When you’re thinking putting up a steel structure, there are a lot of factors to consider. Determining where you want your metal building, how big it should be, and what color you’d prefer are a few of the decisions you’ll have to make. Another important consideration for involves choosing the right ventilation to make sure your structure is code-compliant and has adequate air flow. In our prior article, we briefly discussed why ventilation matters and factors to determine how much you need, and today we’ll expand on the topic.
At JAG Metals, we’re an industry leader in manufacturing quality steel structures and roofing components. If you’ve got questions about what kind of ventilation is best for your building, contact us. We’d love to help you out. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the importance of proper ventilation and what options you have for vents.
Why Ventilation is Important
There are a few reasons why properly ventilating your steel building is important. By their nature, buildings with metal siding and roofs have a greater propensity for condensation and heat transfer than non-mental buildings. Because of this, it can be challenging to reduce humidity, maintain adequate airflow, and regulate the interior temperature without the right vents. So, what are your options when it comes to vents for metal structures? There are three commonly used vents for steel buildings and owners will sometimes use a combination of these options to allow for cross-ventilation. This can be very advantageous for quickly cooling a building down and energy efficiency.
Ridge Vents
As their name implies, ridge vents are those that are attached on the roof’s top ridge to allow for hot air to escape. They are often available in a wide variety of colors in order to match the metal siding and roof materials. Additionally, they are pre-formed to match the pitch of your roof for quick and easy installation. They are also typically outfitted with a rain cap and bird screen to ensure that hot air can escape without allowing vermin and water to enter. While they offer maximum ventilation per square foot, they can be more expensive than other options.
Circular Vents
Usually 20 inches in diameter, circular vents may come painted or unpainted. These vents will also typically feature a bird screen since they provide a very attractive nesting spot. A good circular vent will also include a spring-loaded butterfly damper that can be locked either in the open or closed position for maximum ventilation and airflow control. Because these vents often have flat bases, they can easily be modified to accommodate most roof slopes and ensure a watertight fit.
Louvers
Louver vents are very effective for ventilation of smaller steel buildings. When combined with turbine vents, they can also be great for creating cross-ventilation in larger structures. Typically manufactured in three by three foot or four by four foot sizes, they can be installed anywhere on the metal siding of the building as long as there are no obstructions. If you’re considering louver ventilation, be sure to consult with a professional first to ensure this is the right choice for your structure and ventilation needs.
If you have questions about how you can properly ventilate your steel building, contact JAG Metals today. Not only can we discuss the advantages of choosing metal structures over traditional building materials, we can also review what type of ventilation components will work best for your unique structure.
Contact us at 817-458-4223 today. We look forward to hearing from you!
