Adequate ventilation is essential to protecting red iron steel buildings from moisture damage. Compared to non-metal buildings, steel buildings are more prone to forming condensation thanks, in part, to metal’s excellent conductivity or ability to transfer heat. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter and circulate throughout the building, pushing out excess heat and moisture.
If you’re planning on building a metal building, you might want to take note of these ventilation tips:
Use the Roof Area as the Primary Basis For Calculating Needed Ventilation
As a rule of thumb, there should be a square foot vent opening for every 150 square feet of roof. However, the amount of ventilation in your building may vary depending on its size, primary function, the humidity in your area, and the type of vent installed.
Choose the Right Type of Air Vent
Different types of vents provide varying levels of ventilation, so not all air vents can provide sufficient ventilation for large steel buildings. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of vents:
- Ridge vents – As the term suggests, ridge vents are installed on your roof’s top ridge. They’re more expensive than other types of vents but provide the highest amount of ventilation per square foot.
- Louvers – Louvers are ideal for small pre-engineered steel buildings, but when combined with turbine vents, they can be used for cross-ventilation in larger buildings.
- Circular vents – Certain vents can only be used on roofing systems with a certain slope, but not circular vents. These vents can be modified to be installed on almost any slope.
It’s Best to Install a Powered Supply and Natural Ventilation System
Natural ventilation systems might seem like the best choice, cost-wise. They don’t need a lot of upkeep or consume electricity. However, they rely on prevailing winds to circulate humid air out of the building, making them a somewhat unreliable option. That’s why it’s best to install a hybrid system that allows you to enjoy the advantages of natural ventilation systems without any of the drawbacks.
Metal Warehouse, Inc. is the state’s leading manufacturer of quality steel products, in the state. To request a quote, call us at (903) 465-6699 or fill out this form.
