Distance between roof aerators. Roof aerator

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 maintain the functionality of the roofing, protect it from corrosion, (for soft roof), deformations.

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 premises 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– deviation; 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. Wet thermal insulation (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 that 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 of 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

A ridge aerator is a continuous ventilation duct running 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. The entry and exit of air flows 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 fits tightly onto the carpet, which increases possible contact with 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.

Installation of a soft roof does not tolerate trifles. Sometimes, thinking to save money on such a seemingly optional detail as roof ventilation, the developer faces a lot of troubles. The roof begins to leak, the house smells of dampness, and icicles accumulate on the eaves. And, the apotheosis of everything, becomes the fleeting destruction of expensive roofing material. Such troubles occur because moisture penetrates into the soft roof pie, seeping into the insulation, rafter structures and the bitumen coating itself. The problem can be solved by installing artificial ventilation ducts - aerators - on the roof. Air will circulate through them, drawing out excess moisture and drying the inner cake of the structure.

Thus, installing aerators on a soft roof is a process recommended by experts, and in some cases (over attic floor, for example) – mandatory, preventing its damage and ensuring a comfortable stay in the house.

It is clear that aerators provide ventilation and drying of the roofing pie from moisture. But where does it come from? After all, manufacturers initially position soft roofing as airtight. Moreover, the under-roof pie contains layers of hydro- and vapor barrier (vapor barrier - if there is insulation).

But this does not save you from the presence of moist vapors. They are an indispensable attribute of any living space, formed in the process of cooking, washing, bathing and even, ultimately, human breathing. According to research, every day in a house where a family of 4 lives, 2-4 liters of water vapor are generated, some of which accumulates in the under-roof space.

When warm steam comes into contact with a cold surface (during sudden changes in temperature outside and inside), it condenses. As a result, tiny droplets of water begin to saturate any structures and materials that they can “reach”. First of all, these are rafters, sheathing, and insulation.

Another way for moisture to penetrate is through outside roofs. Warm steam, accumulating in the attic, heats the roofing from the inside. In winter, the snow lying on the roof begins to melt. Ice crusts form, which, as the situation worsens, also melt. Water penetrates the joints of the covering, and the roof begins to leak.

In addition, the coating itself suffers, which in any case has microcracks. Moisture penetrates there and, when the temperature drops, tears the material. Cracks become visible, sometimes through. The coating becomes unusable.

On a soft roof, the effects of excess moisture manifest themselves quite quickly. You may notice:

  • The appearance of bubbles on the surface. A soft roof pie, as a rule, includes a waterproofing layer (on top) and a vapor barrier layer (bottom). In essence, it is a closed, hermetically sealed circuit. In summer, the roofing pie heats up to 80-100°C, as a result of which the moisture accumulated in the circuit forms steam and tries to evaporate. This situation entails the appearance of swelling and destruction of the roof.
  • Reduced efficiency of the heat insulator. Wetting the thermal insulation layer even by 2% leads to an increase in its thermal conductivity (and a decrease in insulating properties) by 40%! Accordingly, such a roof ceases to fulfill its functions in terms of heat retention, and heating costs increase.

All this leads to destruction of the structure of the roofing material and the occurrence of leaks.

Purpose of aerators

How to prevent moisture from settling on roofing surfaces? Or should we dry structures already saturated with moisture?

The laws of physics will come to our aid. Moisture can be removed by evaporation, which occurs during the movement (circulation) of air currents. Since there is a significant difference between the internal (in the house) and external (outdoor) pressure indicators, for air circulation it is enough to ensure the process of communication between the two environments.

If the attic is cold, then effective ventilation can be ensured quite simply - through dormer windows, loose eaves overhangs, cracks in the ridge. For warm attics And this solution is not suitable for attics, since in the cold season unregulated ventilation will reduce the temperature in the room.

In such houses, the most appropriate use of roofing aerators is ventilation ducts connecting the under-roof and above-roof spaces. After installing the aerator, due to the pressure difference, a forced draft is created in its pipe, which pulls out wet vapors from under the roof.

Very important point: in order for the process of drawing air through the aerator to become possible, it is necessary to common system provide a supply of fresh cool air. Otherwise, air masses will not circulate. To do this, ventilation ducts are installed in the eaves, where fresh air continuously flows. Passing through the attic space, it heats up and rises up to the roof.

Thanks to the draft created in the aerator, it passes through its pipe and is thrown out into the street. With properly equipped ventilation, in just 1 hour air flow Passes through the roofing cake 2 times, drying and ventilating it.

Accordingly, by installing soft roof aerators in the required quantity, you don’t have to worry about the dryness of the coating and insulation. Therefore, it is more correct to begin their installation at the construction stage. But, if for some reason this did not happen, you can do it later. The main thing is not to wait for fatal roof defects to occur (swelling, destruction of the material). Fortunately for many developers, with the help of aerators it is possible not only to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the new roofing pie, but also to dry the old roof already saturated with moisture.

Types of aerators

For soft roofs, aerators are used that are made of impact-resistant plastics that can withstand temperature changes, corrosion, and exposure to UV rays. Depending on the design features, purpose and mode of action, There are 2 types of aerators: continuous ridge and point.

The ridge aerator is classified as a continuous ventilation system, since it is installed along the entire length of the ridge to aerate the entire under-roof space. In appearance, the design is corner piece with openings protected by special barriers - from insects, dust, snow.


Point aerators are installed on separate sections (points) of the roof, usually on slopes, less often on ridges. Each such aerator is a ventilation pipe protected on top by a cap of various configurations. Usually general form the design resembles a “fungus” or “box”.

The point slope aerator has flat base(skirt), through which it is connected to the roof. Point base ridge aerator– angular, designed to mate with the roof in the area of ​​its upper horizontal edge.


Differences in the designs of available types of aerators also imply a significant difference in their installation technologies.

Installation of a ridge aerator

The ridge aerator is the easiest to install; it does not require special calculation of the quantity, since it is usually installed along the entire length of the ridge. Installation of a ridge aerator is recommended on roofs with a slope of 12-45°. At the same time, it is mounted only on the ridge, ensuring air circulation in the attic space.

Usage standards:

  • It is necessary to have vents on the eaves to ensure air flow;
  • it is recommended to install the aerator along the entire length of the ridge, connecting its segments into one structure;
  • ridge tiles are mounted on top of the ridge aerator, thus appearance the roof does not suffer from “alien” elements.

Installation technology:

  1. In a solid base circular saw cut a ventilation groove. There can be one (at the top of the ridge) or two (on both sides of the ridge). The total thickness of the ventilation gap should be 3-8 cm (depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer of the particular aerator). The slots are made so that they end 30 cm before the edge of the ridge, that is, the roof remains solid on both sides of the ridge.
  2. Along the edges of the ridge (where the ventilation gap was not cut) ridge tiles are laid.
  3. Mount the ridge aerator. Each of its segments is secured using elongated roofing nails or screws screwed through ready-made factory holes. In this case, the segments are connected to each other, like parts of a construction set.
  4. Cover the aerator profile with ridge tiles. Its petals are mounted overlapping, according to the usual method, no different from the technology of laying it along the ribs. The only difference is the fastening elements. IN in this case the tiles are nailed to the aerator with extended roofing nails
  5. The ends of the aerator, where they meet the roof, are sealed with silicone sealant.

Example of works in the photo:


The video will help you understand in more detail the intricacies of roof aeration on a soft roof:

Installation of point aerators

In addition to the ridge aerator, it is possible to use several point analogues. These aerators are used:

  • on roofs with a slope of less than 12°, as well as on flat roofs;
  • to increase ventilation efficiency, in addition to the roof aerator;
  • if installation of a ridge aerator is impossible, for example, if there is no ridge or if there are abutments of the roofing material to vertical surfaces and walls.

Usage standards:

  • installation of point aerators is carried out on slopes, at a distance of 0.5-0.8 m from the horizontal edge of the ridge;
  • it is necessary to ensure air flow on the overhangs;
  • one aerator provides effective ventilation of 5-100 m2 of roofing (depending on the diameter and shape of the structure); in accordance with these data, their number is calculated - from 2 pieces or more.

Installation technology:

  1. IN continuous lathing cut out a hole that matches the size of the internal gap of the aerator channel. To do this, the base (skirt) of the aerator is placed on plywood (OSB) and the contours of the hole are drawn on the roof through the passage channel. Marking is done with a pencil or nail. Using a jigsaw, cut a hole along the line.
  2. Place the aerator skirt over the hole and secure it with roofing nails or self-tapping screws (at least 6 pieces). Some manufacturers recommend using an adhesive fixation method in addition to fasteners. In this case, the back side of the skirt is coated bitumen mastic, glue it to the base, and only then secure it with fasteners.
  3. Glue the top of the skirt with bitumen glue to waterproof the junction.
  4. The skirt is covered with shingles, cutting them at the junctions.
  5. An aerator mesh is put on top of the skirt, screwing it with self-tapping screws. Then the cover (cap) is mounted, snapped into place and also screwed in with self-tapping screws.
  6. The remaining point aerators are installed in the same way (in accordance with the calculations), which in the total mass will form a single ventilation system.

This is what it looks like:


More clear information about the installation stages point aerator can be obtained by watching the training video:

Thus, installing aerators is not a difficult job, even self-taught craftsmen can do it. However, the benefits from it are enormous!

Thanks to aerators, water vapor is drawn out from the roofing pie, condensation is prevented from settling, mold, mildew and mustiness appear. All this has a positive effect on the service life wooden structures(rafters, sheathing, sheathing), the work of thermal insulation, the microclimate of the living space.

All roofs with a rigid internal frame have one common quality - condensation periodically accumulates in the internal passages and threatens load-bearing structures premature rotting and destruction. In this article we will talk about such a useful invention as a roof aerator, which provides ventilation and keeps rafter structures dry.

Application with soft roof

Please note that installation of the aerator is possible even on flat roofs. In the case of a soft roof, a roof aerator prevents swelling of the material. The operating principle of this simple mechanism consists of removing moisture until it crystallizes under the roofing material. Thus, peeling does not occur soft covering from the frame structure.

Ideally, the installation of aerators on a soft roof should be carried out simultaneously with the construction of the house. This will save you from mold and rotting roof beams. However, even if these devices were neglected at the beginning of construction, they can always be installed later - this is not at all difficult to do.

Soft roofing is currently a fairly popular and actively used roofing material. It is laid on a reinforced concrete base, on which layers of insulation, waterproofing and cement-sand screed are applied. As a rule, the waterproofing layer is represented by roll materials.

Why do you need to install a roof aerator?

Depending on the quality of waterproofing and insulation work, as well as laying a soft roof, its service life may vary. Among the most common defects of such roofs is the accumulation of condensation in the insulating layer and screed. This problem can be eliminated with the help of a roof aerator. It allows you to reduce the moisture content in the roofing pie and prevent its further accumulation. Therefore, many reasonably believe that thanks to these devices it is possible to significantly extend the service life of a soft roof.

The formation and accumulation of condensation can ultimately lead to the following consequences:

  1. Swelling of a flat roof.
  2. Increase in thermal conductivity.
  3. Defects in the screed or roofing pie.


The most common problem is roof swelling, the causes of which can be:

  • Temperature increase in summer period leads to heating of bituminous materials and changes in their structure, namely an increase in plasticity. In this case, the degree of viscosity of the mastic at which the roofing material was laid will matter.
  • Vapor accumulation in the space under the roof. Since the roofing pie consists of a lower vapor barrier and an upper waterproofing layer, when the temperature rises, the liquid accumulated between them is converted into steam, creating excess pressure.
  • Delamination of the roofing cake and bitumen-polymer composition. To get rid of swelling of the coating, the waterproofing must be carefully glued to the base. You can also use a roof aerator.

An increase in thermal conductivity entails significant heat loss and additional energy costs. According to studies, an increase in roof humidity even by 1-2% causes an increase in thermal conductivity by 30-40%. In addition, warm and humid environments are conducive to mold growth.

As for the destruction of the screed, the reason lies in the porosity of the material. In the normal state, the pores in cement mortar filled with air. If the roof has excessive moisture, these pores begin to fill with condensate, which expands as the temperature drops and leads to the formation of cracks and defects in the screed. In this case, the waterproofing layer may also be affected.

When choosing plastic roof aerators in each case, it is necessary to determine what caused the increase in humidity.

Reasons for increased humidity in the under-roof space

Moisture getting inside the insulation can occur from external environment due to defects and problems in the roofing pie. In addition, it can accumulate due to the destruction or damage of the vapor barrier layer. One of the external factors of insulation getting wet can be difficult weather conditions and high air humidity.

In cases where the insulation layer accumulates too much water and, therefore, does not have time to fully dry out, it will be quite difficult to cope with the problem without additional devices. A similar situation is observed in the case of roofs that are constantly exposed to wetness. In this case, achieve positive results almost impossible.


Ultimately, the insulation will have to be replaced, for which the roof will need to be almost completely disassembled. This process will require too much material and labor resources, which not every owner can do.

To save money, you can get rid of excess moisture in the roofing pie by evaporation. In this case, all the complex and expensive work of dismantling the roof and replacing waterproofing and insulation simply will not be necessary. In addition, thanks to drying, there will be no fear of leaks, which usually occur after roof repairs.

Alternatively, you can use an aerator for ventilation. The operation of such devices is carried out due to the difference between the internal and external pressure of the air masses. Thanks to this principle, a draft arises in the aerator tube, which is created due to a decrease in pressure under the influence of wind flows from the outside.


To understand why you need a roof aerator, here are the main functions of this device:

  1. Removal of steam-saturated air coming from the interior to the outside. This process occurs constantly, therefore, moisture does not have time to accumulate on the frame structure.
  2. A decrease in internal pressure in the thickness of the roofing pie, due to which, as a rule, swelling of the finishing roofing material occurs.
  3. Preventing liquid crystallization and its accumulation in the lower part of the waterproofing layer. Otherwise, condensation penetrates into the thickness of the insulation and leads to the loss of the material’s qualities.

By design, an aerator for a roof made of metal tiles or any other material is a pipe with a cross-section from 63 to 111 mm. An umbrella is installed on top of the pipe to prevent precipitation from getting into it. Usually, roof aerator made from polyethylene pipes HDPE.

Rules for installing roof aerators

The technology for installing roof aerators consists of several steps:

  1. A window is cut through the thickness of the screed to install the ventilation pipe. Its depth should reach the inner layer of insulation.
  2. The condition of the insulation should be checked - wet material is removed and replaced with dry material so that its thermal conductivity meets the requirements of the standards.
  3. Now the aerator pipe is fastened. To do this on her bottom part first apply a layer of mastic, and then screw it to cement screed using six self-tapping screws. Screw the screws into the aerator skirt at the same distance from each other.
  4. To prevent water from seeping under the device, an additional layer of waterproofing is laid on the base of the ventilation pipe.

To understand whether an aerator is required for a metal roof in each specific case, it is worth considering a number of factors. In particular, the type of structure and size of the roof, the level of humidity in the premises, as well as the reliability and condition of the vapor barrier layer of the roofing cake are important.


For houses with flat roofs that do not have complex lines and are made in compliance with all construction standards, the norms for the number of aerators on the roof require the installation of one device for every 100 m2.

At the same time, the distance between individual aerators should not exceed 12 meters. On roofs where the valley and ridge are clearly marked, the installation of ventilation pipes should be carried out along the passage of the ridge and in the valley itself at the boundary of the watershed.

Please note that if the building is initially planned to be used in permanent high humidity, for example, for saunas, baths or swimming pools, then special design offices should be involved in calculating the number and location of aerators.

Of course, you can install roof aerators yourself if you have at least minimal construction skills. However, you can also use the services of professional builders who will do everything quickly and efficiently.

How roof ventilation works

As has already become clear, the design of the aerator does not provide any mechanisms that would remove excess moisture from the roofing pie. These devices are something like ventilation ducts that provide air exchange. Unobstructed hit fresh air into the space under the roof helps remove excess moisture and maintain the humidity level within acceptable limits. Thus, the main task of aerators is to ensure the flow of air under the roof without interference.

The functionality of the device is maintained in all weather conditions. The fact is that the humidity of freely circulating air will in any case be lower than that of air masses that are concentrated in a confined space under the roof. Ventilation pipes can ensure that excess moisture from the outside does not enter the under-roof space, and excess humid air can freely leave the roof.


It is obvious that ensuring high-quality roof ventilation is quite feasible. All you need is to install a roof aerator. So you can be sure that wet air will not stagnate under the roof, but will be able to circulate freely.

It is noteworthy that the roof aerator does not require special care - you just need to check that the passages are not clogged. Overall it is very simple and reliable device, which successfully solves the problems of excessive moisture and allows you to extend the life of any roof.

One of mandatory elements ventilated roofs is a roof aerator, which is installed to remove water vapor and moisture accumulating in the under-roof space. Number of aerators per 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 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?

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:

These materials provide the aerator with resistance to ultraviolet rays and atmospheric precipitation, corrosion damage 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 upper layer 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.

  1. layer of expanded clay;
  2. vapor barrier layer;
  3. thermal insulation layer;
  4. leveling screed;
  5. bottom waterproofing layer;
  6. top waterproofing layer;
  7. roof aerator body;
  8. protective umbrella.
  • Scheme of an unused roof, which includes one layer of waterproofing:

Scheme of an unused roof with one layer of waterproofing.

  1. layer of expanded clay;
  2. slabs reinforced concrete floor;
  3. vapor barrier layer;
  4. thermal insulation layer;
  5. leveling screed;
  6. waterproofing layer;
  7. roof aerator body;
  8. protective umbrella.
  • Schematic structure of a traditional roof in use, on which the ventilation device is installed:

  1. layer of expanded clay;
  2. reinforced concrete floor slab;
  3. ramp made of lightweight concrete;
  4. vapor barrier;
  5. thermal insulation layer;
  6. leveling screed;
  7. waterproofing layer;
  8. washed gravel;
  9. protective umbrella;
  10. roof aerator housing.
  • Schematic structure of the inversion roof on which the ventilation device is installed:

Inversion roof with aerator.

  1. layer of expanded clay;
  2. reinforced concrete floor slabs;
  3. ramp made of lightweight concrete;
  4. vapor barrier layer;
  5. thermal insulation layer;
  6. leveling screed;
  7. waterproofing layer;
  8. drainage;
  9. washed gravel backfill;
  10. finishing coat from paving slabs;
  11. protective umbrella;
  12. roof aerator housing.

Conclusion

Installation requirement 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 interior spaces. 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 objects operating in conditions high humidity(laundries, baths, saunas, swimming pools), perform accurate calculations of installation points ventilation devices should engineers of design organizations.

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.