160 mm.
	dotted	Length 420 mm. Width 310 mm.
	skating	Size - 610×284×34mm. Protected against insects and atmospheric precipitation.

flat roofs

In flat roofs, the roofing pie is arranged differently. The surface of the floor slabs is leveled with a cement-sand screed. Then the heater is laid. On top of the insulation under the roofing carpet, a leveling cement-sand screed or a screed of two layers of flat asbestos-cement sheets is again arranged. The surface of the screed is smeared with bituminous mastic or a primer to improve adhesion (adhesion) with the materials being deposited. The built-up roofing mat is firmly bonded to the screed after installation. But during operation, the materials experience temperature changes in the outside air. The coefficient of thermal expansion for concrete, cement, asbestos, bitumen is different, so tension builds up inside the roofing pie. Cohesion, bonds are broken, air bubbles are formed. Aerators on the roof are installed under the built-up layers in order to relieve stress and remove air bubbles. Installation of roof aerators on a flat roof:

Types and designs

Aerators for roofs made of built-up bituminous materials do not differ in a special constructive variety. They consist of 3 parts:

1. Skirts - for stability.
2. Tubes - for exhaust.
3. Cap - for protection from atmospheric precipitation.

Some models have pressure rings to protect against leaks. The following types of aerators on the roof are produced:

Image	Characteristics
	Weight - 0.33 kg. Diameter: skirts - 280 mm, tubes - 75÷55 mm, cap - 146 mm. Height - 260 mm.
	Weight - 1.05 kg. Diameter: tubes - 148÷100 mm, cap - 210 mm. Height - 470 mm.
	Weight - 1.23 kg. Diameter: skirts - 390 mm, tubes - 130÷100 mm, cap - 200 mm. Height - 470 mm.
	Weight - 0.43 kg. Diameter: skirts - 280 mm, tubes - 75÷55mm, cap - 146 mm. Height - 360 mm.

All roof aerators are made of high-strength polypropylene and can withstand outdoor air temperature fluctuations from -50°C to +130°C. Consumption - 1 aerator for a roof on an area up to 80-100 m2, but the distance between them is no more than 12 m.

Wind vane installation

As a rule, a roof aerator is installed during the construction and repair of the roof. Installation of a weather vane on the roof is as follows:

1. The bottom layer of the roofing carpet is welded.
2. The location where the device will be installed is determined.
3. A hole equal to the diameter of the tube at the base of the wind vane is hollowed out in the cement-sand screed. The heater is removed from the hole.
4. The hole in the roof is filled with expanded clay.
5. The aerator is installed on the roof and fastened with self-tapping screws (or other fasteners) to the screed.
6. The top layer of the roofing carpet is welded.
7. You can make an additional layer at the junction of the roofing carpet to the wind vane.

By the way, today many builders and suppliers of materials use the name "wind vane" for aerators. However, they are not exactly the same. Since the time of Peter I in Russia, the design of a weather vane, a device showing the direction of the wind, has appeared from Holland. As a rule, it was installed on a chimney, which is protected from snow and rain by umbrella roofs. Here they are, and there are flyugarki. On the other hand, each aerator also certainly has protection from atmospheric precipitation. We can say that the umbrella-vane is part of the aerator.

Choice and cost

How to choose the right aerator? The design of the aerator depends on the following factors:

• from the type of roof;
• on the amount of precipitation, including the height of the snow cover;
• from the financial possibilities of the owners.

Today, the cost of one aerator is from 300 to 5000 rubles apiece. The price depends on the manufacturer, foreign deliveries, of course, are more expensive. However, it is not worth saving on ventilation, especially since the increased life of the roof will save on its repair in the future.

Water vapor and condensate accumulated in the under-roof space pose a certain danger to the integrity of the roof, up to its destruction. Therefore, the organization of a ventilation system is a mandatory measure during its construction, of course, taking into account the complexity of the shape and size of the roof, the level of humidity in the interior, and the state of the vapor barrier.
A roof aerator is a device whose main purpose is to remove excess moisture not only from any surface of the under-roof space, but also from inaccessible places located between the layers of the roof pie. This is just one of its uses. Some types of deflectors are used in sewage systems, as well as in the aquarist environment.

Why the roofing cake must be dry

To get a full answer to this question, you need to understand why water is formed, and what consequences this leads to.

Reasons for the formation of moisture

The most vulnerable from these positions is a soft flat roof. Accordingly, the materials included in the pie are stacked on top of each other directly on the concrete floor slab, which is a barrier between the interior of the house and the external environment. During the operation of such a structure, there is a high probability of peeling or swelling of the roofing. How does this happen?

Water vapor from the upper floors penetrates through the ceiling into the under-roof space and condenses in the heat-insulating layer and cement-sand screed. Moisture can also seep from the outside through the smallest microcracks invisible to the eye that are present on any roofing material. There is also the option of moisture getting into the under-roof space during installation work.

Moisture, once inside the “layer cake”, when heated in hot weather, turns into steam, and he, in turn, trying to “escape” from the confined space, tears the roofing carpet from the base and swells it.

Negative effects of high humidity

First of all, we note the danger of high humidity for human health, since it creates a breeding ground for the development of mold and its spread throughout the house.

Violation of the normal level of humidity leads, as a rule, to violations in the roof structure. The water accumulated over the summer and autumn freezes with the onset of cold weather and begins to expand, simultaneously stretching the roofing from the inside. This can lead to its breaks and even bring the coating to an unusable state. Moreover, frozen water can also damage the screed.

On a note

If, as a result of the destructive action of water, the roof is badly damaged, then it may be necessary to completely disassemble it, dry the surface and replace it with a new one. The event, frankly, is very expensive. The roof aerator is considered the optimal solution for the prevention of such conditions.

Types of aerators

All roof aerators serve to remove condensate from the under-roof space, ventilate and remove moist air to the outside. However, there are certain differences between them:

• the size,
• material,
• modification,
• mode of action.

Deflector and roofing material

• For soft roofing:

• removes steam that has fallen under the roof covering from the room;
• minimizes excess pressure in the roofing pie, which is very important to ensure the normal operating life of the roof;
• prevents the formation of condensate.

An excellent solution for soft roofing is the TechnoNIKOL roofing aerator made of weather-resistant impact-resistant polypropylene. In flat roofs, they are installed, evenly distributed over the surface, either at the joints of heat-insulating plates, or in places with the highest mark.

When choosing the diameter of the device, two parameters are taken into account:

• what technical characteristics does the roofing aerator have;
• what is the area of ​​the roof.

on the photo is a roofing aerator for metal tiles

• The main enemy of a metal roof is moisture. The main places of its accumulation are:

• places under the roofing sheet where scratches remained during the installation process;
• bolt hole locations.

Installing a deflector on the roof helps remove moisture from the air to the outside and prevents the formation of corrosion. On one sheet mount at most one roof aerator.

The housing of the device is usually made of materials that are resistant to corrosion or acid environments, temperature extremes and UV radiation. The best materials today are stainless steel and durable plastic.

• Installation under a corrugated roof:

• fills it with fresh air;
• removes condensate from the ventilation cushion;
• removes stale air;
• removes dust and various gases to the outside.

In pitched roofs, the deflector is installed as close as possible to the ridge, stepping back from it by about half a meter.

Design options

ridge aerator for soft roof

By design, the aerator is a short pipe with fastening elements and strips and caps that prevent moisture from the atmosphere, birds and insects from penetrating into the under-roof space. According to the design, there are several options.

Installation

The best option is to install the device at the time of the construction of the roof. However, this does not mean that it cannot be mounted on an existing roof. The installation of such devices is carried out in several stages:

roof deflector installation

• A special hole is made in the roof, reaching the very depth of the heat-insulating material. The dimensions of the hole made must exactly match the diameter of the deflector pipe.

• If too wet insulation is found at the installation site, it is recommended to partially replace it with a new dry one.

• To improve adhesion, bitumen is applied to the lower part of the inserted pipe and only then pressed against the base of the roof.

• An additional branch pipe skirt, a protective frame, is fixed in a circle using self-tapping screws.

• Additional waterproofing is installed at the bottom of the pipe and all joints are carefully sealed to prevent leakage.

Aerators for metal tiles have a different design. They are mounted on both slopes with a minimum distance of 0.60 m from the ridge. Installation work is recommended to be carried out in the summer.

Video instruction for installing the deflector

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 thermal insulation of the roof 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 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 roof space. The installation of aerators prevents the destruction of the roofing under the influence of precipitation and moisture, which is formed in the space under the roof.

The aerator fills the roof with fresh air. This allows you to remove stale air, dust, condensate, moisture and gases from the ventilation cushion, which are formed as a result of temperature changes, microcracks in the waterproofing layer. If you do not use a ventilation device, then over time the roof will sag, 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 profiled flooring.

Roof aerators: the fight against sources of high humidity

Moisture in the insulation may appear from the external environment. The reason for this is most often mechanical damage or flaws in the roofing. Moisture can also appear as a result of damage in the vapor barrier layer. Climate change, which does not depend on the desire of a person, also contributes to an increase in moisture and wetting of the insulation.

In the event that the thermal insulation layer in the roof is gaining an excess amount of moisture, it will not be possible to solve the problem of water seepage through the roof cover without special drainage methods. It is possible to replace the damaged layer only with a complete analysis and repair of the roof. This process is labor intensive and costly. In addition, not every homeowner will be able to perform such expensive work.

You can solve the problem by drying. 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 best 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;
• proper use of roofing materials;
• timely preventive inspection and repair work.

During operation, the roof receives mechanical damage. Water seeps through it and collects in certain places under the roofing. 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 get out. Due to the lack of such an outlet, water creates excessive pressure on the roof covering from the inside. This is what causes the blood to swell.

Under the action of sunlight, the surface of the roof can heat up to 90 ° C and above. Roof rolls contain bituminous-polymer substances, the physical characteristics of which change under the influence of temperature fluctuations. When heated, the coating forms a hermetically sealed space in which steam is formed from water. It is he who exerts high pressure on the coating, which can be up to 2-2.5 tons per square meter.

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 the evaporation of water 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. Devices reduce pressure in the under-roof space and ensure the release of water vapor before they harm the roof. In addition, thanks to the installed aerators, the formation of condensate is prevented.

This allows you to extend the life of the roof, and also makes it possible to significantly save on roof repairs. In addition, moisture worsens the thermal insulation characteristics of the insulation material. Humidification 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 an aerator must be taken very seriously. The main thing is to choose a high-quality and reliable ridge or flat device. The TechnoNIKOL product range has proven to be excellent - light and durable roofing metal aerators.

Useful advice! In order for the aerator to perform its functions effectively, it must be periodically cleaned of dirt and stagnant water that has accumulated in the pipes of the device. To make this possible, a valve is provided in the design, which makes it easy to 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 in opening certain parts of the roofing. Sunlight and fresh air should pass through these openings.

The forced method of ventilation and drainage of the roof insulation consists in installing nozzles (aerators) according to a certain scheme. The principle of operation of this device is simple: it is based on creating traction in the device. Areas of low pressure are formed in the pipe of the TechnoNIKOL roof aerator. This is possible due to wind flows 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:

• promote the removal of rising water vapor before it begins to damage the roofing;
• reduce pressure on the roof covering, which causes blisters on flat roofs with a soft surface;
• prevent the formation of condensation.

Typically, an aerator is a pipe with a diameter of 63 to 110 mm. The construction is covered from above with an umbrella, which is designed to protect against precipitation. Most often, low-density polyethylene is used for the manufacture of aerators.

The device itself does not remove moisture. The device is a channel that perfectly performs air exchange. Fresh air, in turn, dehumidifies the internal space of frame roofs and maintains the optimum value of air humidity. This means that all the functions of the aerator come down 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 moist air from the external environment does not get under the roof, at the same time it ensures that the accumulated moist air escapes to the outside.

Useful advice! An obstruction to the free circulation of air can be an attic window or a lantern installed on the roof. Therefore, in such places, it is reasonable to install an aerator on both sides of the interference. The roof will be well ventilated.

Types of roof aerators TechnoNIKOL: device features

Roof aerators come in different 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 already 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 a roof covered with metal-plastic tiles is carried out in the upper part as close as possible to the ridge. The body of the device is made on the basis of a material that is most resistant to substances with a high acid content, to ultraviolet exposure, corrosion, and 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 able to withstand 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 affected by the condition of the roofing and the concentration of moisture inside the room. There are two types of roof aerators:

• point - provide ventilation of individual sections of the roof;
• continuous - mounted along the entire length of the roof and are designed for general ventilation of the under-roof space.

Point aerators are available in two versions:

1. Pitched 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.
2. Ridge nozzles - mounted on the ridge of the roof. This option contributes to the removal of 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, you need to properly install and place pitched aerators. It is recommended that the distance from the device to the ridge be small, namely about 15 cm. If the insulation is not made under the ridge, then moisture will concentrate in the upper part. Installing the tool will fix this problem.

The advantage of ridge aerators for soft roofs lies in the ability of the device not only to perform a ventilation function, but also to remove harmful fumes from 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! Point pitched aerators are best installed on slopes of considerable length, on roof planes that have a complex structure, on ridges.

Technology for installing aerators on a soft roof

The installation procedure for aerators is as follows:

1. In the place where it is planned to install the device, a hole is cut in the screed. It is important to ensure that it passes up to the point where the insulation is located.
2. If in this place the insulation turned out to be wet, then it must be immediately replaced with a dry material with a thermal conductivity corresponding to the required characteristics.
3. For reliable fastening of the aerator, a layer of special mastic must be applied to the lower base of the fixture pipe.
4. 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 pieces.
5. An additional layer of waterproofing material will help to more thoroughly protect the base of the ventilation pipe.

The need to install aerators is determined depending on the shape of the roof, its dimensions, as well as the humidity of the air 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. Consider several examples of devices that have different parameters and differ in cost, so that it is easier to navigate the variety of models.

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450 rubles - the price of a roof 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.

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 clamping ring, two skirt bases and a unique cap. Designed to create additional traction in the pipe. The cap of the model increases the efficiency of the device by several hundred times. Construction dimensions: weight - 1.23 kg, height - 470 mm. Such an 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 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 a roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL 160x460 mm (diameter, height) is 990 rubles. This model is made of propylene and 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 roof ridges at a distance of 6-8 meters, and at the highest points.

1150 rubles will have to be spent to buy a three-piece roof aerator, the principle of which is based on the pressure difference created by air currents. The hood of the model is designed in such a way as to contribute to the creation of additional traction. The device is recommended for use on a roof area of ​​​​80-100 square meters. 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 a KTV Technonikol point aerator. It is best to use this model for a roof made of flexible tiles. Made from low pressure polypropylene. The ventilated area of ​​the roof space is 5-10 m².

Useful advice! If you want to avoid unscheduled repair of the roof and ceilings of the room, it is better to buy an expensive aerator for the roof. You should not save on such a device.

Do-it-yourself 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 the creation of the device:

1. The base of the product must be steel. Ordinary steel does not have sufficient strength. It is best to choose a material with chrome or nickel.
2. Dimensions depend on the needs of the roof and the climatic conditions of the region. Dry areas do not require the installation of large aerators.
3. For a roof made of metal, you can use a PVC pipe.

After manufacturing all the necessary parts, the installation of the product is carried out. First of all, holes are made in the roof, having 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 likelihood 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.

Useful advice! During installation, experienced craftsmen insulate the area where the aerator pipe will be installed.

A roof aerator is a device that allows you to free the under-roof space from excessive moisture and steam and protect the roof structure from rotting, mold and damage. Removal of vapors will prevent the appearance of bubbles on the roofing, protect against 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 structure of the roof, its size, as well as the humidity in the room. When installing several devices for ventilation, it is necessary to maintain a distance between them equal to 12 m.

You can install the device at any stage of roof construction, even on a 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 care. It is enough to clean it once a year. The rest of the device is considered completely autonomous.

A well-planned roof must have aerators. Mistakes made during the installation of 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.