What is a whirlybird vent?
Whirlybirds, also known as ‘turbine vents’, are a type of semi-mechanical vent that can be installed on the roof of a property to help to remove heat and ventilate the roof cavity. Whirlybirds are particularly popular in Australia, as they work to provide proper roof ventilation in houses that heat up easily.
Do Whirlybirds work on roofs?
Tags roof repairs Do Whirlybirds Work? Whirlybirds, also known as ‘turbine vents’, are a type of semi-mechanical vent that can be installed on the roof of a property to help to remove heat and ventilate the roof cavity. Whirlybirds are particularly popular in Australia, as they work to provide proper roof ventilation in houses that heat up easily.
Do Whirlybirds need ventilation?
They require vents (either in the eaves or in the ceiling of the house) to let cooler air in as the warm air is expelled through the turbine. So, if you are getting whirly birds installed, make sure that there are adequate ceiling vents to allow air replacement. Also, whirlybirds are less effective if you have no sarking under the roof.
Can I install a Whirly Bird to vent the attic?
In theory, you can install a whirly bird near the top ridge that can vent the attic space. But you do need an inflow of air into the attic to replace the hot air that rises to the top of the attic.
What is better than a whirlybird?
A roof vent is an ideal option during the hotter months of the year when the heat is unbearable in your home. On the other hand, a whirlybird relies on the wind to extract the heat from your home. It's environmentally friendly but its design means that when there's no wind, the heat won't be extracted from your house.
Does rain get into a whirlybird?
Whirlybirds are designed to withstand high winds and rain. In fact, due the shape of the overlapping fins, there is no penetration of water. The International Rain Dynamic Penetration Test is used to back the Edmonds range.
How much difference does a whirlybird make?
For a whirlybird ventilator that has a diameter of 30cm and a wind speed of 8km per hour, the whirlybird will move almost 10 cubic meters of air per minute from the roof cavity. For a ventilator that has a diameter of 35cm and a wind speed of 25km per hour, the system will move 38 cubic meters per minute.
Which type of roof vent is best?
In most cases, we recommend soffit vents for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust. For homes that cannot have a ridge vent, box vents are generally the second best option for exhaust. And for homes that cannot have soffit ventilation, you will find that fascia vents to be your second best bet.
How long do whirly birds last?
Standard residential whirlybirds have an average life span of between 10 and 15 years (the CSR Edmonds Windmaster Whirlybirds we install come with a 15 year parts warranty).
Do whirlybirds leak if not spinning?
So, do whirlybirds leak? Well, actually no, they don't. The design is such that water is prevented from getting through the fins and into the turbine itself, regardless of whether it is a windy day, or the rain is heavy or light.
How many whirlybirds does a house need?
A house with 1-2 bedrooms will generally need two whirlybirds. A house with 3-4 bedrooms will generally need up to four whirlybirds. A house with 4-5 bedrooms will generally need four whirlybirds.
How many whirly birds do I need on my roof?
The general rule of thumb is 1 whirlybird for every 50 square meters of roof space. On average, a 1 to 2-bedroom house will need at least 2 roof vents. For a 3 to 4-bedroom house, you will need at least 3 roof vents, and for a 4-5-bedroom house, you will need at least 4 roof vents.
Can rain get in roof turbines?
Most vents have an integrated base flashing, typically made of sheet metal, that slips under the shingles above the vent and overlaps the shingles below. If the flashing is bent or otherwise damaged, it could be allowing wind-driven rain to penetrate from below.
How many roof vents should a house have?
But how many roof vents does one home really need? A general guideline is homeowners need one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, if your home has a roof with a vapor barrier, or 1:300. If not, you should have one square foot of roof vent for every 150 square feet, or 1:150.
How do you tell if attic is properly vented?
How to tell if your attic is properly ventedExcessively warm living areas caused by the heat having no place to go.Moisture or frost in your attic during the winter.Ice dams forming at the edge of your roof in winter.The lack of vents in your eaves or exhaust vents on your roof.Rotting or decaying home exterior.More items...•
How do I get the best airflow for my roof?
5 TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR ATTIC VENTILATIONAssess Your Needs. Before you make any changes, it's important to determine if your attic actually needs additional ventilation, and if so, how much. ... Insert Roof Vents. ... Add Soffit Vents. ... Install Gable Vents. ... Use Fans to Improve Airflow.
Does rain affect wind turbines?
The erosion rates of wind turbines have a direct relationship to the environment they are erected. More rainfall will result in more erosion of turbine blades [4].
Can rain get in roof turbines?
Most vents have an integrated base flashing, typically made of sheet metal, that slips under the shingles above the vent and overlaps the shingles below. If the flashing is bent or otherwise damaged, it could be allowing wind-driven rain to penetrate from below.
Should you cover your whirlybird?
Many homes have “whirly bird” vents or turbine vents. These vents look like small windmills and spin. The reason they are on your roof is to provide the air exchange your home needs to remain comfortable and healthy. If you cover them, you can cause extremely expensive damage to your home!
Can rain come in through roof vents?
And on occasion a hard driving rain with whipping wind will cause roof vents to leak water. If your roof vent leaks during heavy rain, the rain may be blowing up under the hood and into the vent. It this is the case, you need to create a breathable shield to slow the driving rain drops while still allowing air flow.
Do whirlybirds really work?
The answer is yes to the question, "Do Whirlybirds Work?" Whirlybirds work to extract hot air from roof spaces, efficiently ventilation the space b...
Do whirlybirds make a difference?
The main advantage of roof ventilation is that it allows you to control the temperature of your roof cavity without heating or cooling the rest of...
Do whirlybirds cool the home?
Whirlybirds remove moist air, resulting in lower winter energy expenses. Moisture-laden air from both inside and outside the home can condense, cau...
Are whirlybirds waterproof?
When built correctly, a whirlybird creates a totally watertight seal that prevents rain from penetrating the building or home.
Are whirlybirds noisy?
A working whirlybird powered by the wind is silent, therefore if it's generating noise, it's most likely broken. The whirlybird is usually bent or...
How many whirlybirds do I need for House?
The number of whirlbybirds that you need for a house is dependent on a number of factors. Primarily, those factors are the size of the house, the a...
Do whirlybirds need wind?
The efficiency of a whirlybird is determined on the wind in the area. It will not work if there is no wind (except for the rotation created by the...
Why do whirlybirds leak?
Regardless of whether it's a windy day or a light drizzle, the turbine's design prevents water from entering through the fins and into the turbine...
What Are Roof Whirlybirds?
Whirlybirds are cylindrical domes that sit on the roof of a building and spin in the wind, creating a vacuum which extracts warm air from the ceiling cavity. When the sun beats down on the roof, it heats the ceiling and roof cavity up to excessive temperatures. As a result, the heat infiltrates the interiors, making the living spaces uncomfortable and stuffy. To compensate for this compensated heat, whirlybirds offer an electricity-free roof ventilator to manage roof space temperatures.
How does a Whirlybird ventilator work?
All of the heat from roof space gets drawn upwards and into the whirlybird ventilator, which then expels the hot air from the interior of the building. A significant number of whirlybirds will work together to assist in reducing the build-up of heat and humidity, while also enhancing the air quality of the interiors of the house. ...
How Many Whirlybirds Do I Need?
If you’re considering installing roof whirlybirds, you’re probably wondering “how many whirlybirds do I need?”. This is a pretty common question. Whirlybirds work very well and will only increase the ventilation in a house when multiple are installed. The size of your house should determine the number of whirlybirds you install. Here’s a rough guide:
How fast does a whirlybird move?
For a ventilator that has a diameter of 35cm and a wind speed of 25km per hour, the system will move 38 cubic meters per minute. The design of whirlybirds is entirely waterproof. While the whirlybird is spinning, its circular and rotating force means that any water will be expelled and removed similarly to the vented air.
Why are whirlybirds important?
This helps to keep houses and properties ventilated, clean, and prevent the accumulation of hot air. In the hot Australian climate, whirlybirds can do wonders in keeping a space cool during summer.
What are Whirlybirds used for?
Whirlybirds can also be used in conjunction with powered options for a direct and impactful whole-house cooling system.
Why install a Whirlybird?
Installing a whirlybird is an inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient, ventilated, and free from odours and stale air. Relying on whirlybirds means less dependence on air conditioning and heating devices. Whirlybirds use no electricity and can spin for more than 20 years when well-maintained; keeping your property comfortable and clean.
How Does a Whirlybird Roof Vent Work?
A whirlybird roof vent works to disperse the heat from your ceiling and make the air properly ventilated inside your home. Whirlybirds have mechanical fins that help the device to spin with the flow of wind. When the whirlybird spins, it creates a vacuum to absorb the heat coming from the ceiling cavity.
How does the diameter of a Whirlybird vent affect its efficiency?
The diameter of a whirlybird vent can determine its efficiency as well. This way, the larger domes have the capacity of removing more warm air from your house. Also, the size of the dome depends much on the size of your home.
How effective are whirlybirds?
As aforementioned, there are two types of whirlybirds. But, when it comes to efficiency in terms of operation, the mechanical type stands out. The wind-driven conventional ones wholly depend on the wind. As such, the operational capacity of the wind-driven whirlybirds can be limited.
Why is a proper ventilation system so crucial?
It is very important for any kind of house to have a proper ventilation system so that the quality of air is beneficial rather than harmful. When you neglect this aspect, your family’s health could be compromised. Your roof’s temperature, for example, can go up to 50 degrees Celsius during the summer.
Why are my whirlybird vents so noisy?
When the wind is blowing stronger, these vents tend to get noisy. While they can resist rain, the whirlybird roof vents are prone to external damage. That’s because of their open design, which can hold dust, leaves, debris, and other objects. They need lubrication and frequent cleaning to function properly.
How much hot air can a Whirlybird remove?
As such, the mechanism can work effectively with the wind speed of 8 to 10 kilometres per hour. And, it can remove around 10 to 30 cubic meters of hot air within a minute. Must-Have Prepper Tools >.
What happens if you don't have a good ventilation system?
When your house doesn’t have a good ventilation system, the heat has nowhere to go but run down the house. The cooling appliances you have turned on, such as an air conditioner or electric fan, will need more energy to fight against the heat.
What happens when you have a Whirlybird roof?
When the roof is adequately ventilated – which can be achieved with a whirlybird installation – less heat is transferred into your rooms, allowing air conditioners and fans to work more efficiently and the cost of running these appliances is also decreased.
What are the benefits of a whirlybird installation in Melbourne?
There are many benefits that can be gained from a roof whirlybird installation, specifically in Melbourne.
How do whirlybirds work?
Whirlybirds remove hot air trapped between the ceiling and the roof. This stops that same heat from radiating from the ceiling space into the rooms, keeping your home cooler.
Why do whirlybirds have fins?
These fins are designed to ‘catch’ the wind as it passes, causing the whirlybird to turn and spin, helping to circulate the air within the roof .
Why is roof ventilation important?
Answer: The main advantage of roof ventilation is that it allows you to control the temperature of your roof cavity without heating or cooling the rest of your house. Roof ventilation also keeps wet air from gathering in your roof cavity, which can lead to very humid temperatures and leaking rafters.
Why are whirlybirds good for winter?
Whirlybirds and the ventilation they provide are also useful in winter too as they help remove moist air, resulting in lower winter energy expenses.
What are the problems that can occur in homes in hot humid climates when sufficient ventilation is not given?
Mould, mildew, dry rot, and moist insulation (which becomes ineffective) are just some of the problems that can occur in homes in hot humid climates when sufficient ventilation is not given.
What are the drawbacks of whirlybird ventilation?
In other words, without wind, the turbine can’t spin. Besides, they can be noisy when they spin since they use rotating turbines. They produce grinding and squeaking noises.
Why are Whirlybirds not efficient ventilators?
Whirlybird units are thus considered not efficient ventilators. This is because one whirlybird is not capable of extracting heat from the roof space. As such, there will be more accumulation of heat in the roof, which will then lead to making the house hot. The only way to improve this is by installing many whirlybirds, which will control heat effectively.
How much airflow does a Whirlybird use?
As such, performance changes depending on these factors. For instance, if the wind is 12 kph, standard units can move at 8-150 cubic meters per hour. On the other hand, industrial whirlybirds can operate from 2,500 to 5,000 cubic meters per hour with strong wind. On average, these roof ventilators need at least eight kph to operate.
What is a good alternative to a Whirlybird?
One of the alternatives to a whirlybird is solar roof ventilators. As the name suggests, they are a type of roof ventilator that depends on solar energy. Provided there is the sun, and the roof ventilation solar can be installed. The roof is always exposed to sun, and installing the solar roof vents may be great. Furthermore, solar ventilators will work better when the sun is directly on top of the roof. This is the exact time when the temperature levels are high.
How many cubic meters does a Whirlybird ventilate?
In general, one whirlybird ventilates an area of approximately 100 to 150 cubic meters per hour. But it all depends on the type or the model of the unit, the size of the room, and also the current temperature. On average, you may start feeling the cooling effects of the system at 500 cubic meters per hour. This roughly means that you will require at least six units to experience its effects.
Why is a roof blanket not good for a timber roof?
Lack of proper roof ventilation can lead to the accumulation of heat in the roof space during summers. This can then cause several issues like drying of timber roofs, which will eventually lead to decay. The roof blanket may be an effective way to reflect heat, and it may not be the best. It seals air and moisture in the roof space, which encourages the growth of fungus. The most effective way to prevent this is by opting for insulation and ventilation.
Why do roof vents work?
The more the number of these roof ventilators, the quicker the hot air is sucked from the roof. They will together help in lowering the built-up heat and humidity hence improving air movement in the house. The whirlybirds are designed in a way that they are resistant to rain. When it is spinning, the droplets are removed at a higher speed while spinning. This is due to the circular force they produce. Die to their water-resistant feature, and you need not worry about rainwater getting into the roof vent.
