GOST roofing aerator. Why are roof aerators needed? Formation of moisture in the roof structure

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Systems

Roof aerators are elements designed to remove excess pressure of water vapor from under roofing covering. Typically used in ventilated roofing systems in conjunction with rolled materials that allow partial gluing or mechanical fixation. Most often, such products are made from polyethylene. low pressure, as well as aluminum or stainless steel. Their installation has a great influence on the condition of roofs during their operation and extends the service life of structures.

There are several reasons why roof aerators should be installed on flat roofs:

to remove water vapor that rises from the interior of buildings, is absorbed into materials and over time leads to the appearance of cracks and the gradual destruction of the screed, and also contributes to the development of fungal infections;
to prevent the formation of condensation on the surface of the waterproofing layer;
to reduce pressure inside the roofing structure caused by the evaporation of moisture when the temperature rises, because its excess leads to the formation of bubbles, delamination of the roofing carpet and the appearance of other defects on the surface of the soft roof.

There are different types of aerators; they differ in material of manufacture, size, modifications and principle of operation. It is necessary to select the diameter and number of such elements taking into account two main criteria: the roof area and the technical characteristics of the devices. These calculations are made at the design stage of the roof and the entire building.

Types and design features of roof aerators

There are several types of aerators for soft roofs, which you can buy in our store, and at the best price:

Point aerators for flat roofs are a pipe with a diameter of 6.3 to 11.1 cm. It is protected from above by a cap or “umbrella” to prevent water from entering it during precipitation. Point aerators for pitched roofs - made in the form of “ boxes” painted to match the color of the roofing.

Continuous - they are placed along the roof ridge. They are produced in the form of ridge elements or breathable but moisture-resistant ventilation strips. Apply to pitched roofs.

The price of aerators is in a fairly wide range. Today there are also simple ones on sale budget models made of plastic for 300 rubles, and more expensive devices made of aluminum with extended functionality almost three thousand.

An aerator is a device that ensures free movement of air in the under-roof space. Constant air exchange allows water vapor in the internal air to be removed and prevents it from settling in materials and accumulating.

This helps keep structures intact and eliminates the possibility of mold, mildew, rot and destruction. rafter system or other structures. In addition, aerators preserve the functionality of the roofing itself, protect it from corrosion, (for soft roofs), and deformation.

Some home owners tend to consider aerators as some kind of fashionable element of the roof, arguing that they are installed on new roofs, but they were never installed in old houses. However, this point of view is wrong. It's not the age of the house, but the condition of the attic or under-roof space.

Important! For unheated rooms, installation of aerators is not necessary, since they themselves are well ventilated and do not have a high content of water vapor in the air. New houses with residential attics (attics) have a different atmospheric composition and need well-organized air exchange.

Operating principle and functions

An aerator is a regular section of pipeline protected from water, dust or wind. By itself, it does not perform any functions, serving only as protection for the ventilation hole in the roof. However, the air flow that arises as a result of its existence performs a lot of tasks:

provides natural ventilation of the cavity or the entire attic space
removes moisture and water vapor, helping to dry materials
ensures the absence of moisture in the insulation layer, significantly reducing its weight and restoring performance

Diagram of the aerator design for an existing roof: 1 – expanded clay; 2 – reinforced concrete floor; 3 – lightweight concrete – ramp; 4 – vapor barrier; 5 – insulation; 6 – screed; 7 – waterproofing; 8 – backfill made of washed gravel; 9 – paving slabs; 10 – protective cap; 11 – aerator body.

The roof covering is the boundary between different temperature zones. On a hot summer day, its surface can be heated to 90°, which causes wet materials to actively evaporate it, resulting in increased vapor pressure. This causes bubbles to appear on the roof surface, deforming the covering sheet and forming small cracks in it. Repeated repetition of the cycle leads to the destruction of the roof and the appearance of leaks.

Installation of aerators allows the resulting steam to be freely removed from the under-roof space and ensures the durability of the roof.

Where does moisture come from?

Moisture can appear both from the outside, penetrating through microscopic cracks or holes in the roofing sheet, and from the inside. The air in residential premises has a high content of water vapor, which is absorbed into, impregnates them and evaporates outside. If , then it is deprived of constant communication with the external atmosphere. Moisture cannot be removed, so it accumulates in all materials where it can settle.

The most dangerous thing is getting the insulation or under-roofing carpet that is laid for (shingles) wet. A wet thermal insulator (usually mineral wool) almost completely loses its working qualities, and the under-roof carpet rots and releases moisture into the wood of the rafter system, forming accumulations under the roofing sheet.

The need to dry the roof covering

Since the roof is impermeable to moisture, steam accumulates in adjacent materials - a layer of insulation, under-roofing carpet or other materials - and begins to gradually destroy them. Damp spots form, mold or mildew appears, and organic matter begins to rot. The situation is complicated by direct sunlight, which heats the canvas from the outside and increases the effect of steam on all adjacent surfaces and materials.

The steam pressure can reach 2-2.5 t/m2, which is an unbearable load for the materials. If you do not organize the release of steam and drying of materials, the process will intensify within a short time and provoke rotting and subsidence of the rafter system. In the most difficult cases, the roof may collapse.

Types of roof ventilation devices

Aerators perform a single task - they design and protect the ventilation hole from external influences.

At the same time, there are different designs roofing devices, which are intended for installation on flat or pitched roofs, are made taking into account the height of the snow cover or the installation location on the roofing sheet.

Installation of aerators can be done both during laying of the coating and on the finished roofing sheet, which increases the maintainability of the entire system. Let's look at the most common and popular types of aerators:

Point aerators

Point aerators are structures that form ventilation holes on the roofing sheet.

The name “point” speaks for itself - they are separate points of entry of air flow into the under-roof space. On large slopes there can be quite a lot of them, it depends on the type of coating and other influencing factors.

There are several types point aerators:

pocket type, are a raised section of the roof, formed by an outer casing with a protective cover and grille
valve type, which is ventilation pipe, vertically installed on the roofing to rise above the snow layer in winter

The choice of device type is determined by climatic conditions and type of roof. In addition, the angle of inclination of the slopes is taken into account.

Ridge aerators

The ridge aerator is a solid ventilation duct, passing along the upper section of the roof in the longitudinal direction. It is created from individual fragments of 0.5-1.2 m each, from which a channel of the required length is assembled.

Ridge aerators are highly durable - they can last 40-60 years. From the outside, the structure is practically invisible, as it is covered with roofing material. entrance and exit air flow occurs from the end sides of the channel located along the gable sections of the roof. The entire side surface of the channel is open and connected to the under-roof space, which ensures abundant and effective ventilation.

For soft roof

It needs aerators more than any other type. It is placed tightly on the carpet, which increases possible contact with a wet surface and creates an increased risk of destruction of materials.

The design of aerators differs little from all other types - both point and ridge devices are used. Difference in type support platform- it is flat, often installed under shingles soft tiles to increase the waterproofing effect. If the roof slope is small, high valve structures are used. For steeper slopes, pocket-type installations are suitable.

For metal tiles

Aerators for metal tiles are included in the component (or additional) elements. wavy, therefore, for a sealed installation it is necessary to have a landing pad that exactly follows the relief of this material.

Manufacturers complete all types of metal tiles with both point and ridge elements, which make it possible to organize high-quality and sufficient ventilation of the under-roof space. A special rubber gasket is usually installed between the platform and the canvas, with an additional layer of sealant to ensure complete isolation from moisture.

For corrugated sheets

Like metal tiles, it has a textured surface, which makes it difficult for the sole of the aerator to fit tightly to the canvas. Therefore, ventilation is most often performed by creating an air gap on the eaves line with the possibility of free movement of air to the ridge aerator.

The necessary gaps are provided both by the relief of the material itself and by the counter-lattice supporting the covering sheet. Typically, point elements are used only on individual sections of the roof of a complex configuration that do not have a connection with the general under-roof space.

Calculation

The easiest way to calculate ridge aerators is because you only need to measure the length of the ridge and count the number of segments. Calculation of point aerators is made based on the following conditions:

minimum quantity - one element per 100 m 2
the distance between adjacent aerators should not exceed 12 m

Based on these requirements, the quantity is calculated ventilation holes. Additionally, the configuration of the roof, the number and direction relative to each other of the slopes and other elements are taken into account. Sometimes the calculation turns out to be too complicated, then online calculators come to the rescue, allowing you to get the answer in a matter of seconds.

Installation

Installation of aerators is carried out by cutting into the roofing sheet and creating a passage right up to the insulation. The size of the window must correspond to the diameter of the pipe with some tolerance. After installing the pipe, the base is installed, which consists of sealing and fixing it to the roof surface.

Ridge aerators are installed during the process, since they require some change in the composition of the rafter system. The individual segments are laid end-to-end and connected, after which they are covered with a soft roof. The metal tiles have a special additional element that performs the function of an aerator, the installation of which is much simpler.

Operating the aerators is not difficult and involves only periodic cleaning of dust and small debris that penetrates with wind currents or as part of melt water. Otherwise, aerators do not require any special care and perform their tasks independently.

Only at first unprofessional glance it may seem that the roofing pie is a simple and understandable design. In fact, various physical processes occur inside the roof that can shorten its service life, 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 (weather vane) today has become an integral part of a huge number of roofs.

To begin with, it is worth understanding what physical processes are underway speech:

Thermal expansion of materials. When heated, all solids and liquids expand. This is explained by the fact that when heat is absorbed, molecules begin to move more actively, which leads to an increase in interatomic space and an increase in the volume of the body. For all materials, an indicator such as coefficient is used thermal expansion, which, in turn, is divided into the coefficient of volumetric and linear expansion.
Vapor permeability of materials. Almost all solids allow vapor to pass through. Steam is the gaseous state of liquids. The ability to transmit steam is characterized by such an indicator as the coefficient of vapor permeability.
Condensate. It is a liquid that forms when cooled gaseous substance. Drops of water settle in the roof from air saturated with moisture 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 (covered with slate, steel sheets, tiles) and flat (made of built-up bituminous materials). These roofs differ in the designs, 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°. For a pitched roof, the angle of inclination of the surface starts from 10°, but in this case the attic space will not be passable and suitable for living. Consequently, insulation and additional ventilation are not required. The optimal tilt angle is considered to be 30–50°. On a pitched roof, snow accumulates less, but additional wind load appears. It makes sense to install a roof aerator only on insulated roofs above residential attic spaces.

Let's consider what it consists of and what processes take place in the structure. The supporting structure consists of wooden rafters and lathing. Insulation, as a rule, is installed between the rafter legs and with inside protected by a vapor barrier film. There is humidity in the air of any living space; the film protects the insulation from getting wet. A waterproofing film is installed on the outside of the insulation under the roof covering, which protects the insulation from rain leaks and condensation. 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, causing wood to rot and steel to corrode. Installing aerators allows you to combat this problem, because they organize the circulation of fresh air.

Types and designs

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

Point (pitched).
Skate.

They try to install spot roof aerators at the highest points, approximately 150 mm from the ridge. The colder outside air, entering the under-roof space through the eaves, becomes warmer and tends to rise. The result is an air exchange.

The following designs are used for pitched roofs:

Image	Name	Characteristics
	Spot	Installs at any angle of inclination. H=450 mm, D=110 mm. Consumption – 1 pc. for 80 m2.
	Spot	Size - 530×465×110 mm Hole size - 250×160 mm.
	Spot	Length 420 mm. Width 310 mm.
	Skate	Size - 610×284×34mm. Provides protection from insects and precipitation.

Flat roofs

In flat roofs, the roofing pie is arranged differently. The surface of the floor slabs is leveled using a cement-sand screed. Then the insulation is laid. A leveling cement-sand screed or a screed made of two layers of flat asbestos-cement sheets is again placed on top of the insulation under the roofing carpet. The surface of the screed is coated bitumen mastic or a primer to improve adhesion (adhesion) to deposited materials. After installation, the welded roofing carpet is firmly bonded to the screed. But during operation, the materials experience temperature changes in the outside air. The coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete, cement, asbestos, and bitumen is different, so tension increases inside the roofing pie. Adhesion and connections are broken, air bubbles form. Roof aerators are installed under the surface layers to relieve stress and remove air bubbles. Installing roof aerators on a flat roof:

Types and designs

Roof aerators made of fused bitumen materials do not differ in particular design diversity. They consist of 3 parts:

Skirts are for stability.
Tubes - for exhaust.
Cap - for protection from precipitation.

Some models have clamping rings to protect against leaks. The following types of roof aerators 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, caps – 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 temperature changes in the outside air from –50°C to +130°C. Consumption – 1 roof aerator on an area of 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 roof construction and repair. Installation of the weather vane on the roof is as follows:

The bottom layer of the roofing carpet is fused.
The location where the device will be installed is determined.
A hole is hollowed out in the cement-sand screed equal to diameter tubes at the base of the weather vane. The insulation is removed from the hole.
The hole in the roof is filled with expanded clay.
The aerator is installed on the roof and secured with self-tapping screws (or other fasteners) to the screed.
Fused upper layer roofing carpet.
You can make an additional layer at the junction of the roofing carpet and the weather vane.

By the way, today many builders and material suppliers use the name “wind vane” for aerators. However, this is not exactly the same thing. 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 was protected from snow and rain by umbrella roofs. These are the weather vanes. On the other hand, each aerator also certainly has protection from precipitation. We can say that the weather vane umbrella is part of the aerator.

Choice and cost

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

depending on the type of roof;
on the amount of precipitation, including the height of snow cover;
on the financial capabilities of the owners.

Today the cost of one aerator is from 300 to 5000 rubles per piece. The price depends on the manufacturer; foreign supplies, of course, are more expensive. However, you should not skimp on ventilation, especially since the increased service life of the roof will allow you to save on its repair in the future.

Among the many structural elements of a soft roof, soft roof aerators are the most important.

This is due to the fact that if there is insufficient ventilation of the internal space of the roof, moisture and condensation accumulate inside the insulation and screed.

This leads to deterioration of thermal insulation, the appearance of mold, and the gradual destruction of the screed and waterproofing layer.

As a result, swelling of the soft roofing occurs. For these reasons, it is necessary to install soft roof coverings carefully and carefully, taking into account all the technical nuances.

Causes of moisture and the purpose of aerators

Aerators for ventilation of soft roofs are one of the mandatory structural elements of such roofs.

They are designed to prevent the formation of moisture and water vapor inside the space that is located directly under the roof, and to remove them outside.

Despite the presence of insulating layers in the roof structure, condensation and water vapor penetrate there in two ways: from the inside and from the outside.

Firstly, in the process of household activities of residents during their stay inside the house, steam is generated, which rises, accumulates at the top, penetrating under the roof.

When warm internal steam collides with cold ambient air, condensation forms.

Such droplets of moisture are “processed” metal elements roofs, sheathing, rafters, insulation, methodically destroying them.

Secondly, during the cold season, due to the temperature difference between inside and outside, ice forms on the outside of the roof.

The ice periodically melts, water seeps into the joints, and the soft roof begins to leak over time.

In this case, the coating itself becomes covered with cracks, which increase in size and are then destroyed when the water inside them freezes. As a result, the entire coating fails.

In summer, on the contrary, due to direct exposure to sunlight, the outer covering heats up to critical temperatures, and internal moisture tends to evaporate through the roof.

As a result, swelling occurs and, ultimately, destruction of the roofing surfaces.

In addition to such problems, swelling of thermal insulation reduces its insulating properties. As a result, heat is not retained inside the house, so the roof becomes cold.

During installation various roofs In private houses, people are faced with the problem of how to prevent the formation of moisture inside roof structures.

You can get rid of accumulated moisture and prevent its occurrence by arranging the circulation of air flows between the interior of the house and the external environment.

A roof aerator for ventilating a soft roof due to forced draft, which arises due to the difference in pressure from inside and outside, pulls wet vapors out from under the roof structure.

This is most relevant for attics and warm attics, since in the cold space under the roof natural air circulation occurs through numerous cracks.

To install ventilation correctly, it is important to ensure a continuous supply of fresh air. Ventilation vents need to be made in the eaves.

This will allow air to pass through the attic space, heat it, and move upward under the roof.

For effective air circulation inside the roof structure, it is important to install such ventilation system with the required number of its individual elements, which is calculated depending on the roof area.

Installing ventilation aerators on a soft roof ensures dryness of the coating and thermal insulation.

Aerators for soft roofs must have certain qualities and have the following characteristics:

resistance to direct exposure to sunlight;
resistance to corrosion processes;
resistance to extreme temperature changes;
strength.

Made from durable plastic, such devices meet all requirements and therefore fit all parameters.

A roof ventilation element installed on an angle that corresponds to the top line of the connection of two roof slopes is called a “ridge”.

The ridge aerator for soft roofs is a continuous ventilation system.

By its design, such a device is most suitable for installation on the upper corner: it is a corner piece with evenly spaced holes, covered with protection from possible contamination.

Installing a ridge aerator system on a soft roof is quite simple, since no special calculations are required.

The ventilation system is mounted directly on the “ridge” along its entire length.

It is necessary to connect all the elements into one complete system, which is covered with ridge tiles on top. It is important to ensure a constant flow of fresh air from inside to outside.

You can install a ridge aerator yourself without much difficulty, following a certain algorithm.

All work is performed in the following sequence:

A ventilation groove is cut at the base of the “ridge,” which can be located either at its top or on both sides. The main thing is to leave an untouched gap of about 30 cm from the edge of this corner, and keep the thickness of the ventilation gap within 3 - 8 cm;
Ridge tiles are laid along the entire edges;
Using roofing nails or screws from individual parts a ridge aerator is installed, which should ultimately represent an integral functional structure;
At the next stage, this structure is covered with ridge tiles: in this case, the petals of the covering are mounted overlapping;
The ends of the aerator must be sealed with silicone.

The soft roof aeration system installed in this way will ensure high-quality ventilation over the entire area.

Point aerator

In addition to the ridge aerator, point ventilation options are used, which are installed on the soft roof over the entire area.

A point ventilation element (wind vane) is used in the following cases:

for roofs with a slight slope of up to 12 degrees;
to improve the efficiency of the ridge ventilation system;
when the roofing surface adjoins vertical walls and the impossibility of installing a ridge aerator.

On pitched roofs point aerators are installed at a distance of no less than 0.5 m from the ridge. One small-diameter wind vane is installed per 60 m2, and one larger diameter – per 100-120 m2.

The distance between such roof ventilation devices should be approximately 10 meters. In accordance with all this data, calculations are made.

It should be remembered that on flat roofs, point ventilation elements must be placed at the highest points along the surface slope.

Installation of point aerators on a soft roof must be carried out in the following sequence:

when repairing a soft roof, it is necessary to cut a hole at the site of the swelling, and when building a new covering, it is better to cut a hole at the junction of the insulation boards;
in the roof sheathing you need to cut a hole 10 - 20 mm larger than the diameter of the weather vane, which passes through the layer of screed and insulation;
install the weather vane over the cut hole and secure it with nails or screws around its perimeter;
Coat the top of the skirt with bitumen adhesives to ensure waterproofing of the joints;
after drying, lay a geotextile pad treated with liquid rubber around the entire perimeter;
the skirt of the weather vane should be covered with tiles, an aerator mesh should be placed on top and secured with screws;
at the last stage you need to put on the cap and fix it.

By following this sequence, you can easily install such a roof ventilation system on your own.

Installing ventilation aerators on a soft roof prevents the formation of condensation, mold, and mildew inside the roofing “pie.”

All this protects structural elements roof and ensures a long service life.

Therefore, from the very beginning, when building a roof, it is necessary to carefully consider the installation and carry out correct installation aerators.

Such measures will help ensure effective air circulation, freeing the internal layers of the roof structure from moisture and condensation.

Without roof aerator It is impossible to complete the installation of flat and pitched roofs. This aerator helps ventilate the room and helps remove excess moisture.

Of course, you need to know what types of aerators there are and how they differ from each other. It is also worth talking about the features of installing a roof with an aerator.

There are clear advantages to using such technology that need to be mentioned.

Ventilation is necessary for any roof, because in this case the roof space will last much longer.

If in insulation or waterproofing material a lot of moisture accumulates, this can harm the condition of the roof.

Once the water freezes due to temperature changes, the roof may lose its functionality and reliability. That is why the installation of the aerator must be carried out when installing the roof.

What advantages does an aerator have and why should it be used:

reliable ventilation of the space under the roof;
removing any excess moisture;
removal of water vapor;
in the case of a flat roof, the aerator prevents swelling of the roofing material;
removal of any condensation from the roof space.

Regardless of the characteristics of the roof, installing an aerator will help extend its life. In addition, the aerator is easy to install and will not cause much discomfort to the roof owner.

Operating principle and types of aerators

The principle of operation of the aerator is based on the difference in pressure in the roof space and outside. Thanks to the original aerator cap, natural draft increases, which gives the device the greatest efficiency.

Of course, you need to talk about the types of aerators and the key features of each device.

Plastic aerators

Such devices ideal for use on.

The aerator for such a roof should be installed on the surface, as close as possible to the ridge. In addition, it must be resistant to temperature changes, corrosion, and negative influence ultraviolet.

Plastic meets all requirements, and this aerator has an affordable price.

The most practical and durable options. Such aerators are acid-resistant and can be used over a wide temperature range.

In particular, the aerator works effectively with temperature changes from -50 to +90 degrees Celsius.

Aerator installation methods

It is used in cases where the roof has already been built and there is no time to dismantle it.

To do this, install ventilation pipes into which small-diameter pipes are inserted (no more than 7–12 centimeters). This aerator, shaped like a pipe, is securely closed with a lid similar to an umbrella to prevent moisture from getting inside.

At the marked place, a small hole is made in the roofing carpet with a depth down to the insulation, where the pipe will be located. The bottom of the pipe is specially coated with mastic and pressed as tightly as possible to the roofing. This completes the installation.

On roofs with a flat roof, the aerator is installed along the entire length at the highest points, as well as at the junction of the insulating boards themselves.

If it is necessary to install aerators for industrial premises, swimming pools and baths, the number of such devices must be calculated in advance when building the premises. Installation also needs to be carried out in advance - before the final construction of the roof.

Prices for roof aerators

The cost of aerators varies greatly. So, for example, you can find models that will cost 300 rubles, but there are special variations whose price is several thousand.

For example, a Monterey aerator for roofing can cost 2,000 – 2,200 rubles.

However, here it is important to pay attention not only to the cost, but also to the scope of use of the aerator. For example, models for cost within 1,000 rubles.

Models from the manufacturer Alipai are also popular, which are also inexpensive - around 1,500 rubles. Roof aerators from TechnoNikol will be a little more expensive - in the range of 1000 - 1700 per piece.

Let's sum it up

So, what conclusions can be drawn regarding the purchase and installation of an aerator?

A roof aerator is truly a reliable protector against moisture. With its help, you can easily ventilate the under-roof space.

As a result of installing an aerator, the home owner noticeably increases the durability of the roof and its reliability. The most important thing is to choose the right aerator and install it correctly!

Video about installing a roof aerator

Ventilation of the under-roof space, roof aerators

Roof aerator, very important element on the roof, it can be mounted on roofs with various materials, as well as the angles of the slope. This element has quite a lot of functions. Firstly, the roof aerator removes water vapor that enters the under-roof pie from inside the house. This occurs before increased humidity occurs in the roof space. Secondly, roof aerators seriously increase the service life of the insulation and the entire rafter system; the wood does not dry out. And finally, the aerator prevents the accumulation of condensation at the bottom of the waterproofing, thereby the film is not overloaded with excess moisture. Ventilation of the under-roof space is an integral part of any roof structure. When in the summer the sun heats up the roofing material, which you can’t touch with your hand, then under the roof it’s almost like being in a bathhouse. Therefore, we strongly recommend installing aerators for ventilation, let your roof breathe and serve you for many years.

Soft roofing, so popular in Lately, has a lot of advantages. However, its performance properties and durability depend on how dry it is inside the roofing pie. Therefore, ventilation of the under-roof space should be given special attention when constructing continuous bitumen decks. Roof aerators, which ventilate the entire space under the roof, will help prevent moisture from stagnating in inaccessible places. The roof aerator consists of plastic that is resistant to temperature changes. This is a kind of turtle with a shell that covers it to protect it from snow and rain. In order to calculate the number of aerators on the roof, you just need to understand total area roof and divide it by fifty. Since one roof aerator is capable of ventilating no more than 50 m2 of the roof area.

The operation of such a device is based on the difference in pressure (internal and external) and the draft that occurs in the aerator pipe due to the formation of reduced pressure.

What is a roof aerator

A roof aerator is a special device for removing excess moisture from the space under the roof. This device is installed on the roof. Roof covering and slope in most cases do not matter.

Using an aerator, the insulation is dried and the process of condensate evaporation is accelerated, which allows for significant savings on repair work.

The rate of evaporation closely depends on the circulation of air flows, which are formed precisely thanks to the roof aerator.

This type of device may have:

different size;
different modification.

The direct purpose of aerators is:

In removing condensate;
In ventilation of the space under the roof;
In the distance humid air;
To prevent the development of rotting processes under the roof;
To prevent possible risks of roof leakage.

Such devices can be installed both during construction and on an already equipped roof, and their number directly depends on the technical ability of the roof and the area of the slope. In other words, to calculate correct amount devices for installation, it is necessary to take into account:

Roof dimensions;
Amount of moisture (indoors);
Condition of the roof covering.

The most important problem with soft roofs is carpet swelling and roof leaks. Excess moisture may get into the space under the roof during installation work, which will subsequently lead to swelling of the coating.

A roof aerator for soft roofs will prevent the destruction of the roof covering. The advantages of Katepal soft roofing are revealed.

Roof aerators for soft roofs provide:

Removing steam that gets under the roofing from the premises;
Minimizing excess pressure in the roofing pie;
If the pressure inside the roofing pie is too high, this can lead to the formation of bubbles on the surface of the coating, which will not only spoil appearance building, but will also disrupt and significantly reduce the service life of the roof.
Prevents condensation.

The main enemy for a roofing surface such as metal tiles is moisture. It forms in the place (under the roofing sheet) where the protective coating is located, where scratches could have been left during installation, or in the areas of bolt holes. An aerator will help you avoid repairs and save your roof in time.

The aerator for metal roofing is a special installation that:

Helps remove moist air outside;
Prevents the formation of corrosion.

For corrugated roofing, the presence of an aerator, in many cases, can also be a salvation. This device will be installed under the roofing material and will perform the following tasks:

Will fill the roof fresh air;
Removes moisture from the ventilation pad;
Removes musty air;
Will remove various gases and dust outside.

Aerators have many advantages:

Organize ventilation;
Condensate is removed, which significantly extends the life of the roof;
Refresh indoor air;
They minimize the possibility of the appearance of not only mold, but also other harmful microorganisms.

Installation of a roof aerator

Installation of this type of device is carried out in several stages:

A special hole is made in the roof, which should reach the very depth of the insulating material;
Remember that the hole made must exactly match the size (diameter) of the aerator pipe.
If necessary, it is necessary to remove part of the wet insulation and replace the removed fragment with a dry one;
The bottom of the built-in pipe must be coated with mastic, after which it is pressed to the base of the roof;
The additional skirt of the pipe is fixed to the roof using self-tapping screws (in a circle);
An additional layer of waterproofing must be installed at the bottom of the pipe.

Roof aerator TechnoNIKOL

The concept of a ventilated roof has always implied the need for 2 ventilation circuits:

Ventilation of the space under the roof (part of the ventilation related to the entire building);
Ventilation of the space between the waterproofing layer and the main roof covering.

Once upon a time, organizing a proper ventilation system not only for the space of the house itself, but also for the roof in particular was practically impossible to achieve. However, today, thanks to the use latest technologies and use of all possibilities roofing material, this problem is 100% resolved.

Even at the building design stage, it is important to pay special attention to the ventilation system.

The advantages of installing a TechnoNIKOL roof aerator include:

Unified product design;
Extensive color range;
Manufactured using non-corrosive raw materials;
Availability of all types of ventilation elements for devices in the private sector;
Installation on an already finished roof;
Sealed and fairly simple design;
The product has successfully passed the test not only over time, but also under various climatic conditions;
Resistance to color fading under intense exposure to ultraviolet rays;
Installation on roofs with any slope.

One of the newest models of roofing aerator is the TechnoNIKOL eco roofing aerator 160x450 mm, which consists of 3 parts. Its design has been carefully thought out and allows:

Remove all existing excess moisture from the entire roof pie;
Increase the service life of the roofing covering;
Improve thermal insulation properties.

The best solution for installing a roof of this type of equipment would be a TechnoNIKOL roof aerator. The price has a fairly flexible structure. Some samples can cost 300 rubles, while other, more advanced and complex models can cost more than 3 thousand rubles. However, in order to improve the quality of the roof and extend its service life, it is still worth considering the installation of such equipment.

Turbine roof aerator

This aerator is one of the possible elements passive ventilation. In other words, a hood powered by electricity, or a pipe with an electric fan. This type of aerator operates quite silently and does not require energy consumption.

Depending on the wind speed and the diameter of the device, its turbines are capable of extracting maximum moisture not only from the roof, but also directly from the room itself.

Experts advise taking a closer look at aluminum models of turbine aerators, as they do not rust.

When choosing a turbine-type aerator, it is important to pay attention to the slope of the roof, since not any of the turbines can be installed on roofs with slopes of different degrees. Pay attention to the packaging and instructions, as this is where manufacturers write the degree of roof slope suitable for each model.

Roof aerator cost

The price of devices of this type may vary. Currently construction companies and stores are ready to offer a huge number of devices that meet not only the latest requirements and have a huge number of possibilities, but also those devices that even an avid “economist” can afford.

The price range is quite affordable. The minimum price for a roof aerator will be 260 rubles, while the maximum can reach 3 thousand or more. In other words, there is plenty to choose from.

Video

Installation of a roof aerator requires compliance certain rules which are described in the video clip:

A roof aerator is a device whose main purpose is to remove excess moisture not only from any surfaces of the roof space, but also from inaccessible places located between the layers of the roof pie. This is just one of the areas of its use. Some types of deflectors are used in wastewater disposal systems, as well as among aquarists.

Why the roofing cake must be dry

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

Causes of moisture formation

The most vulnerable from these positions is the soft flat roof. According to the materials included in the cake, they are stacked on top of each other directly on concrete slab flooring, which is a barrier between the interior of the house and the external environment. When using such a structure, there is a high probability of peeling or swelling of the roof covering. 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 in from the outside through tiny microcracks invisible to the eye that are present on any roofing material. There is also the option of moisture entering the under-roof space during installation work.

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

Negative effects of high humidity

First of all, let's note the danger 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. With the onset of cold weather, the water accumulated over the summer and autumn freezes and begins to expand, simultaneously stretching the roof covering from the inside. This can lead to its ruptures and even render the coating unusable. Moreover, frozen water can also damage the screed.

On a note

If, as a result of the destructive effects of water, the roof is severely damaged, then it may have to be completely disassembled, the surface dried and replaced with a new one. The event, frankly speaking, is very expensive. The optimal solution To prevent such conditions, a roof aerator is considered.

Types of aerators

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

size,
material,
modification,
mode of action.

Deflector and roofing material

For soft roof:

removes steam trapped under the roof covering from the room;
minimizes excess pressure in the roofing pie, which is very important for ensuring normal operational periods roofs;
prevents the formation of condensation.

An excellent solution for soft roofing is an aerator. roofing TechnoNIKOL made of weather-resistant impact-resistant polypropylene. IN flat roofs they are installed, evenly distributed over the surface, either at the joints of thermal insulation boards, or in places with the highest elevation.

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

What technical characteristics does the roof aerator have?
what is the roof area?

in 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 were left 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. Mount at most one on one sheet roof aerator.

The device body is usually made of materials that are resistant to corrosion or acidic environments, temperature changes and UV radiation. The best material today is considered stainless steel and durable plastic.

Installation under a corrugated roof:

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

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

Design versions

ridge aerator for soft roof

The design of 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. Depending on the design, there are several options.

Installation

The best option is to install the device at the time the roof is erected. 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:

installing a deflector on the roof

A special hole is made in the roof, reaching to the very depth of the thermal insulation material. The dimensions of the hole made must exactly match the diameter of the deflector pipe.

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

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

The additional skirt of the pipe, the protective frame, is secured 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 leaks from occurring.

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

Video instructions for installing the deflector

One of the mandatory elements of ventilated roofs is a roof aerator, which is installed to remove water vapor and moisture accumulating in the under-roof space. The number of aerators on a flat roof depends on its area, as well as on technical features devices selected for installation. According to requirements building codes for every 100 sq. There should be one fan per m of roofing surface. For installation, select the highest points at the junction of the insulating boards. Thanks to the installation of deflectors, it is possible to increase the service life of the waterproofing carpet, as well as prevent the appearance of blisters on the surface of the soft roof due to temperature changes. On pitched roofs covered with metal, flexible (bitumen), ceramic or cement-sand tiles, ventilation devices are installed as high as possible, but do not reach the ridge closer than half a meter.

Experts have found that when using soft roofs, the main disadvantage is the accumulation of excess moisture in the insulation and screed. Increased moisture in these layers of the roofing pie causes a number of negative consequences, namely:

Blistering of the roof covering, which appears as a result of heating the soft roof in summer time due to the delamination of bitumen-polymer materials under the influence of high temperatures.
An increase in thermal conductivity is provoked by moisture accumulated under the waterproofing, which worsens the thermal insulation properties. Theoretically, it has long been proven that when the level of humidification increases by 1-2 percent, the thermal conductivity coefficient increases by 30-40 percent. This leads to an increase in heating costs for the facility. In addition to heat loss, waterlogging of the layers of roofing carpet can lead to the development of mold.
The destruction of the waterproofing carpet and cement-sand leveling screed is caused by moisture entering the pores of the material. After the ambient temperature drops, the water that has penetrated into the pores crystallizes and its volume increases. This process is accompanied by the appearance of microcracks and destruction of the leveling screed. Similar negative processes occur in the waterproofing layer, violating its integrity.

What does a roof ventilation device look like?

The roof aerator promotes the release of water vapor from under the roof surface

The roof aerator is made of pipes, the diameter of which can vary from 63 to 110 mm. The top of the pipe is covered with an umbrella, which prevents precipitation from entering the fan. These devices are made from the following materials:

AISI 316 stainless steel;
polypropylene.

These materials provide the aerator with resistance to ultraviolet rays and precipitation, corrosion and mechanical stress. Roof fans are used in different climate zones. They can be operated at temperatures ranging from -50 °C to +90 °C. Even plastic aerators are able to withstand short-term exposure to the flame of a burner used when laying roll bitumen-containing materials.

Manufacturers produce aerators different shapes and appointments

Important! These devices can be installed not only when installing new roofs, but also when performing current repairs roofs built long ago. At the same time, it is possible to save on roof maintenance costs.

Installation of aerators during the construction of new roofs

When laying new roof on a base made of reinforced concrete slabs ceilings, install plastic aerators on the bottom layer of material. In this case, the work is performed according to the following algorithm:

in the intended installation location of the fan, a hole is cut in the screed layer, insulation, reaching the vapor barrier layer; hole diameter ranges from 80 to 120 mm;
expanded clay is poured into the resulting hole;
apply mastic, glue or sealant to the horizontal part of the aerator to ensure better adhesion of the device to the roofing carpet;
wait for the mastic, glue or sealant to harden and additionally fasten the fan using six self-tapping screws screwed in around the entire circumference of the pipe skirt;
Next, the top layer of the roofing carpet is fastened, and the aerator should be in the place of the end overlap of two adjacent roofing panels (overlapping width - 150 mm);
the roofing material in the area where the aerator is installed is laid loosely;
then it is necessary to fuse (apply or spray, depending on the chosen technology) a patch from the top layer of roofing material at the junction of the aerator and the roofing carpet so that it covers the skirt of the device and extends onto the roofing carpet at a distance of at least 150 mm.

Aerators are chosen depending on the purpose

If the installation of a soft roof will be carried out in one layer, then the aerator must be installed directly on the screed.

When installing deflectors in a roof with a base made of corrugated sheets, you can follow the rules described above. However, there are slight differences, which are that the hole in the intended installation location of the roof aerator must pass through the top layer of insulation to the bottom layer of thermal insulation. Then the ventilation device is attached long screws to the corrugated sheet through the insulation or directly into the insulating board itself.

Important! When performing routine repairs of an old roof, a hole with a diameter of 80 to 120 mm is cut in the carpet. Depending on the number of layers, the hole reaches the vapor barrier layer or the screed. Afterwards, the aerator is installed, mastic is applied and then secured with self-tapping screws. The work is completed by applying the top layer of the fused roof.

Installation diagrams for roofing aerators

Schematic structure of traditional unused roof , on which the ventilation device is installed:

Traditional unused roof with an aerator.

layer of expanded clay;
vapor barrier layer;
thermal insulation layer;
leveling screed;
bottom waterproofing layer;
top waterproofing layer;
roof aerator body;
protective umbrella.

Scheme of an unused roof, which includes one layer of waterproofing:

Scheme of an unused roof with one layer of waterproofing.

layer of expanded clay;
reinforced concrete floor slabs;
vapor barrier layer;
thermal insulation layer;
leveling screed;
waterproofing layer;
roof aerator body;
protective umbrella.

Schematic structure of a traditional roof in use, on which the ventilation device is installed:

layer of expanded clay;
reinforced concrete floor slab;
ramp made of lightweight concrete;
vapor barrier;
thermal insulation layer;
leveling screed;
waterproofing layer;
washed gravel;
protective umbrella;
roof aerator housing.

Schematic structure of the inversion roof on which the ventilation device is installed:

Inversion roof with aerator.

layer of expanded clay;
reinforced concrete floor slabs;
ramp made of lightweight concrete;
vapor barrier layer;
thermal insulation layer;
leveling screed;
waterproofing layer;
drainage;
washed gravel backfill;
finishing coat from paving slabs;
protective umbrella;
roof aerator housing.

Conclusion

The need to install a ventilation system depends on the complexity of the roof shape and its size, as well as on the state of the vapor barrier and the degree of air humidity in the interior. When installing several aerators, maintain a distance between them of 12 m. On roofs with a pronounced valley line and ridge, aerators are installed along the ridge and in the valley at the watershed. For facilities operating in conditions of high humidity (laundries, baths, saunas, swimming pools), engineers from design organizations must carry out accurate calculations of installation points for ventilation devices.

A well-planned roof must have aerators

It is also better to trust the installation of ventilation systems and their individual elements to professional companies that have mastered the intricacies of the technology for performing these works. Self-installation carried out with errors will only worsen the condition of the roof. If the roof carpet is destroyed, the cost of repair may not be comparable to the wages of professional roofers.

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