Without adequate roofing ventilation, you compromise the structural strength and energy-efficiency of your building. Any roof, whether residential or commercial, will find itself in a state of early disrepair. So, what’s the best ventilation for metal flat roofs?
Our guide will explain the importance of proper ventilation and provide tips for selecting the best ventilation system for your metal flat roof.
Why You Need the Best Ventilation for Metal Flat Roofs
Metal flat roofs are popular for commercial buildings due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, they build up heat throughout the day in Dallas, which raises your building’s internal temperature. They can also capture moisture from cold morning air, which can damage the roof and the rest of your building with improper ventilation.
That’s why roof ventilation is necessary for metal flat roofs, as it is for all roofs. This helps your roof last longer without replacement or repair, and it can even cut down on your cooling bill! All with the added benefit of keeping the air in your building well-ventilated and free of pollutants.
How to Choose the Best Ventilation for Metal Flat Roofs
When choosing ventilation for your roof, consider the conditions your roof ventilation will need to handle:
- Higher temperatures require vents that maximize heat exhaust.
- Lower temperatures require vents that focus on moisture removal.
- The shape of your roof may limit the types of ventilation you can use.
- Your building code if it specifies the allowed ventilation types or outlines the minimum ventilation requirements.
New View Roofing is a trusted Dallas roofing company with experience in ventilation on metal flat roofs. We can also help you determine which ventilation system is best for your building and ensure it meets the building code requirements.
What’s The Best Ventilation for Metal Flat Roofs?
An experienced roofing company will offer you the best of several different types of ventilation systems for roofs. Each option has its own pros and cons, so choose a design best suited to your structure’s needs. Here are the best options of ventilation systems for metal flat roofs:
Box Vents
Box vents are a cheap and low-maintenance solution if your primary concern is releasing warm air from your building. They’re rectangular in shape and easily installed side-by-side with other box vents for maximum airflow. They’re not quite as efficient as other forms of ventilation. Still, they’re a popular choice given that they do their job and aren’t very expensive. An experienced roofing company can install them on almost any roof.
Mushroom Vents
Mushroom vents are named for their distinct dome shape, and they’re primarily designed with moisture in mind. They’re meant for flat metal roofs because they allow heat and moisture to escape the inside of your building. Mushroom vents work great alone, but can be grouped with other mushroom vents for increased ventilation. Ultimately, they make your roof even more weather resistant due to both their materials and their design.
Pop Vents
Pop vents have mechanical fans inside that can give you control over your building’s airflow at all times. Whether pushing out hot air or bringing in cool air, pop vents are as versatile as they come. They’re useful in areas where the wind can’t help you ventilate your building. However, they do require electricity to function. They’re a popular choice because of their efficiency, but are more expensive because of their mechanical parts.
Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are simple, effective, and easy to install alongside other vents . They give your building proper airflow by allowing air and moisture to move through hundreds of small filtered openings. Considering the heat buildup expected of flat metal roofs, they’re practically a necessity on any modern roofed structure, so long as there is a proper overhang for installation.
Whirlybird Vents
Whirlybird vents are like a wind-powered version of the pop vent, where a spinning piece of metal draws out hot air and moisture. This comes at the upside of not requiring electricity, but with the downside of not being as versatile. The hotter and windier your area, the better whirlybird vents will work. Of course, this means that whirlybird vents may not work on every flat metal roof, depending on wind access. Consulting with a roofing expert should allow you to make a more educated decision on if your specific roof can make use of a whirlybird vent.
Where To Get the Best Ventilation for Metal Flat Roof
Heat and moisture will compromise your building’s structural strength and energy efficiency without adequate roofing ventilation, especially if it has a metal flat roof. You need the best ventilation for metal flat roofs to avoid moisture and temperature-related problems, or you risk early deterioration.
New View Roofing is a locally and veteran-owned roofing business in Dallas with over 25 years of roofing experience. Request a free estimate if you’re interested in retrofitting ventilation into your flat metal roof or need to install a new roof!
