If you have a shed in Australia, you’ll know how important it is to keep it cool. During summer months, a poorly ventilated roof can mean that temperatures soar, doing damage to your goods and making it virtually uninhabitable.
Cooling down your shed is done with ventilation, and turbine vents are a very effective way to do this. Ventilation can also get rid of strong odours if for example you have anything in your shed that may emit them such as gasoline from a small motor vehicle.
So what are whirlybirds?
Whirlybirds are a type of turbine and a really good way to maintain a cool temperature in your shed. They are a key part of a functional ventilation system for your home.
How do they work?
Whirlybirds don’t actually do the cooling themselves. They won’t lower the air temperature in the same way an air conditioner might. What they do is release the warm air that has risen inside the roof. By itself this is not very effective but combined with vents (either ceiling or eaves) that are allowing cool air in, an airflow is created. This is much better than no ventilation at all.
Whirlybirds require vents, so if you are considering having one installed, make sure the vents you have in your ceiling or eaves are adequate. The best place to have vents placed for an efficient ventilation system is either side of your shed.
When installing whirlybirds, another think to consider is insuring you don’t have any sarking under your roof. Remember, they are to be looked at as a key part of a good ventilation system, not the system itself.
Should you install the Whirlybird yourself?
If you want the whirlybird installed properly, it is best done by a professional. This is because the process is complicated and there are many variables to consider when installing a whirlybird.
The installation of a whirlybird generally includes selecting a location, positioning the flashing panel, placing the variable pitch collar onto the flashing panel, securing both the panel and the collar and placing the rotor head onto the pitch collar.
Remember, it is recommended that anyone attempting to install a whirlybird does have experience. It is best that the installation is performed by a professional with at least a roof plumber’s or builder’s license. Suppliers and manufacturers will not take responsibility for faulty work and a poorly installed system could cost you much more down the track. Contact us today if you’d like to organise your whirlybird installation and have your roof kept cool this summer!