
Turbines are known to move plenty of warm air from the attic. You may be amazed that even a small turbine of a foot long has the capability to remove more than 300 cubic feet warm air every minute. And, a turbine with a couple of more inches longer is able to remove around 1000 cubic feet.
Are static roof vents better than turbines?
Turbine roof vents play a more active role in air movement than static vents. Using a turbine, they suck air up through the vent in much the same way a vacuum cleaner would—though perhaps not quite as powerful. It is the active component that makes turbine vents more suitable for properties where a lot of air movement needs to be generated.
How do you repair a roof Turbine?
How to Replace a Roof Turbine
- Lift the shingles covering the flashing of the existing turbine base to expose the mounting nail heads.
- Lift the existing turbine away from the roof, exposing the vent hole into the attic.
- Measure the vent hole to determine if it's 12 inches or 14 inches in diameter. ...
- Place the replacement turbine base over the vent hole temporarily. ...
What is the best roof ventilation system?
- BEST OVERALL: LOMANCO 12 in. ...
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Broan-NuTone 3 in. ...
- BEST RIDGE VENT: GAF Cobra Ridge Vent
- BEST SOLAR VENT: Master Flow 500 CFM Solar Powered Roof Mount Exhaust
- BEST HARD-WIRED POWERED: Master Flow 1000 CFM Mill Power Roof Mount Attic Fan
- BEST FOR GABLE ROOF: Ventamatic 1600 CFM Mill Electric Powered Gable Fan
How much wind can a roof withstand?
When choosing a new roof for your home, you want to make sure it can withstand high winds. Before making your decision, research the best roof for you and your needs. In today’s age, most modern shingle roofs can withstand 90 mile-per-hour winds.

How effective are roof turbines?
Turbine vents can move a lot of air and can move it quickly. Also, a roof that needs 12-14 vents will only need 3-4 turbine vents, lessening the chance of leaks. Turbine vents are extremely efficient and are the best solution on large gable roofs that don't have a lot of area at the peak.
How effective are roof whirlybirds?
Whirly birds just by themselves are not very effective. 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.
Are roof turbines better than ridge vents?
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
Do roof turbines help cool house?
Roof turbines remove attic moisture and reduce the risk of costly roof damage. During summer months, turbines eliminate hot air from your attic, helping you cool your home.
What is better than a whirlybird?
A Solar Roof Exhaust Vent does the same job as a whirlybird, but better. It provides ventilation which prevents the accumulation of condensation and moisture, which can severely damage your roof and shingles. Believe it or not, a single Solar Roof Exhaust Vent removes as much hot air as 10 whirlybirds.
Do whirlybirds let rain in?
Do whirlybirds leak? When installed by professionals, whirlybirds do not leak or let in rain. Whirlybirds have been installed throughout Queensland for the last 100 years – and if they leaked, there would be a lot of soggy ceilings.
How many turbines does a roof 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.
What is the best ventilation for a roof?
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 turbine vents last?
Depending on the impact of weather forces like rain, the ridge vent can last for 30-50 years or longer, and the turbine can last for 20–25 years.
Should roof turbines be covered in winter?
You should absolutely leave your roof vents open during the winter – do not cover them! During the winter, roof ventilation works to keep temperatures even. Closing your vents makes the attic space too warm and dry – dangerous conditions for mold as well as pests.
Is attic fans better than turbines?
A solar fan can actively pull more air into your attic than a turbine can. A solar fan doesn't rely on the wind, and it actually has a more powerful motor in it, so it keeps the temperature of your attic regulated regardless of wind conditions.
Do roof windmills leak?
They have fins that open when they turn in the wind, and this spinning action creates suction that draws hot, humid attic air outside. In most situations, turbine vents need little or no maintenance, but it's not impossible for problems to occur. Turbine vents can leak, but you don't always have to replace the vent.
Do whirlybirds make your house colder in winter?
No Cold Air It's important to note that whirlybirds are not air conditioning units – i.e. they don't produce cold air. Yes, your home will be cooler with whirlybirds than without, but you won't get the same refreshing breeze air-con provides.
How many whirlybirds 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.
What is the best roof ventilation?
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.
Do spinning roof vents work?
Highly Effective. In low wind situations, turbine vents do an admirable job of moving warm air out of the attic areas of a property. However, when the wind is blowing, these vents turn into a powerful vacuum of warm air, drawing it up through the vent as effectively as any powered alternative.
Why does a wind turbine spin even on still days?
The escaping hot attic air makes the turbine spin even on still days. Of course "even" but especially on still days. That is because a wind spun turbine won't let the air out as fast, if at all. You don't believe me so I'm going to prove it to like Aristotle proved to me the world was flat.
Which ventilation system has the best down wind?
Other attic ventilation systems like vent ridge and low profile vents have a better "down wind" side because the turbine makes air flow around it, it being elevated and spinning, thereby making airplanes fly.
What is the Bernoulli principle?
In fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that for an inviscid flow, an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. [1] [2] Bernoulli's principle is named after the Dutch-Swiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli who published his principle in his book ...
Why is the sum of all forms of energy the same on all streamlines?
If the fluid is flowing out of a reservoir the sum of all forms of energy is the same on all streamlines because in a reservoir the energy per unit mass ( the sum of pressure and gravitational potential ρ g h) is the same everywhere. [4]
Can you buy turbines for your attic?
So if you want turbines, go get a real job. They are about the least effective form of roof ventilation you can buy for your attic. The only thing worse is a roof exhaust vent without matching intake vents.
Is Bernoulli's principle valid for incompressible flows?
The simple form of Bernoulli's principle is valid for incompressible flows (e.g. most liquid flows) and also for compressible flows (e.g. gases) moving at low Mach numbers. More advanced forms may in some cases be applied to compressible flows at higher Mach numbers (see the derivations of the Bernoulli equation).
THE PROS: WHY YOU SHOULD USE TURBINE ROOF VENTS
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding turbine roof vents to your home. First, they’re easy to install. It’s usually as simple as cutting a hole into the roof during a reroof and installing the new vent. With that being said it’s also a bit cheaper compared to some of the more luxury items such as ridge vent.
THE CONS: WHY YOU SHOULD NOT USE TURBINE ROOF VENTS
By their very nature, turbines are not meant to be wholly wind-tight or weather-proof. Because they ventilate through such a large number of slits in the fins, they are more susceptible to becoming clogged by large debris or wind-blown rain.
OTHER TYPES OF VENTILATION THAT WOULD BE GOOD IN PLACE OF TURBINE ROOF VENTS
Increasingly, more and more homeowners are thinking of changing out their old home’s ventilation for a brand new one. This is due to the fact that used homes are prone to be less comfortable compared with the newer ones; this is because they lack many things that can make them enjoyable places to live in.
Why do you need roof turbines?
In the winter season, the hot air spreads into your roof. Without proper ventilation, the extra moisture in the heated air will cause wood rot, mildew, mold, and exterior problems like ice dams.
Do roof turbines require maintenance?
Some types of turbines contain ball bearings that require proper lubrication for efficient working. When purchasing a roof turbine, look for a model with sealed, self-lubricating bearings. Some turbine vents may damage due to rust. The aluminum model has a high ability to resist rust.
Top 9 Benefits of Turbine Roof Vents
Installing turbine roof vents can provide many benefits for homeowners. Here are the top 9 benefits of using turbine roof vents:
Potential Drawbacks of Turbine Roof Vents
As discussed above, there are many benefits to turbine roof vents, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Are Turbine Roof Vents Worth It?
Overall, turbine roof vents are a great product to improve air ventilation and room air quality. They are also durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.
What are the advantages of turbine roof vents?
Another advantage of turbine roof vents is that they are quite effective . If you happen to live in low wind areas, turbines can do a tremendous job of moving the warm air out of the attic areas of your home. You should also note that when the wind is blowing, these vents can turn into a powerful vacuum of warm air and draw up the warm air through them effectively, just as any powered alternative would. Therefore, you need to keep in mind and clearly understand when thinking about using them.
What Are Turbine Roof Vents?
Turbine roof vents are also known as whirlybirds. They are a style of roof vents that mainly rely on wind to spin the turbine. When this turbine spins, it causes air from the inside to be drawn up through the vent.
Why do turbine roof vents have warm air?
Warm air is the one that will be drawn through because it is the one that rises, and the vents are mounted on the roof of your property. Turbine roof vents closely resemble a chrome chef’s hat protruding through the roof. These turbine roof vents are also carefully engineered to provide the best performance.
Why are turbine vents not discrete?
They are not discrete because they are made from reflective material, and they also stick straight up from the roof.
What to do if turbine vent is not spinning?
If your turbine roof vent is not spinning, check for rust, dirt and other obstructions.
Why are roof vents important?
Since these roof vents depend highly on the wind to be effective, they are only beneficial in areas prone to high winds. The major drawdown to this factor is that winds are unreliable. This means that if you live in an area that doesn’t have enough wind, you may end up losing out.
Why is a ridge vent better than a smaller vent?
This is where a ridge vent has the advantage because it can be indistinguishable from the roof itself.
Why use a turbine for roof vents?
Attic ventilation: Roof vents need to move hot, humid air from the attic to the outdoors, so that humidity doesn’t build up and cause, mold, rot or other moisture problems that Findlay Roofing regularly sees when dealing with attic issues.
How does a round vent work?
When the wind blows the right way, it turns the fan, which in turn draws up air from the attic and disperses it. There are good reasons why you see these round vents on so many houses – let’s take a look at the advantages. ...
What is a whirlybird vent?
Those are turbines (a.k.a. whirlybirds), a type of roof vent that provides a valuable service no homeowner should overlook. Here’s what to know! While a turbine looks a little complex at first glance, it’s actually very simple. Much like a window, this round vent is powered by the wind.
Can a turbine vent rust?
While turbines may be durable, they can age, especially when exposed to frequent storms or attic moisture. The exposure causes rust, wear and other problems: A common issue with turbine vents is that they develop a “squeak” later on in life, which can grow irritating.
Do turbine vents break down?
The only price you need to worry about is the installation cost. They rarely break down: Because of their simple, rounded design, turbin e vents are rarely disturbed by anything outside of large debris.
Do turbines come in different colors?
It’s usually a job best left to professionals. Fortunately, they do come in a variety of color patterns, so you should be able to find one that matches your roof.
Do you need an energy source for a turbine?
They are very flexible regarding placement, and there’s almost always room for them. No need for an energy source: Turbines are what we call passive vents, which means they don’t need an energy source to run – just a little bit of wind, which is usually present on rooftops even during relatively calm days.
Why is roof turbine important?
This is particularly important since it prevents the formation of mildew and mold. Roof turbines also prevent the accumulation of dangerous icicles and ice dams, especially during the winter. Moderation of the attic temperature enhances your home’s energy efficiency, hence lowering the utility bills annually.
What is a roof turbine?
Typically, a roof turbine is a fixture installed at the top of the roofs that acts as a means of draining hot air. They play a critical role in maintaining a vigorous roof, attic, and the overall home. Remember, your attic and roof size determines the number of roof turbines needs on your ceilings.
How many roof Turbines do I need?
How many roof Turbines do I need: Are you aware that several factors determine the appropriate number of turbines you need? Yes, these factors include, but are not limited to the type and size of the building. Roof turbines are mainly installed at the highest point on the roof’s surface since they utilize wind power turbines to inhale all the hot air and moisture out of your attic.
What size roof turbine do I need for my home’s roof?
Remember, the primary purpose of the turbine ventilator is to increase the airflow within your attic. A typical roof turbine ventilator only requires wind power to function. These turbines aren’t of the same size-fits-all but are available in various sizes and styles meant for different situations. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you have a proper size turbine for maximizing your attic airflow. This means that installing a relatively smaller or bigger turbine may not serve your intended purpose accordingly.
How many exhaust vents are needed for a 50 square inch turbine?
Assuming you buy a turbine with an NFA of 50 square inches, then the total number of turbines required is 480/50 = 9.6, which is approximately ten exhaust vents. Since you will need more intake vents that the exhaust vents, we shall take the given amount of exhaust attained by the Deck-Air NFA rating, for instance, to demimonde the required Deck-Air number, divide the 500/36 =13.9 approximately 14 intake vents.
How many vents are needed in an attic?
The most crucial step while determining the number of vents needed for your roof is calculating the necessary NFA (Net Free Area). Most codes embrace the 1/300 criteria for the least residential attic ventilation proposals. It means that one square foot of ventilation space is required in every 300 square feet of an enclosed attic area.
How long is a rood turbine warranty good for?
For instance, a high-quality rood turbine should include a lifetime warranty if used for residential home ventilation projects and at least 15 years of warranty when used for commercial building ventilation purposes.
What are the advantages of turbine roof vents?from roofcritics.com
Another advantage of turbine roof vents is that they are quite effective . If you happen to live in low wind areas, turbines can do a tremendous job of moving the warm air out of the attic areas of your home. You should also note that when the wind is blowing, these vents can turn into a powerful vacuum of warm air and draw up the warm air through them effectively, just as any powered alternative would. Therefore, you need to keep in mind and clearly understand when thinking about using them.
What Are Turbine Roof Vents?from roofcritics.com
Turbine roof vents are also known as whirlybirds. They are a style of roof vents that mainly rely on wind to spin the turbine. When this turbine spins, it causes air from the inside to be drawn up through the vent.
Why does my turbine roof squeak?from roofcritics.com
The cause for this lies in the drying out of the lubricant in the bearings making several metal components grind against each other, producing the irritating squeaky noise. Correcting this is easy since all you have to do is lubricate the components to allow smooth movement rather than rubbing against each other.
What is the best way to vent a roof?from roofcritics.com
Turbine roof vents are indisputably one of the most effective ways of achieving superb roof ventilation. They reliably vent out hot air making temperatures in your home quite tolerable. They are also cost-effective to maintain them very prevalent, and they sure live up to their reputation.
What is maintenance practice on roof vents?from roofcritics.com
An example of a maintenance practice is the regular application of a lubricant on the moving parts of the vents to enable smooth performance. Alternatively, you can opt for other roof vent styles that will not require any maintenance routines like ridge vents.
Why do turbine roof vents have warm air?from roofcritics.com
Warm air is the one that will be drawn through because it is the one that rises, and the vents are mounted on the roof of your property. Turbine roof vents closely resemble a chrome chef’s hat protruding through the roof. These turbine roof vents are also carefully engineered to provide the best performance.
Why are turbine vents not discrete?from roofcritics.com
They are not discrete because they are made from reflective material, and they also stick straight up from the roof.
How does wind make a turbine spin?
Just hot air rising out of one will make it spin. If the wind is blowing and catches the fins, then the turbines act like giant vacuum pumps sucking hundreds of cubic feet of hot air out of an attic per minute. The faster the wind speed, the faster the turbine rotates. This is a standard turbine vent.
What happens when wind blows across the roof?
Wind that blows across the roof anytime of year also acts to vacuum air from the attic space. The wind blowing across a roof can create a partial vacuum on the leeward side of a roof. When the wind blows and at the right angle a significant amount of air can be pulled through the attic space by the vacuum created as wind blows across the peak of the roof covered with a ridge vent.
Are Turbine Vents The Best Ventilation?
In my opinion, turbine vents are the best ventilation. They work with just the slightest breeze.
How Much Attic Air Change is Required?
This attic space contains 18,000 cubic feet of air.
What is turbine vent?
The vents are very affordable, easy to install, and they pump vast amounts of air from attic spaces.
What is the strongest vent for a turbine?
If you want the strongest turbine vent, be sure to buy one that has external braces. These are simple metal braces that extend out beyond the spinning turbine . These visible braces do a fantastic job of stabilizing the turbine when the winds are really blowing.
How much does it cost to install a turbine vent?
The roofer your builder hires can install a turbine vent in less than 15 minutes. The average cost of a high quality turbine vent is just $50. The best ones provide years of maintenance-free service since they have permanently sealed ball bearings.
