home · Measurements · Installation of an aerator on a soft roof deck. Selection of a ridge aerator for a soft roof and its installation. Ventilated ridge for soft roofing

Installation of an aerator on a soft roof deck. Selection of a ridge aerator for a soft roof and its installation. Ventilated ridge for soft roofing

Modern roofing structures are a complex system in which the elements work effectively only by closely interacting and complementing each other. When creating a roofing project made of soft tiles, you need to take into account a lot: protect the insulation from getting wet, prevent rotting of the rafter frame and premature wear of the coating. “Warm” roofs that lack an insulating air layer deserve special attention. In order for the microclimate in such houses to be suitable for life, it is necessary to establish air circulation between the under-roof space and the atmosphere. To do this on pitched roofs akh install a ventilated ridge, the installation of which is a prerequisite for the organization of forced.

Ventilated ridge - a device installed on pitched roofs for organizing forced ventilation roofs. It is a simple plastic device installed along the ridge of a roof made of soft tiles, corrugated sheets or metal tiles. The ventilated ridge profile has the following functions:

  1. Reliably seals the ridge connection of pitched roofs so that leaks do not occur through it. Triangular shape the ridge complicates the sealing of this weak spot in the roof made of corrugated sheets and corrugated sheets, through which melt and rain water can leak.
  2. Allows access to air. The ventilation gap that is formed when installing a ridge of this design opens the way for heated air inside the room to the street, which creates a kind of draft and forces the air to circulate inside the house.
  3. Closes the ventilation gap from the penetration of insects and snow sweeping. The design of the skate is designed in such a way that water cannot flow into it, snow or insects cannot fly into it.
  4. Lets evaporate excess moisture. Vapors saturated with moisture are a product of human activity. They, together with the air, rise upward, cool and condense on the elements of the rafter frame. The thermal insulation layer of a roof made of corrugated sheets, soft tiles or metal tiles loses due to wetting most heat-saving properties, and the wood of the frame rots and becomes moldy. Installing a ventilated ridge solves this problem by opening the air to oxygen and allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

Note! Installation of a ridge with ventilation holes is part of the installation of a forced ventilation system for a roof made of soft tiles, corrugated sheets or metal tiles. For ventilation to work, vents and intake points are installed in the eaves fresh air from the atmosphere.

Installation of a ventilated ridge does not spoil appearance roofs, with quality installation this element of the ventilation system cannot be seen. To make the installation site look more aesthetically pleasing, a strip of soft tiles or metallic profile, which protects the aerator from exposure to sunlight and penetration of atmospheric moisture.

Operating principle

In the old days, builders did not even think about installing a ventilated ridge, since air naturally circulated through cracks or gaps in building materials and designs. or corrugated sheeting requires almost complete tightness; installation is carried out in the form of a kind of “pie”, in which there is a layer of insulation, waterproofing and vapor barrier. This design does not leave a single chink for air, which is why a stuffy, humid microclimate is established inside the house. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop at the project approval stage high-quality ventilation. Depending on the type of roof, there are 2 options for ventilation systems:

  • Natural. Ventilation natural type equipped for houses with “cold” roofs in which the attic is not heated. With this design, dormer windows are made in the roof slope, necessary for air circulation. In this case, the unheated attic acts as an “air cushion” that insulates heated rooms from cold roof. Installing a ridge with ventilation holes is extremely rare under such circumstances.
  • Forced. Forced ventilation works on the principle of convection, which states that heated air always rises. Roofs with a heated attic made of metal tiles, corrugated sheets and roll materials equipped with a ridge aerator, as well as eaves vents to force air masses to circulate between the room and the atmosphere. The air flow penetrates the roof structure through the vents, heats up and rises to the ceiling, exiting through the ventilated ridge and making room for fresh air.

Important! Forced ventilation was developed based on the physical properties of gas. Its operation does not require power sources, since the draft is created according to the law of convection: warm air rises up and cold air falls down. To achieve maximum efficiency of the ventilation system, its elements are placed evenly over the entire area of ​​the roof made of corrugated sheets, metal tiles or rolled materials.

Types of aerators

The design of the ventilation system depends on the area of ​​the slopes, the nature of the use of the under-roof space and the roofing material used. Installation of ventilation for “warm” mansard roofs more difficult and more expensive than for cold ones. To determine optimal composition and the relative position of the elements, installation is performed based on determining the volume of air in attic. The following types of aerators are used to equip a ventilated ridge:


Note! The simplest and most inexpensive way to equip a ventilated ridge is to use corrugated ventilation tape. It is sold in rolls, and bottom side The tape has a self-adhesive layer with a protective film. To perform installation, you need to remove protective film, glue the tape on both sides of the ridge, and then install the metal ridge strip.

Functions

To a non-professional craftsman, ridge ventilation may seem like an unnecessary extravagance and additional cost, but experienced roofers know that this simple measure increases the life of the rafter frame and roof covering. A properly designed and installed ventilation system performs the following tasks:

  1. Optimizes the microclimate in residential premises. Thanks to the constant flow of air saturated with oxygen, the house is always fresh, not stuffy, and a comfortable temperature is maintained.
  2. Increases the service life of the roof covering. The ventilated ridge profile prevents swelling of bitumen-based roll materials from solar radiation, allows excess moisture to evaporate, which has a beneficial effect on the service life of roofs made of metal tiles and corrugated sheets.
  3. Maintains the healthy condition of the rafter frame and sheathing. Thanks to the aerator, excess moisture evaporates, and the wood of the roof frame does not suffer from rot, mold and mildew.
  4. Does not allow the insulation to get wet. Due to constant air circulation, the insulation is ventilated and remains dry, which maintains the thermal insulation qualities of the material at a high level.
  5. Makes the use of bitumen-based materials safer. Air circulation through aerators eliminates the possibility of penetration of bitumen vapors, which are considered harmful to human health, indoors.

Note! Dormer windows, installed when organizing natural ventilation, are located half the height of the slope, which is why stagnant zones are formed under the very ridge, where air does not circulate at all. When installing forced ventilation, this problem does not arise, since aerators are installed directly on the ridge connection, which is the highest point of the roof.

Video instruction

Description.

Laying a soft roof is impossible without installing a ridge. A ridge aerator, or, as it is also called, a ventilated ridge, not only performs a decorative function, organically completing a pitched roof, but also solves the problem of ventilating the under-roof space.

To install you will need:

    The finished element is an aerator. It is an angular structure made of impact-resistant plastic with ventilation holes. The length of the segment is from 0.5 to 1.22 m. The segments are interconnected and installed over the entire length of the ridge. To prevent insects, rain and snow from getting inside, protective filters are installed on the openings. Constructions different forms(triangular, semicircular, etc.) allow you to harmoniously complete the appearance of the entire structure.

    Ridge-eaves flexible tiles cover the aerator from above. This material is supplied in packages of 1 pack. = 12 linear meters skate.

What problems does installing a ridge aerator solve?

    Formation of mold and mildew in the attic.

    Rotting of rafters and their further replacement.

    Wetting of the insulation and, as a result, rapid loss of heat, increasing heating costs.

    The appearance of blisters on the lining carpet, which subsequently leads to leaks. Swelling and cracking of the roof covering.

    Constant wetting of hydro- and thermal insulation films significantly reduces the service life of these materials, and to replace them, you will need to completely disassemble the roofing pie, which significantly impacts the homeowner’s pocket.

Principle of operation


A ridge aerator creates a difference between air pressure indoors and outdoors. As a result, a draft is created that promotes the removal of warm, moist air, natural ventilation and drying, and prevents the formation of condensation and wetting of under-roofing materials.

For proper operation a ventilated ridge must provide a flow of cold air. To do this, use holes in the eaves overhangs, which are hemmed with perforated soffits. It is important to remember: air circulation in the under-roof space is created when the size of the exhaust gaps on the ridge is 10-15% larger than the size of the supply ventilation holes.

Main functions:

    Allow warm air vapor to escape.

    Continuously ventilate the roofing pie.

    Prevent rainwater and melted snow from getting under the roof.

    Protect from insects and small debris.

Installation of a ridge aerator for a soft roof

Installation of a finished aerator does not require special knowledge and does not take much time. You just need to follow the rules of use and follow the step-by-step instructions.

    The permissible roof slope angle is from 12 to 45 degrees.

    The aerator is installed along the entire length of the ridge

    Exhaust holes on eaves overhangs are required

    The top of the aerator is covered with ridge-eaves tiles of the same color as the main tiles

Step-by-step instruction:

    Using a circular saw, make a ventilation hole 3-8 cm thick at the base of the ridge, not reaching the edge 15-30 cm. hip roof make two gaps along the edges of the ridge. If there is a chimney, install the aerator up to the pipe, but end the hole within 30 cm.

    Lay ridge-eaves tiles along the edges where there is no hole.

    Install the aerator. Connect the segments together using special grooves and fasten them to the sheathing through ready-made mounting holes using galvanized roofing nails.

    Lay a row of ridge-eaves tiles on the aerator in the usual way. Secure the petals with roofing nails and lay them on top of each other with an overlap of 50%.

    Handle silicone sealant the ends of the aerator at the junction with the roof.

Conclusions:

Continuous ventilation of the under-roof space is mandatory for a flexible roof when arranging a residential heated attic. Most effective method- device ridge aerator along the entire length of the ridge.

It is important to choose the right aerator. The design must be durable, able to withstand mechanical shocks (for example, a blow from a falling branch), and be resistant to sudden temperature changes, corrosion, and ultraviolet radiation.

The manufacturer's warranty is 40 years.

When installing a soft roof, care should be taken to ensure its ventilation. That is, about the elements that trigger the circulation of air masses and continuous ventilation of all components of the roof, including insulation and rafters. If the roof is pitched, then a ventilated ridge for a soft roof can solve the ventilation problem. It is built from ready-made ridge elements (aerators) or made with your own hands from available building materials.

A ventilated (breathing) ridge is installed on the upper horizontal edge of the roof, along the connection line of the slopes. It differs from a regular ridge in the presence of through holes for the release of warm air from the under-roof space.

Necessary component this decision- a ventilation gap that is cut along the ridge of the roof. A ridge element (usually triangular in shape) with perforations along the side walls is mounted on top of this gap. Its task: to close the ventilation gap, ensuring the tightness of the roof in terms of the penetration of atmospheric moisture and insects into the openings, and, at the same time, allowing warm air from interior spaces freely go outside. This ridge element, as well as the structure it completes, is called a ventilated ridge.

The principle of operation of ridge ventilation

Ridge ventilation operates on the principle of convection (mixing) of air masses. Warm, moisture-saturated air coming from the interior of the house rises upward, towards the ridge of the roof. There he strives to find a way out. And it finds it if there are holes in the ridge (that is, if there is a ventilated ridge).

However, simply by providing perforation in the ridge, it is impossible to achieve ventilation of the under-roof space. Any ventilation system starts only when there is exhaust and air flow. If a ventilated ridge is responsible for the hood, then the gaps left in the area of ​​the eaves overhangs are used for the flow of cold air.

For this purpose, perforated soffits or ventilation grilles are used in the filing of overhangs. Now everything is falling into place. Cold air enters through the vents in the overhangs, heats up and is saturated with moist steam. Then it gradually rises up towards the ridge and goes outside. A draft is created and a new portion of cold air is drawn in through the vents. This ensures continuous circulation of air masses and ventilation of the under-roof space.

Why is it necessary to ventilate the under-roof space at all? Maybe you can do without it? Let it be warm wet air rises up and remains there... Unfortunately, this option threatens many troubles: roof leaks, deterioration thermal insulation properties insulation, rotting of wooden elements (rafters, sheathing), damage bitumen shingles.

The fact is that warm, moist vapors that rise upward and have not found a way out, when there is a difference in temperature outside and indoors, condense in the under-roof space. Steam forms many microscopic droplets of water, which settle on the sheathing, rafters, and insulation. As a result, the rafter system begins to rot and the insulation is destroyed.

In winter, the accumulation of warm air in the under-roof space leads to a large temperature difference between the internal and outer surface roofs. The snow on such a roof periodically melts, forming ice and icicles. This causes bitumen shingles to leak, become damp and crack.

It should be noted that the construction of a ventilated ridge (and a forced ventilation system in general) is more relevant for warm attics and residential attics, that is, where insulation is installed in the under-roof space. Cold attics are perfectly ventilated through dormer windows.

Thus, a ventilation system for a soft roof with a warm attic or residential attic is mandatory. And the most effective way to arrange it is to build a ventilated ridge, which allows you to ventilate the under-roof space along its entire length.

Ventilated ridge options

A ventilated ridge is constructed in two ways:

  1. A special ridge aerator is installed along the upper edge of the roof. It is a plastic element with a solid top and perforations on the sides. There is a filter inside the valve that prevents precipitation, insects, and dust from entering the under-roof space. The aerator can have a length of 0.5-1.22 m. For installation along the entire length of the ridge, the aerators are fastened together, obtaining a continuous ventilated element. So that after installation it is invisible on the roof, its plastic surface is covered with bituminous shingles on top.
  2. A ridge with gaps is formed, which is a direct continuation of the roofing structure. Bars are installed on the upper parts of the slopes (like lathing), and they are covered on top with a triangular element made of plywood or OSB. Thus, gaps are formed on the sides of the ridge (between the bars), through which warm air escapes. The top surface of the ridge, just as in the first case, is covered with roofing material.

In any case, regardless of the design option, the ventilated ridge must have the following properties:

  • Let air vapors through. To do this, a ventilation gap of the required width (usually 40-50 mm) is cut on the roof structure along the ridge, through which free air escape is ensured. From above, the ventilation gap is blocked by a ridge element (aerator or homemade design) with vents in the side parts.
  • Protect the under-roof space from precipitation and melting snow. The design of the ridge should prevent melt and rain water from leaking through it.
  • Protect the under-roof space from dust, insects, and small rodents.
  • Allow excess moisture from the room to evaporate.

Let's consider how a ventilated ridge can be installed.

Installation of a finished ridge aerator

This version of the ventilation ridge device is the simplest. It involves fixing (laying) a ridge aerator along the entire length of the roof ridge, on top of the ventilation gap.

In this case, more than half of the success depends on the right choice aerator. To avoid getting into trouble, you should focus on the designs famous manufacturers, for example, Ridge Master and Ventline ridge aerators have proven themselves to be excellent.

The aerator installation technology usually looks like this. A ventilation hole 40-50 mm wide is initially formed in the ridge (leaving free space) or cut out. If a ridge beam is installed on the ridge, then make two cuts of 20 (25) mm each - on both sides of the beam. In any case, the ventilation slot should not reach the edges of the slopes (gables) by 150 mm on both sides, so as not to disturb the eaves sheathing.

For roofs of complex shapes, slightly different rules for arranging gaps apply. On the hip roof, two 20 mm gaps are cut on both sides of the ridge board. The total width of the slot is 40 mm. Two 150 mm gaps are left uncut at both ends of the ridge.

On T and G-ob different roofs The ventilation slot of the long ridge is made according to the above instructions. The short ridge slot ends 300 mm before the long ridge and 150 mm before the cornice.

In the presence of chimney, the ventilation gap is cut, not reaching 300 mm. Although the aerator is subsequently mounted up to the pipe itself.

The width and allowable length of the vent openings may vary slightly depending on the design and manufacturer of the ridge aerator. But the principle of their design remains the same.

After this, the cut gap is cleared of sawing waste. And the aerator is installed in the center of the gap and secured with galvanized roofing nails through special holes provided for fasteners. The length of the nails should allow for fastening to the lower roof sheathing.

Typically, the aerator begins to be attached at one end of the ridge, flush with the edge of the gable cornice. And they finish fastening - from the other end of the ridge. That is, regardless of the fact that the ventilation slot begins at a distance of 15-30 cm from the edges of the ridge, the aerator is mounted along its entire length. This approach increases the decorativeness of the ridge and allows it not to stand out from the overall structure of the roof. At the same time, installing an aerator only above the ventilation slot works no worse. The only thing is that the aerator on such a roof will be more noticeable.

If necessary, a ventilated ridge is assembled from several aerators, connecting them together. If the ridge is installed in the cold season, small gaps of 3 mm must be left between the elements to compensate for thermal expansion.

Then a row of ridge tiles, in color matching or combined with the color of ordinary tiles. Ridge tile petals are produced by dividing ridge-eave shingle shingles along perforation lines.

The resulting petals are folded in half, placed on the ridge and nailed - 4 pieces for each tile. Installation is carried out with an overlap. Each subsequent petal is placed on the previous one with a 50% overlap to completely cover the nail heads.

The aerator, covered with flexible tiles, is almost invisible on the roof and looks like a single whole with it.

The process of installing a ridge aerator followed by covering it with bitumen shingles is recorded in the video:

Making your own ventilated ridge

Purchasing and installing a ready-made aerator is not the only way to install a ventilated ridge. With the right skill, you can make it completely yourself, without buying any specialized elements. The optimal width of such a ridge is 50 cm, the width of the ventilation gap is 50 mm.

Materials used:

  • galvanized plaster mesh;
  • bars 50x50 mm (will provide a ventilation clearance of 50 mm);
  • OSB or moisture-resistant plywood;
  • cornice/end strip;
  • underlay carpet, flexible tiles.

To install a skate, proceed as follows:

  1. A ventilation gap of 30-50 mm wide is cut in a straight line in the ridge, not reaching at least 150 mm to the edge of the ridge.
  2. On both sides of the gap (on the slopes) strips of galvanized mesh are fixed, which will later be tucked behind the bars and serve as protection against dust and insects getting into the under-roof space. To make the filtration system more reliable, the mesh fabric is also secured over the ventilation gap.
  3. From above, through the ridge, on both sides of the roof, 50x50 mm bars are stuffed - they will form ventilation side vents (clearances) and, at the same time, will play the role of sheathing for the surface of the ventilation ridge.
  4. The mesh strips are thrown over the bars, and sheets of OSB or plywood, 450-500 mm wide, are stuffed on top.
  5. On the sides, sheets of OSB or plywood are covered with an end/cornice strip. After which the ridge is almost ready, the final touch is covering the solid surface with petals of flexible tiles.
  6. On continuous sheathing they fill the lining carpet, and on it - tiles of ridge-eaves tiles. Fastening is carried out using roofing nails, in the usual way for flexible tiles.

Many practicing builders believe that hand made ventilated ridge using the method described above - more quality option ventilation than installing a factory aerator. It often lasts longer, is less susceptible to mechanical damage and the harmful effects of temperature changes.

After watching a short video, the structure of such a ventilated skate will become clear:

In conclusion, I would like to note that a ventilated ridge is not always able to fully ensure the circulation of air masses and ventilation of the under-roof space. At large sizes Ventilated ridge slopes are not enough. The extraction process will work poorly. In such cases, it is additionally necessary to install pitched point aerators, which can enhance the exhaust and, accordingly, improve the quality of ventilation.

A necessary condition for safe and long-term operation of the roof is ventilation of the soft roof and under-roof space. An aerator for soft roofs, installed according to the rules, allows you to forget about roof leaks caused by the accumulation of condensate on inner surface covering material and in the thickness of the insulation.

Why does condensation occur?

The formation of condensation is a natural physical process. Typical examples in Everyday life– dew on the grass, frost on the car body on a spring or autumn morning. Water is released when the air, cooling and compressing, becomes so dense that it squeezes out excess water molecules, which settle on the nearest solid surface. In our case, this is the roof surface.

Since it is impossible to avoid condensation, the question arises of minimizing or completely eliminating negative consequences condensation formation. To do this, you need to organize 2 processes:

  1. Condensate drainage.
  2. Drying roofing layers.

The first problem is solved by the lining carpet and cornice drip. The second problem is solved by organizing sufficient ventilation of the under-roof space, which is ensured by the arrangement of the influx of outside air in the eaves of the roof and the removal of air from the ridge part. Because the roof ridge must be protected from precipitation and insects; a special element is installed to ventilate the bitumen shingle roof. This roof ventilation element has several names: deflector, valve, aerator, vent. The essence is the same. It simultaneously provides air release and seals the ridge, protecting this part of the roof from precipitation, leaves, insects, birds and other foreign objects.

Note that the installation of ridge ventilation elements is in vain if the condition of free air flow from the eaves of the roof and its movement along the air gap in the roof is not met.

Types of aerators

Ridge aerators come in solid and point types.

Linear (solid) aerator is used on ridge areas pitched roofs, if there is no risk of snow accumulation on the ridge. This factory-made product is a profile element made of high-density polyethylene, onto which eaves tiles of soft tiles are attached on top. It is produced in Russia and also supplied from abroad by leading foreign manufacturers of flexible tiles. Solid aerators from different manufacturing companies are similar in design. A typical solid aerator has stiffening ribs and a breathable seal that protects the ridge from the penetration of insects and blowing snow, which is firmly attached between the ribs. The elements are secured to each other with specially designed locks. The aerator is installed on the ridge and covered with ridge tiles on top.

Installation roof aerators continuous type can be carried out either in the form of a continuous line, connecting elements to each other, or in separate sections. It depends on the area of ​​the roof and the tastes of its owner. A continuous ridge row on a roof made of soft tiles looks more aesthetically pleasing.

Major manufacturers of solid aeration elements

The RidgeMaster ridge aerator is considered to be the ancestor of the family of solid aerators. (RidgeMaster). The element has a length of 1219 mm and two widths: 229 mm and 279 mm. Finnish manufacturer Vilpe, known for its specialization in roofing accessories, supplies a wide range of ventilation elements to Russia. The TechnoNIKOL solid aerator is a complete analogue of the Ridgemaster ridge, but has an element length of 0.6 meters. Provides ventilation for approximately 10 m2 of roof (provided the thickness of the ventilated air layer is 5 cm).

Point aerator

Installation of point aerators is provided on a flat roof and on a roof where there is no ridge as such (for example, the roof of an extension to a wall), or in places where the continuous flow of air from the eaves is interrupted (for example, under roof windows), as well as on very long sections of slopes length more than 15 meters.

Point aerators should be installed at a distance of 0.5-0.8 meters from the highest point of the roof section, and for complex roofs, installation is carried out according to the instructions of the designers. Spot roofing aeroelements come in low and high types. Most popular:

  • Aerator type KTV. Produced by many Russian and foreign manufacturers. Provides ventilation of the under-roof space of 20 m2.

  • Aerator type KTV valve. Available in several color ranges and is used primarily in premium asphalt shingle roofing installations. Provides ventilation of the under-roof space up to 40 square meters. m.

  • Vilpe, TechnoNIKOL and other manufacturers also produce high point elements. These ventilation elements They are a lifesaver for roofs with a slight slope (14°) or when snow accumulates and a continuous aerator does not work. Manufactured for slopes of 14 and 27 degrees, for ridge and pitched roof sections and for flat roof. The series is available in three diameters: 75, 110 and 160 mm.

Homemade aerator

If absolutely necessary, you can make a ridge aerator yourself. To do this, you need to prepare bars with a section of 50x50 and a length of 300 mm. The edges of the lining carpet in the ridge must be turned outward and placed over the bitumen shingles by 80-100 mm. The bars must be thoroughly treated with an antiseptic, since they will almost always be wet.

Stuff the bars perpendicular to the ridge in increments of 300 mm. Install OSB on top. Thus, you get a “whatnot”. Cover the top of the shelf with ridge tiles of soft tiles. The air outlets should be protected with a fine insect net.

It should be noted that installing a homemade ridge is not always a solution for roof ventilation. Often condensation settles on the back surface of the OSB in the central part of the ridge. Then the drops do not so much roll down the slope outward, as happens in industrially made aerators, but drip together back onto the insulation or into the attic space.

Roofing from soft materials has always been distinguished by its uniqueness. Developers, accustomed to seeing only rigid products on the roof of buildings, note that with elastic materials and the correct selection auxiliary elements the building looks more comfortable. The most attractive thing about soft materials is their price. Indeed, covering a roof with them is not expensive, but in order to create a high-quality structure, you need to think through all the nuances. One of them is roof ventilation.

When installing a covering made of soft tiles, you should understand that this material is a kind of waterproofing and will not allow moisture to pass through, therefore, condensation that gets into the attic space will remain there for a long time. It is about solving this problem that this article is written.

Flexible roof

Before answering your question, I want to tell you a little about the softest roof.

If we judge this coating only by its characteristics, then this is an ideal coating, but as you know, such coatings do not exist, so let's look at the positive and negative qualities of this product and, perhaps, start with the good.

  • Good sound insulation. When it rains, a person in the house will never hear the sounds of drops falling on the roof
  • High performance. It is thanks to its structure and the raw materials used in production that the material will never begin to corrode, rot or become covered with microorganisms in the form of fungi or moss
  • Easy to install
  • There is no need to equip its surface with special elements such as a lightning rod, because the bitumen coating includes materials that do not allow current to spread
  • Due to its small dimensions and plasticity, it is not afraid of temperature fluctuations and strong gusts of wind.
  • Unpretentious during operation
  • Cheapness
  • Soft roofing is a sealed and environmentally friendly product

Now, let's touch on the negative side.

  • At low temperatures, the material becomes very fragile, so its installation during this period is simply impractical
  • The installation process should be carried out only in positive temperatures, when the air is heated to more than 5 degrees. If there is an urgent need for this, then it is necessary to use heating devices
  • The minimum slope for the roof is at least 10 degrees (but some products can be laid on slopes up to 5 degrees)

Well-known manufacturers of flexible roofing

If you decide to buy this product, then you should undoubtedly know about the common manufacturers of this material.

  1. All over the world, the most common flexible roofing is Kerabit. These are soft tiles that are produced in Finland, and the company Lemminkainen is engaged in this.
  2. If we consider the CIS countries, then developers here most prefer the company Katepal, located in Finland and Shinglas. Katepal has an average price, which is reflected in its quality, but Shinglas has a fairly low price for its performance. The company has 5 types of products in its arsenal, which differ not only in size, but also in shape

As an experienced builder, I can assure you that best choice of the three options will be Shinglas brand products. Compared to its analogues, it has a great advantage in:

  • Resistance to direct influence sun rays
  • Protection against the proliferation of microorganisms
  • Chemical resistance
  • The harsh conditions of Russia

When you come to a hardware store, you should not immediately ask about the brand you are interested in, ask the seller about other materials, soberly weigh all the pros and cons, and only then purchase the product.

Main components of soft roofs

So let's look at what layers it includes flexible roofing. We will analyze the layers using tiles as an example, but if we consider rolled material, you will not see any significant differences.

  1. Roof covering
  2. Underlay carpet
  3. Lathing (solid, OSB board)
  4. Vapor barrier layer
  5. Thermal insulation boards

These layers may not fit in this sequence. It all depends on the roofing material and functional purpose building.

I would like to raise a separate topic regarding lathing. After all, the service life of your roof will depend on it.

As part of a rafter system for soft roofs, sheathing plays a rather important role. Its fastening is carried out on the counter lathing, which is created to ensure ventilation ducts, which allows condensation to be removed.

To create a high-quality sheathing you will need the following materials:

  • Board made of coniferous trees.
  • Moisture-resistant plywood or, as an alternative, OSB board. It is worth noting that the larger the pitch of the rafter legs is set, the thicker the plywood sheet is taken.
  • Long nails.

IN regulatory documents you will not find the requirements for sheathing, which I will describe below.

  • The sheathing should be created without any steps or irregularities.
  • All joining of elements must be carried out as efficiently as possible.
  • If the attic space will not be converted into a living space, then you should not make it very bulky, it is enough just that it can withstand the design loads.
  • There should be a small gap of 1-3 millimeters between the boards. This will allow air masses to ventilate the space.
  • All wooden parts of the rafter system must be treated with antiseptics (substances that prevent rotting).

The fasteners for the sheathing must go through all the boards. By the way, to improve the quality of this design, these places can be processed.

Installation of flexible roofing

After you have learned almost everything about rafter system, you should understand the tile installation process itself.

The process looks like this:

  • First, as elsewhere, you should carry out preparatory work. They include cleaning the base from debris and drying it (if required), and treating it with various solutions.
  • A continuous lining carpet is laid over the continuous sheathing (despite its name, there should be a small gap of 1-3 millimeters between the boards), and if it is not possible to completely cover this plane with one sheet, then the parts are glued together using special construction tape. remember, that this work It is advisable only on roofs whose slope is less than 20 degrees, and if this value is greater, then the lining carpet is installed in the most dangerous places. By such places I mean areas where leakage is possible in the future.
  • After this, metal strips and eaves tiles are installed in the eaves and ends of the building.
  • Next, the work moves on to arranging and strengthening the valleys (if any).
  • As soon as the previous work has been completed, you can begin laying ordinary tiles along the entire roof plane, but without affecting the places where the ridge tiles will be installed.

I hope everything is clear to you here and now you can move on to the main thing.

How to create high-quality ventilation on a roof made of flexible tiles

Ventilation allows air to remove excess moisture from the attic space and some important rafters, but if it is left there, what will happen?

If you do not provide the roof with ventilation, then you will certainly face the following consequences:

  • The warm season will turn your attic into a steam room, therefore, you will not be able to stay there for a long time or store anything.
  • The insulation boards that are located in the roofing pie will fail very quickly and there will be no point in them at all. After all, moisture that gets into this material reduces its characteristics down to zero.
  • All roofing structures and their elements will be destroyed by microorganisms over time.
  • IN winter time years, icicles and a large amount of ice will certainly appear in the attic, which will lead to stains on the ceilings of living rooms.
  • Some roofing materials will begin to swell and typically fail much earlier than their useful life.

Surely, you do not want to encounter these problems, so, most likely, you have a question: how is high-quality ventilation of a soft roof created?

To ensure this, you should adhere to the following rules:

  • An air gap should always be created between the layers of roofing pie being laid. This can be achieved with the help of small beams, the thickness of which is at least 5 centimeters. These elements are located between the insulation and the base
  • Often, developers leave the bottom of the slopes open to provide additional air flow, but experienced roofers cover such areas with soffits. They prevent birds and rodents from taking up residence in your attic. And for additional exhaust, various aerators and ventilated ridges are used. By the way, we'll talk about them below.
  • As mentioned earlier, the sheathing should have some gaps of 1-3 millimeters in order to eliminate the possibility of stagnation of air masses
  • The height of the air gap created between the insulation and the base must be correctly calculated. In progress roofing works, the workers created for themselves some selection rules given value. If the slope degree is 10 degrees, and its length is only 5 meters, then a 5 cm air gap is quite enough. With the same angle, but a slightly much longer length - 25 meters, the layer will be twice as large

Roof ventilation from a soft roof can have either one or two circuits. Let me list you the layers of dual-circuit ventilation.

  • Insulation boards
  • Diffusion film
  • Wind barrier
  • First air gap
  • Second gap for air access
  • Roof covering

In addition to natural ventilation, you can always create forced ventilation.

Forced ventilation

This type may be needed only when natural ventilation does not cope with its functional task or it is not possible to arrange it.

To create an artificial circulation of the air mass, the installation of so-called aerators will be required. This device works due to the difference in pressure between the room and the pipe.

Today you can find them in a hardware store absolutely different sizes and forms. When purchasing these parts, you should understand that the smaller they are, the greater the quantity required to complete the task.

Here's what you should know about roof aerators:

  • If you plan to install several aerators, then there should be no less than 12 meters between them.
  • To install them, you should select the highest points of the roof and distribute them evenly along its plane.
  • When installing aerators on new roof, then the location of the pipe should be at the junction of the insulation boards.
  • If you are carrying out roofing repairs and the problem was swelling of the coating, then install the aerator in this exact place.
  • You should not make holes for pipes exactly to their diameter. Create it a little larger by about 1-2 centimeters.
  • Fastening elements for aerators are anchor bolts or dowels
  • The resulting joints are sealed using adhesive waterproofing products.

To monitor air humidity in the attic, I advise you to use special thermometers. They will be indicators of the operation of your natural ventilation, and if it malfunctions, you can install aerators.

Installation of an aerator in a building in use

If your roof is made of flexible tiles and natural ventilation does not fulfill its functional purposes, then you have to purchase auxiliary elements for ventilation - aerators. If you choose not to do this, then rest assured that you will soon have to change not only roofing material, but also the entire roofing system.

There is nothing complicated in the design of an aerator, judge for yourself.

  1. First you need to choose a place where the aerator will be mounted. If the roof has problem areas, then it is best to install it there.
  2. To do this, a hole is cut out, the diameter of which will be slightly larger than the pipe itself.
  3. If during the installation of this element you discover that your insulation is wet, then it should be replaced with a new one.
  4. Before as metal parts aerators will sink into the roofing pie, they should be treated with mastic, the same is done with the base.
  5. The aerator elements must be securely placed on the roof plane. To do this, they are screwed on with self-tapping screws.
  6. The lower part of the pipe is insulated.

If this process If you can’t do it yourself, don’t despair - call a specialist or take an experienced roofer as a partner.

Auxiliary roofing elements

In addition to aerators, the roofing sphere has several more parts in its arsenal that significantly increase the quality of natural ventilation.

Ventilated ridge for soft roofing

This element is installed at the very top of the roof. Its design is somewhat different from a regular skate. A ventilated ridge has walls with a number of holes. It is through them that moist air leaves the attic. The operating principle of a ventilated ridge is similar to an aerator; everything happens due to a pressure difference.

Wind strip for soft roofing

The end strip for a soft roof is a mandatory component. The fact is that strong gusts of wind can easily tear the coating off the base and you will have to repair it. This element will also serve as a worthy addition to the completeness of your roof and give it a chic appearance. Therefore, if you are concerned not only with a well-made roof, but also with beauty, then this element is undoubtedly worth your attention.

As a conclusion, I would like to note that installing a soft roof is an excellent solution for covering utility or temporary buildings. For this, roofing felt or other rolled product is best suited. Bitumen-based materials have maximum waterproofing, therefore roofing system will serve its maximum life.

By the way, if you have the finances, then ask around at a hardware store for tiles with a self-adhesive side. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the installation process.

Modern roofing structures are a complex system in which the elements work effectively only by closely interacting and complementing each other. When creating a roofing project made of soft tiles, corrugated sheets or metal tiles, you need to take into account a lot: protect the insulation from getting wet, prevent rotting of the rafter frame and premature wear of the coating. “Warm” roofs that lack an insulating air layer deserve special attention. In order for the microclimate in such houses to be suitable for life, it is necessary to establish air circulation between the under-roof space and the atmosphere. To do this, a ventilated ridge is installed on pitched roofs, the installation of which is a prerequisite for organizing forced ventilation of the roof.

Design

Ventilated ridge is a device installed on pitched roofs to organize forced ventilation of the roof. It is a simple plastic device installed along the ridge of a roof made of soft tiles, corrugated sheets or metal tiles. The ventilated ridge profile has the following functions:

  1. Reliably seals the ridge connection of pitched roofs so that leaks do not occur through it. The triangular shape of the ridge complicates the sealing of this weak point in the roof made of corrugated sheets and corrugated sheets, through which melt and rain water can leak.
  2. Allows access to air. The ventilation gap that is formed when installing a ridge of this design opens the way for heated air inside the room to the street, which creates a kind of draft and forces the air to circulate inside the house.
  3. Closes the ventilation gap from the penetration of insects and snow sweeping. The design of the skate is designed in such a way that water cannot flow into it, snow or insects cannot fly into it.
  4. Allows excess moisture to evaporate. Vapors saturated with moisture are a product of human activity. They, together with the air, rise upward, cool and condense on the elements of the rafter frame. The thermal insulation layer of a roof made of corrugated sheets, soft tiles or metal tiles loses most of its heat-saving properties when wet, and the wood of the frame rots and becomes moldy. Installing a ventilated ridge solves this problem by opening the air to oxygen and allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

Ventilated ridge on a metal roof

Ridge aerator on a shingle roof

Ventilated ridge on a roller roof

Note! Installation of a ridge with ventilation holes is part of the installation of a forced ventilation system for a roof made of soft tiles, corrugated sheets or metal tiles. In order for ventilation to work, vents are installed in the eaves, places where fresh air is taken from the atmosphere.

Scheme of operation of a ventilated ridge

Installation of a ventilated ridge does not spoil the appearance of the roof; with high-quality installation, this element of the ventilation system cannot be seen. To make the installation site look more aesthetically pleasing, a strip of soft tiles or a metal profile is fixed on top of it, which protects the aerator from exposure to sunlight and the penetration of atmospheric moisture.

Operating principle

In the old days, builders did not even think about installing a ventilated ridge, since air naturally circulated through cracks or gaps in building materials and structures. Device modern roofing made of metal tiles or corrugated sheets requires almost complete tightness; installation is carried out in the form of a kind of “pie”, which contains a layer of insulation, waterproofing and vapor barrier. This design does not leave a single chink for air, which is why a stuffy, humid microclimate is established inside the house. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop high-quality ventilation at the project approval stage. Depending on the type of roof, there are 2 options for ventilation systems:

  • Natural. Natural ventilation is equipped for houses with “cold” roofs in which the attic is not heated. With this design, dormer windows are made in the roof slope, necessary for air circulation. In this case, the unheated attic acts as an “air cushion”, isolating the heated rooms from the cold roof. Installing a ridge with ventilation holes is extremely rare under such circumstances.
  • Forced. Forced ventilation works on the principle of convection, which states that heated air always rises. Roofs with a heated attic made of metal tiles, corrugated sheets and rolled materials are equipped with a ridge aerator, as well as eaves vents to force air masses to circulate between the room and the atmosphere. The air flow penetrates the roof structure through the vents, heats up and rises to the ceiling, exiting through the ventilated ridge and making room for fresh air.

Operating principle of a roof ventilation system

Operation of forced roof ventilation

Important! Forced ventilation was developed based on the physical properties of gas. Its operation does not require power sources, since the draft is created according to the law of convection: warm air rises up and cold air falls down. To achieve maximum efficiency of the ventilation system, its elements are placed evenly over the entire area of ​​the roof made of corrugated sheets, metal tiles or rolled materials.

Types of aerators

The design of the ventilation system depends on the area of ​​the slopes, the nature of the use of the under-roof space and the roofing material used. Installation of ventilation for “warm” attic roofs is more difficult and more expensive than for cold ones. To determine the optimal composition and relative position of the elements, installation is performed based on determining the volume of air in the attic. The following types of aerators are used to equip a ventilated ridge:


Note! The simplest and most inexpensive way to equip a ventilated ridge is to use corrugated ventilation tape. It is sold in rolls, and on the underside of the tape there is a self-adhesive layer with a protective film. To perform installation, you need to remove the protective film, glue the tape on both sides of the ridge, and then install the metal ridge strip.

Functions

To a non-professional craftsman, ridge ventilation may seem like an unnecessary extravagance and additional cost, but experienced roofers know that this simple measure increases the life of the rafter frame and roof covering. A properly designed and installed ventilation system performs the following tasks:

  1. Optimizes the microclimate in residential premises. Thanks to the constant flow of air saturated with oxygen, the house is always fresh, not stuffy, and a comfortable temperature is maintained.
  2. Increases the service life of the roof covering. The ventilated ridge profile prevents swelling of bitumen-based roll materials from solar radiation, allows excess moisture to evaporate, which has a beneficial effect on the service life of roofs made of metal tiles and corrugated sheets.
  3. Maintains the healthy condition of the rafter frame and sheathing. Thanks to the aerator, excess moisture evaporates, and the wood of the roof frame does not suffer from rot, mold and mildew.
  4. Does not allow the insulation to get wet. Due to constant air circulation, the insulation is ventilated and remains dry, which maintains the thermal insulation qualities of the material at a high level.
  5. Makes the use of bitumen-based materials safer. Air circulation through aerators eliminates the possibility of penetration of bitumen vapors, which are considered harmful to human health, indoors.

Installation of a ventilated ridge

Note! Dormer windows installed when organizing natural ventilation are located half the height of the slope, which is why stagnant zones are formed under the very ridge, where air does not circulate at all. When installing forced ventilation, this problem does not arise, since aerators are installed directly on the ridge connection, which is the highest point of the roof.

Video instruction

When erecting a roof, it is important to ensure that all structures are protected from moisture. Materials such as wood or mineral wool hygroscopic. The former, when saturated with moisture, begins to rot and lose its strength characteristics. The second, accumulating water, increases its mass, puts strong pressure on the roofing pie and ceases to perform its functions. To protect against precipitation and moisture from the room, vapor barrier and waterproofing are used, but as additional measure it is worth providing a ventilation gap between the sheets of bitumen shingles and heat-insulating material. In addition, you will need air outlets, which are provided in the ridge and cornice. An installed ridge aerator for a soft roof will ensure the movement of air masses.

Operating principle of the aerator

Ventilation of a soft roof is a responsible process. The ridge is equipped with special aerators, and on the eaves, air passes through special holes, which are created in two ways:

  • installation of special perforated soffits that do not prevent the ventilation gap from constantly changing the air inside;
  • installation wooden planks with a run-up, which provides passage for air masses.

It will be cheaper to install regular boards, but more modern solution will complete the installation of shingles with perforated soffits.

The ridge is equipped with aerators, and on the eaves the air passes through special holes

The ridge element, which complements the ventilated gap for soft tiles, ensures the passage and exit of air according to the principle of creating draft in the tubes. Installation is carried out in such a way that the system operates due to the difference in pressure in the space that limits the roofing pie and in the outside air. A ventilated gap and its accompanying elements are necessary to remove moisture from the surface of the heat-insulating material.

The passage of fresh air and the exit of humidified air allows for the following effects on the roofing pie:


Ventilation aerator - a pipe that is installed in the ridge
  • removal of condensate;
  • preventing thermal insulation from getting wet, maintaining its characteristics;
  • elimination harmful effects moisture on wooden structures that hold the roofing pie, therefore increasing the reliability and durability of the structures;
  • The frequency of repairs of tiles and rafter systems is reduced.

In general ventilation aerator is a pipe that is installed in the ridge. Installation is most often carried out using sections of 63-110 mm. To protect ventilation outlet to prevent clogging and flooding by sediment, a special umbrella must be installed on the tip of the tile. The umbrella is installed using special part soft bitumen shingles.

Types of aerators

The ventilation gap is equipped with aerators of various types. The number of products per roof ridge is determined from the following conditions:

  • the area of ​​the slope, which determines how much air needs to be released;
  • technical characteristics of a particular product, which determine the volume of air to which the product can provide normal passage.

In private construction, the number of elements can be assigned during the work process. For particularly complex objects, the calculation of aerators that will ensure the unimpeded escape of air masses beyond the roofing pie is carried out at the design stage in order to avoid disruptions and troubles during operation.


The ridge aerator, which complements the ventilated gap between the surface of the tile and the insulation, can be of two types:

  • continuous;
  • spot.

The former provide the passage and exit of air in the space under the entire roof covering. Installation of point elements is carried out when it is necessary to ventilate individual sections of the roofing. They, in turn, are divided into two groups:

  • pitched;
  • with installation on a ridge.

Pitched aerators are designed to further enhance the air flow in the roof pie structure. The release of air masses needs to be made faster in the following cases:

  • complex roof configurations, a large number of fractures and bends, which impede the passage and exit of moisture from the space along the roofing to the ridge;
  • long slopes in which the traction naturally decreases;
  • in places where the ventilated gap is interrupted, this may be required depending on the roof structure;
  • also prevent air movement directed towards the ridge, elements natural light, such as lanterns, roof windows and dormer windows.


Among other things, ridge aerators allow you to remove harmful fumes from the main roofing material – bitumen.

Installation technology

To mount the aerator on a ridge and ensure unhindered passage of air masses through the roof and their exit to the outside, the actions are performed in the following order:

  • window cutout in the roofing pie at the location of the product to the surface of the insulation;
  • the base of the pipe is treated with a special mastic;
  • to attach the product to the roof screed, you will need special devices called “skirts”;
  • the “skirt” is put on the elements and secured to the roof using self-tapping screws; for high-quality fixation, you will need to use 6 fasteners evenly distributed around the circumference of the additional element for the aerator;
  • The ventilation pipe must be protected from moisture penetration; for this purpose, waterproofing material must be laid.

Technology for installing a structure on a soft roof

It is important to remember that any places on the roof where the integrity of the coating is compromised are dangerous from the point of view of leaks. After completing all work on installing ventilation products, it is mandatory to monitor the integrity and tightness of waterproofing in difficult places. this will provide the roof with the most reliable protection.

Proper execution of all work on the roof will provide reliable protection of all house structures from negative influences. environment, especially such as rain, snow and cold.


The roof should always be dry. But now we are not talking about its outer side, but about the multiple internal layers of the roofing cake. At the same time, it must be dry regardless of the materials used for finishing, be it slate, or a soft bitumen coating. Condensation and moisture accumulated in the under-roof space can quickly render the entire roof unusable and significantly reduce its service life. To avoid excess moisture inside the pie, you will have to install aerators for the soft roof. Let's look at what they are and how they are installed.

To understand why it should always be dry under any roof, you first need to figure out where water can come from there and condensation can form. After all, when building a roof, craftsmen always try to make it as airtight as possible, laying various waterproofing and vapor barrier materials, which in theory should provide reliable protection.

The whole point is that Various processes related to human life take place in a residential building. People breathe, cook, take a shower or bath. And during all these processes, the air in the house is saturated with steam - in other words, it becomes humid. Warm air rises and gets trapped under the roof if it doesn't have a way to escape through a vent. At the top, microscopic droplets of water settle on various materials– this is how condensation forms. At the same time, air saturated with water vapor easily penetrates even the most inaccessible places through microcracks.

On a note! During the day, a person exhales about 1 liter of liquid into the air in the form of vapor. Adding to this amount all the water that gets into the air during cooking, washing floors or taking a bath, you can get a huge figure - up to 15 liters of water enters the air in the house during the day.

The accumulation of condensation under the roof poses a certain danger to all materials that make up the roofing pie. Wooden elements begin to become saturated with water, which causes rotting processes. This environment is also favorable for the development of fungus and harmful microorganisms that are dangerous to the health of people living in the house.

Metal elements (for example, fasteners) inside the roofing pie due to higher level humidity begin to corrode and gradually collapse. If water in the under-roof space, accumulated during the summer, freezes in winter, it can easily damage some structural parts (even concrete floors), since, expanding, it will exert a pressing effect on the materials. Due to severe damage, the roof may even have to be completely dismantled and rebuilt.

Also, exposure to moisture is detrimental to insulating materials. If they get wet, their thermal conductivity will increase significantly. This means that such a roof will no longer be able to retain heat well. In some cases, the insulation will need to be completely changed, because it will no longer be possible to fully dry it.

Moisture can reach the structural elements of the roof and the outside. During heavy rains or melting snow, water can still find a hole and get under the roof or into the roofing pie, even if its outer surface is well sealed. This option of additional “humidification” should not be excluded.

On a note! In terms of vulnerability, any soft roof suffers the most from excess moisture under the roof.

Soft roof and water

As for the soft roof, moisture actively accumulates under it in the insulating layer. At a minimum, this can cause the roof to bubble, especially if we are talking about a soft bitumen coating laid on a flat concrete roof. In this case, bubbles may occur here's why: in summer the roof can easily heat up to 90 degrees or more. Soft materials always contain bitumen, which is a thermoplastic substance - it reacts sharply to changes in temperature (it can become brittle in cold weather or soft and plastic - when hot). When the material is heated above 50 degrees, the plasticity increases, and the quality of adhesion of the coating to the base depends, for the most part, not on adhesion at all, but on the viscosity of the components included in the material or the mastic to which the coating was glued.

Defect of ordinary roofing - formation of swellings of the roofing carpet

Between the vapor barrier and waterproofing in the roof pie there is a closed, sealed space. As the temperature rises, the pressure in this area increases to 2-2.5 t/m2. The waterproofing lifts up, lifting the roof covering, and thus bulges form.

To get rid of all the above problems, It is necessary to install an aerator during roof installation. It will ensure the removal of air to the outside, and with it moisture. The device will allow you to dry the heat and waterproofing layers and prevent the accumulation of condensation.

What is an aerator and how does it work?

A roof aerator is a design that serves to remove moisture from under the roof, including that which has formed in the roofing pie itself, and not just in the house. This element can be installed on a wide variety of roofs, having all kinds of slope angles and covered different materials. An aerator on a soft roof will prevent premature destruction of the entire roof structure due to exposure to moisture.

Inside the installed aerator, draft is created due to the formation of a low-pressure area due to external wind flows and the pressure difference in the space under the roof and the street. The main functions of this design are as follows:

  • removal of water vapor from the house to the outside;
  • reducing the pressure between layers inside the roof (reducing the risk of bubbles on flat roofs);
  • reducing the risk of condensation forming on waterproofing materials.

Externally, the aerator is a pipe with a cross-section of 63-110 mm, with an umbrella on top that protects the structure from rain and snow getting inside. It can also be represented in the form ridge strip with bars on the sides. The first aerator is installed on the roof slope, and the second variation is installed along the roof ridge.

On a note! The aerator can be installed during construction or on a finished roof.

Types of aerators

Aerators may differ from each other in materials of manufacture and design features. Most often used plastic products, however, there are also metal ones (made of steel) on sale, which are usually mounted on metal tile roofs. In fact, all aerators are resistant to sunlight, rust, temperature changes.

Table. Types of aerators depending on design features.

TypeDescription

This type of aerator looks like a small or low pipe flat design with grate. This is the most commonly used option. This design operates in a separate area and is usually installed where there are problems with natural ventilation(on long slopes, complex roofs, in the area of ​​attic windows, valleys, etc.). Such aerators come in pitched and ridge types. In the first case, they are installed on the slopes, in the second - along the ridge. For soft tiles, a ridge version is usually purchased - it can provide ventilation of about 20 square meters. roofs. Pitched aerators are usually mounted at a small distance from the ridge - about 15 cm.

Such aerators are located along the entire length of the roof and provide maximum ventilation of the entire roofing pie, as well as the attic. The continuous form includes ridge species, as well as ventilation strips. The latter are mounted with inserts into the waterproofing layer. At the same time, they do not let water through at all.

This is a kind of ventilation option. It can be a hood or an electrically driven pipe. The model is selected depending on the angle of inclination of the slope.

On a note! The aerator market is now quite extensive and makes it possible to choose this structural element of such a shape that it can look organically on a roof of a certain type or style.

How to install?

The installation of aerators can be done both during the installation of the roof and after the work is completed. In general, this structural element is not difficult to install if you know how to do it. The instructions will help you understand the installation steps ( installation point aerator into the finished roof).

Step 1. A template cut to the size of the section of the lower part of the aerator is fixed on the surface of the bitumen shingles using self-tapping screws. You can circle it with a marker or carry out further actions directly along its contour.

Step 2. A hole is cut in the roof using a jigsaw according to the shape of the template. During cutting, it is important not to damage the waterproofing and insulating layers.

Step 3. If the template was screwed, then after cutting a hole in the roof it is unscrewed and removed.

Step 4. The cut out pieces of roofing and sheathing are removed.

Step 5. Using a vacuum cleaner, particles of debris and sawdust are removed from the roof surface and from the resulting hole.

Step 6. Rubber-based glue is applied around the perimeter of the aerator base.

Step 7 The aerator is turned over and glued around the perimeter of the hole cut in the roof.

Step 8 The base of the aerator is additionally fixed to the roof surface with self-tapping screws. For ease of work, the top cover of the aerator can be removed.

Step 9 After the aerator has been securely fixed to the roof surface, top cover returns to place and screws on.

Attention! If several aerators are installed on the roof, then it is important to ensure that the gap between them does not exceed 12 m. In general, 1 aerator is used per 100 m2 of flat roofing. On a roof that has ridges and valleys, aerators are mounted near the ridge.

Video - Installation of an aerator on a soft roof

Installation of a ridge tape aerator

Let's also look at an example of how it happens installation of a ridge aerator.

Step 1. The roof base is prepared for the installation of a ridge aerator. An opening 5 cm wide is made along the ridge, 2.5 cm on each side. On each side of the ridge, 20 cm is measured along it. This is the minimum distance that should not be cut.

Another photo of the process - 20 cm is measured

Opening width - 2.5 cm on each side

Step 2. For roofs with central beams, a 9 cm wide slot is made, 4.5 cm on each side of the ridge.

Step 3. The ridge is ready for ventilation installation when the remaining tiles and beams, as well as all debris, have been removed from the surface.

Step 4. The ridge aerator is quite flexible and is sold in reels. It is rolled out along the entire length of the skate from edge to edge, including places without slots.

Step 5. The edge of the ventilation tape is fixed with nails, two from each slope.

Step 6. The fixed tape is well stretched and fixed at the other edge of the ridge. If the roof is long, then you can fix the tape in stages.

Step 7 Excess aerator tape is cut off.

Step 8 End caps are installed. Mastic is applied to them on both sides. They should cover both edges of the moisture-proof membrane between the end cap and the bottom vent.

Step 9 The tape and edge cap are nailed to the base of the roof as shown in the image. At least two nails must go through the tape and the cap.

Step 10 A layer of mastic is applied between the roofing and the ventilation tape.

Step 11 The part of the tape that has not yet been fixed is nailed to wooden base roofs. Nails must penetrate to a depth of at least 1.5 cm.

Step 12 To cover such ventilated ridges, you will need pieces of bitumen shingles; 3 tile elements are stacked together on top of each other.

Attention! If work is carried out in the cool season, the tiles must be preheated.

Step 13 The roof tiles are laid on the ridge starting from the windiest side. The first three-layer element is nailed to the roof through the aerator. An indent of 2.5 cm is made from the edge of the tile - a nail is driven into this point.

Step 14 The second three-layer tile element in a row is laid so as to cover the nails on the previous element.

Step 15 The entire ridge is designed in the same way.

Video - Installation of a ridge aerator

A roof aerator installed on the roof will provide the house and the roof itself with good ventilation. It will not allow condensation to accumulate and will not allow water to destroy the structural elements of the roof. Installing the aerator is not difficult; anyone who has carefully studied the instructions given above can handle the task.