Aerator roofing technonikol. How to properly install roof aerators Negative effects of high humidity

Frequent problem roof structures is the accumulation of moisture and condensate. A device called an aerator will help solve it. It can also be called a wind vane or deflector. What is its functional purpose?

Main functions

They consist of three items:

Prevention of condensation that forms in the bottom layer of waterproofing. It negatively affects the material, reducing its waterproofing properties.
The output of steam to the surface, rising from the interior. Its accumulation under the roof damages wooden structures.
Protection against blisters and blisters by reducing pressure between layers of roofing materials.

Now it’s worth finding out what causes the increased humidity of the coating.

Moisture formation in the roof structure

The most common and widely used is soft roofing. Especially when it comes to industrial and civil buildings. It consists of several layers, which are called a pie:

reinforced concrete floor;
layers of vapor barrier;
screed of sand-cement mixture;
thermal insulation coating;
waterproofing layer;
roofing;

Of the items listed above, the vapor barrier is the most susceptible to moisture accumulation. This can happen due to various factors:

environmental influences;
raising vapors from the upper rooms through the attic floor.

In the first case, dampness appears if a violation of the coating has occurred. Different climatic conditions can lead to direct penetration of moisture, as well as its accumulation from moist air.

In the second option, the rising steam settles on the vapor barrier and the cement screed in the form of condensate. A wet vapor barrier layer increases thermal conductivity in the range of 30-40%. In addition, fungus and mold form in the closed, unventilated space of the cake. (We recommend reading the article on protecting walls from different kind destructive impact. ?) In addition to this trouble, the dampness of the roof can lead to other negative factors.

Effects of exposure to moisture

roof aerator - wind vane

Destruction of the screed. In most cases, it is made from a cement-sand mixture; after hardening, it is a porous structure. The pores are normally filled with air. At high humidity such a surface is able to absorb moisture and accumulate it. At low temperatures, the liquid in the pores freezes. In this case, crystallization and expansion occur, which lead to the formation of microcracks and the destruction of the screed structure.
Impact on the waterproofing layer. The processes occurring in the screed also affect the waterproofing, as a result of which its structure is destroyed.
Surface swelling. This defect is caused by two factors:

steam is generated in the space under the ceiling. This occurs between the vapor barrier and waterproofing layer. The water accumulated between them at high temperatures turns into steam, due to this, the roof swells;
exposure to high temperatures in the summer season. Heating leads to changes in bitumen-polymer materials, that is, to their softening and increase in plasticity, which causes the formation of blisters;

A roofing aerator for a soft roof will help you avoid high humidity, as well as destruction and defects with it. It is only necessary to decide on the choice of device.

Varieties of aerators

There are a huge number of materials from which the roof aerator deflector is made, but the most effective of them are plastic and stainless steel. They are resistant to the following factors:

temperature fluctuations;
exposure to ultraviolet rays;
corrosion;
acid environment;

Whatever material the roof aerator is made of, its main task is to remove condensate, weather moisture and ventilate the roof space. Various sizes and modifications are provided for by a roofing aerator, a photo of some of them is presented . They can be of various sizes and modifications.

by the most the best option for a soft roof is a roofing technonicol aerator 160x460mm, the photo shows that it consists of three parts. Its design provides:

long service life of roofing;
removal of the resulting moisture from all layers of the roof;
improvement of thermal insulation properties;

One of latest models– aerator roofing technonikol eco. It not only provides all the requirements of a "breathing" roof, but is also made from environmentally friendly raw materials.

If you want to receive quality roof with a long service life, you should install a roofing technonikol aerator. Its price varies depending on the design and modification. You can always pick best option by cost.

Calculation of the number of aerators

First of all, you should decide on the number of ventilated deflectors. To do this, you need to know the surface area of the roof and the technical data that the roof vane aerator provides. If the roof plane is sloped, they should be evenly spaced at the highest elevations.

If the coating configuration is simple, then the norm provides for one roof aerator per 100 m², it is necessary to buy the calculated amount for installation.

Important point! The distance between the ventilated pipes should not exceed 12 meters.

You can install roof aerators yourself, but for this you need to have minimal building skills. If there are none, then it is better to turn to the services of specialists.

Installation of a roof aerator

It can be carried out both during the arrangement of the roof, and already on finished construction. In the first case, they must be laid down by the project. If the premises will have a deliberately high humidity of the premises, such as a bath or sauna. Ventilated outlets must be provided at the design stage of buildings. Such projects should be carried out only by special design organizations. In the second version, the roofing polyvent aerator is installed in the following sequence:

The required number of places on which the deflectors will be located is marked.
In the right place, a window is cut in the screed. It must go deep to the location of the insulation.

IMPORTANT! If the vapor barrier layer is wet, it must be replaced with a dry one so that it meets the thermal insulation standards.

Roofing aerators for a flat roof are installed in ready-made nests. The lower part of the pipe, which must be connected with a special mastic.
Fastening must be done with self-tapping screws. They should be evenly spaced around the entire perimeter of the aerator skirt. Their total number must be at least six.
The base of the pipe from above is also additionally protected with waterproofing.

The roof aerator for metal tiles has a different design and is mounted on both sides of the ridge with an indent of at least 60 cm. It is advisable to carry out installation work in the summer.

All roofs with a rigid internal frame have one thing in common - condensate periodically accumulates in the internal passages and threatens the supporting structures with premature decay and destruction. In this article we will talk about such a useful invention as a roof aerator, which provides ventilation and maintenance of roof structures in a dry form.

Soft roof application

Please note that the installation of the aerator is possible even on flat roofs. In case of soft roof Roof aerator prevents material swelling. The principle of operation of this simple mechanism is to remove moisture until it crystallizes under the roofing material. Thus, there is no delamination of the soft coating from the frame structure.

Ideally, the installation of aerators on a soft roof should be carried out simultaneously with the construction of the house. This will save you from the occurrence of mold and rotting beams on the roof. However, even if these devices were neglected at the beginning of construction, they can always be installed later - this is not at all difficult to do.

Soft roofing is currently quite popular and actively used roofing material. It is laid on a reinforced concrete base, on which layers of insulation, waterproofing and a cement-sand screed are applied. As a rule, the waterproofing layer is represented by rolled materials.

Why you need a roof aerator

Depending on the quality of work on waterproofing and insulation, as well as laying a soft roof, its service life may vary. Among the most common defects of such roofs is the accumulation of condensate in the insulation layer and screed. This problem can be eliminated just with the help of a roof aerator. It allows you to reduce the moisture content in the roofing cake and prevent its further accumulation. Therefore, many reasonably believe that thanks to these devices, it is possible to significantly extend the life of a soft roof.

The formation and accumulation of condensate can eventually lead to the following consequences:

Flat roof swelling.
Increase in thermal conductivity.
Defects in the screed or roofing cake.

The most common problem is the swelling of the roof, the causes of which may be:

An increase in temperature in summer leads to heating of bituminous materials and changes in their structure, namely, an increase in plasticity. In this case, the degree of viscosity of the mastic on which the roofing material was laid will matter.
Accumulation of steam in the space under the roof. Since the roofing pie consists of a lower vapor barrier and an upper waterproofing layer, when the temperature rises, the liquid accumulated between them is converted into steam, creating excessive pressure.
Delamination of roofing cake and bitumen-polymer composition. To get rid of the swelling of the coating, the waterproofing must be carefully glued to the base. In addition, you can use the roof aerator.

An increase in thermal conductivity entails significant heat losses and additional energy costs. According to studies, an increase in roof moisture even by 1-2% causes an increase in thermal conductivity by 30-40%. In addition, warm and humid environments favor mold growth.

As for the destruction of the screed, then the reason lies in the porosity of the material. In the normal state, the pores in the cement mortar are filled with air. With excessive moisture in the roof, these pores begin to fill with condensate, which expands as the temperature drops and leads to the formation of cracks and defects in the screed. In this case, the waterproofing layer may also be affected.

When choosing plastic aerators for the roof, in each case it is necessary to determine what caused the increase in humidity.

Causes of increased humidity in the under-roof space

Moisture ingress into the insulation can occur from the external environment due to defects and malfunctions in the roofing pie. In addition, it can also accumulate due to the destruction or damage of the vapor barrier layer. One of the external factors of wetting the insulation can be difficult weather conditions and high humidity.

In cases where the insulation layer accumulates too much water and, therefore, does not have time to fully dry out, it will not be easy to cope with the problem without additional devices. A similar situation is observed in the case of roofs that are constantly wet. In this case, it is almost impossible to achieve positive results.

In the end, you will have to replace the insulation, for which the roof will need to be almost completely disassembled. This process will require too much material and labor resources, which not every owner can afford.

To save money, you can get rid of excess moisture in the roofing cake by evaporation. In this case, all the complex and expensive work on dismantling the roof and replacing waterproofing and insulation will simply not be needed. In addition, thanks to drying, it will be possible not to be afraid of the occurrence of leaks, which, as a rule, occur after roof repairs.

Alternatively, you can use an aerator for ventilation. The operation of such devices is carried out due to the difference between the internal and external pressure of air masses. Thanks to this principle, draft arises in the aerator tube, which is created due to a decrease in pressure under the influence of wind currents from the outside.

To understand why you need a roof aerator, here are the main functions of this device:

The removal of air saturated with steam coming from the interior to the outside. This process occurs constantly, therefore, moisture does not have time to accumulate on the frame structure.
Decrease in internal pressure in the thickness of the roofing cake, due to which, as a rule, swelling of the finishing layer occurs roofing material.
Prevention of liquid crystallization and its accumulation in the lower part of the waterproofing layer. Otherwise, condensate penetrates into the thickness of the insulation and leads to the loss of its qualities by the material.

By design, an aerator for a roof made of metal or any other material is a pipe with a cross section of 63 to 111 mm. An umbrella is installed over the pipe so that precipitation does not fall into it. As a rule, a roof aerator is made of polyethylene pipes HDPE.

Rules for installing aerators for the roof

The technology for installing roof aerators consists of several steps:

In the thickness of the screed for installing a ventilation pipe, a window is cut through. Its depth should reach the inner layer of insulation.
The condition of the insulation should be checked - the wet material is removed and replaced with a dry one so that its thermal conductivity meets the requirements of the standards.
Now they are fixing the aerator pipe. To do this, first a layer of mastic is applied to its lower part, and then it is screwed to the cement screed using six self-tapping screws. Screw the screws into the aerator skirt at the same distance from each other.
To prevent water from seeping under the device, an additional layer of waterproofing is laid on the base of the ventilation pipe.

To understand whether an aerator is required for a metal roof in each specific case, it is worth considering a number of factors. In particular, the type of construction and size of the roof, the level of humidity in the premises, as well as the reliability and condition of the vapor barrier layer of the roofing pie are important.

For houses with flat roofs, which do not have complex lines and are manufactured in compliance with all building standards, the norms for the number of aerators on the roof require the installation of one device for every 100 m 2.

However, the distance between individual aerators should not exceed 12 meters. On roofs where the valley and ridge are clearly marked, the installation of ventilation pipes should be carried out along the passage of the ridge and in the valley itself at the watershed boundary.

Please note that if it is initially planned to use the building in conditions of permanent high humidity, for example, for saunas, baths or swimming pools, then special design offices should be involved in calculating the number and location of aerators.

Of course, the installation of roof aerators can be done independently if you have at least minimal skills in construction. However, you can also use the services of professional builders who will do everything quickly and efficiently.

How roof ventilation works

As it has already become clear, the design of the aerator does not provide for any mechanisms that would remove excess moisture from the roofing pie. These devices are something like ventilation ducts providing air exchange. The unimpeded entry of fresh air into the space under the roof helps to remove excess moisture and maintain the humidity level within acceptable limits. Thus, the main task of aerators is to ensure the flow of air under the roof without interference.

The functionality of the device is maintained in all weather conditions. The fact is that the humidity of freely circulating air will in any case be lower than that of air masses that are concentrated in a closed space under the roof. Ventilation pipes can ensure that excess moisture from the outside does not enter the under-roof space, and excess moist air can freely leave the roof.

It is obvious that providing high-quality ventilation of the roof is quite feasible. All you need is to install a roof aerator. So you can be sure that moist air will not stagnate under the roof, but will be able to circulate freely.

It is noteworthy that the roof aerator does not need special care - you just need to check if the passages are clogged. In general, this is a very simple and reliable device that successfully solves the problems of excessive moisture and allows you to extend the life of any roof.

People living in their private homes may face such a problem as the accumulation of excess moisture under the roof. This adversely affects the properties of the thermal insulation layer. There is a cardinal decision - dismantling of a roof with the subsequent replacement of all heater. This method is quite expensive and takes a lot of time, not to mention the fact that it can not be used in any season. The second way is to install a device such as a roof aerator.

What are roof aerators?

A roof aerator is a device that is designed to provide ventilation to the space under the roof. With it, you can avoid the accumulation of moisture, extend the life of the roof and the safety of its properties. This process called "aeration", hence the name of the device.

Aerators are designed to provide air condensation and are installed directly on the roofing. Since roof devices and coating materials vary, aerators have their own installation and operation features for each type.

Principle of operation

Roof mounted aerator

The principle of operation is based on one of the laws of physics, in which excess moisture can be evaporated - this process directly depends on the circulation rate of moist air. The temperature of the air in the street and in the room is very different, in this regard, it becomes necessary to provide diffusion processes in which mixing is carried out different types gas environment. This can lead to a decrease in the temperature inside the premises, and moisture will collect under the surface of the roof. Upon contact with the external environment, they will create ideal conditions to extrude it. It is on this law that the principle of operation of the device is based, in fact, it all comes down to using an aerator for ventilation.

Important! Aerators are both iron and plastic, so before installing them, you need to calculate whether the roof and corrugated board can withstand the load from the device.

There are several varieties that fit under different roofs. For example, aerators for metal tiles, for flexible tiles and others are sold. If there is no knowledge on how to properly install these devices, then it is best to use the services of a wizard.

Pitched roof aerator

The pitched roof has a sloping surface. However, often the space in the attics becomes impassable and often resembles a warehouse. It follows from this that the need for insulation and installation of additional ventilation disappears completely. The optimal angle for this roof is usually between 30 and 50 degrees. On the pitched roof snow does not actually accumulate, as it simply rolls down, but there is an undesirable load from the winds.

Note! A roof aerator is usually installed exclusively on insulated roofs directly above residential premises.

Installed aerators on a pitched roof

The supporting structure consists of timber rafters and battens. Insulation is usually placed between rafter legs and the inside, after which it is insulated with a vapor barrier coating. In the air of the living quarters, in any case, there is moisture, the coating protects the insulation from moisture. On the outside, a special film against moisture and water is arranged, which protects the insulation from rainwater and condensates.

At first glance, the design has no flaws, but not a single coating is able to absolutely protect the roofing pie. Consequently, moist air accumulates and stagnates under the roof covering, due to which wood rots and steel corrodes. Installing aerators allows you to deal with this problem, as the devices create fresh air circulation.

Important! For this type of roof, 2 types of aerators are installed: point and ridge.

Point-type devices are mounted at the highest point, approximately 150 mm from the ridge. Outside, the air is colder, and when it gets into the under-roof space, it becomes warmer, respectively, according to the laws of physics, it tends to rise up. The result is simple air circulation.

Flat roof aerator

V flat options the roof has a different device: the floor slabs are leveled using cement-sand screeds, after which the insulation is laid. Then another cement-sand screed is mounted on top of the insulation, or two layers of flat sheets of asbestos cement are used. The built-up roofing carpet is firmly bonded to the screed after installation. However, during operation, materials may experience temperature fluctuations in the external environment. The coefficient of thermal expansion for concrete, cement, asbestos and bitumen varies quite a lot, so undesirable stresses follow from this. Cohesion and bonds are broken, respectively, air bubbles appear.

Flat roof aerators

Important! Aerators on flat roof are mounted under the layers to be welded, which allows you to remove stresses and remove bubbles. In this case, it is preferable to use a roof aerator for a soft roof or an aerator for a flat roof.

Aerators that are used for roofing of bituminous materials of a directed nature do not differ in special design features, they consist of the usual elements:

skirts;
tubes;
cap.

As a rule, aerators are made of high-strength polypropylene and withstand temperatures ranging from -50 to +130 degrees Celsius. Similar devices for a roof area within 80–100 m² should be located at a distance of 12 meters from each other.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the devices is the ability to remove most of the moisture, which helps to avoid damage to the roof. This leads to the durability of materials and even protects the roof from leaks. Removing moisture can cause the metal shingles to not corrode or cause the problem to show up later. Plus, a dry roof retains its thermal insulation properties better. This will make it possible to significantly save on heating. It also helps to maintain a favorable microclimate in the building, which, in turn, helps to avoid the appearance of fungus and mold.

Also aerators are quite a budget option to eliminate unwanted moisture in the roofing cake. In 2018, their cost varies from 300 rubles to 5,000 rubles apiece. Now on the market there is a huge variety of aerators from different companies, both foreign and domestic.

Important! The device is suitable for installation on any type of roof, combined with all types of roofing materials. Installation can be carried out on roofs of complex shapes, where there is a height difference. The aerator can be mounted at any stage of construction or already during the operation of the building. Installation does not require special skills or tools.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the inability of point aerators to provide proper ventilation of the entire roofing, this can lead to the appearance of a zone where air will stagnate.

Classifications

Aerators have many classifications. Below is the most popular:

Top Models

There are many devices on the market designed to remove moisture under the roof. Below are the most popular in Russia.

"Polyvent"

Aerator "Polyvent" is a line of devices for ventilation of the roof space. It contains both ridge and point aerators. The manufacturer of this line is the TechnoNIKOL company from the Russian Federation.

Docke ("Deke")

The products of this German company are designed for installation on horizontal skates. The ridge aerator "Deke" provides excellent ventilation and has unsurpassed German quality.

Airridge Felt

Aerators from the Finnish company SKTuoteOy. They are made using new technologies, which helps to avoid deformation of the ridge, and the unique arrangement of air grooves provides the best ventilation and prevents moisture from entering inside from atmospheric precipitation.

Tegola

The Tegola special aerator is a Russian-made device that perfectly protects against moisture and provides excellent air circulation.

vilpe

Devices from the already well-known Finnish campaign SKTuoteOy. Available in a wide range of colors, the devices are characterized by ease of installation, corrosion protection and durability.

Ridge Master Plus and Hip Master

A couple of American companies that mainly produce high quality ridge aerators that are good at eliminating condensate and regulating the microclimate.

Ridge Master Plus and Hip Master aerator

Aquasystem

The KTV Aquasystem aerator is a chiseled type model from the Russian manufacturer Stroymet. It has proven itself in the market, it is simply mounted and functions properly for many years.

Installation of roof aerators

Each type of aerator has its own characteristics and installation methods, which are described in detail in the instructions for them.

Installation of ridge aerators

This type of aerator is the easiest to install, but due to the fact that it must be installed along the entire length of the ridge, you need to have the exact dimensions of the roof and correctly calculate the number of devices. They are recommended to be installed on a roof with a slope of 12-45 degrees.

Important! Such an aerator is mounted exclusively on a ridge, which ensures excellent air circulation in the attic.

Operating standards:

Be sure to have holes in the overhangs to facilitate air flow.
Installation of devices along the entire length of the ridge so that they form one system.
Tiled skates are usually placed on top of the aerators, thus masking the devices and not spoiling appearance roofs.

The installation technology is carried out in compliance with the following steps:

Using a circular saw, a groove is cut in the base for ventilation and other needs of the system. If only 1 aerator is installed, then the hole should be located on the top of the ridge, if two - on the sides of the ridge. The slots are made in such a way that they break off 30 cm from the edge of the ridge.
Ridge shingles should be located on the sides of the ridge.
All segments must be stacked with each other, using the example of the details of the designer. The aerator is attached to the roof using special elongated nails or screws.
The profile of the aerator is covered with tiles. Petals are attached with an overlap.
After that, it is necessary to seal the ends of the aerator where it comes into contact with the roof.

Installation of point aerators

If it is not possible to install ridge aerators, then they can be replaced with point ones. They need a few more, but you also need to calculate the area for mounting them.

As a rule, they apply:

On roof coverings where the slope is less than 12 degrees, or on flat structures.
For more efficiency ventilation system or as a supplement.

A hole is cut, which should fit in size with the internal gap of the channel next to the aerator.
After that, the aerator skirt is mounted, which is fastened with special roofing nails or other fasteners.
The top of the skirt is glued with waterproofing materials.
The skirt is glued with tile shingles, trimmed a little at the points of contact.
An aerator mesh is put on over the skirt, after which it is fastened with self-tapping screws. After installing the cap and also fix it with fasteners.

Thus, using tips and instructions, you can quite successfully install aerators of any type of model on different types roofs Devices will improve the situation with moisture in the house, extend the life of the materials from which the roof is made.

Product Description:

Roofing aerator TechnoNICOL 160x460 mm, black, is made from a block copolymer of ethylene and propylene, which provides high reliability and resistance to environmental influences on the roof. Provides reliable operation for 25 years.

Roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL ECO 160x450 mm, dark brown, has a smaller wall thickness and is made from a mixture of polymers that provide resistance to operational loads for 15 years.

Roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL ECO 75x340 mm, black, made from a mixture of polymers and is used only for roof repairs.

Plastic aerators have additional UV protection, which allows them to be used in all climatic zones of Russia.

Application area:

Roofing aerators TechnoNIKOL 160x460 mm and TechnoNIKOL ECO 160x450 mm allow you to effectively remove excess moisture from the roofing pie. The installation of aerators prevents the formation of blisters under the roofing material, which significantly increases the life of the roofing. Installation of aerators when installing or repairing a combined roof further increases the effectiveness of mineral wool insulation by reducing its moisture content.

In systems with mechanical fastening of the roofing mat to the base, it is recommended to install one aerator per 150m2 of roof. The most optimal is the placement of aerators in the roof ridges at a distance of 6-8 meters and in highest points along the valley (funnel lines).

At least 1 aerator per 100m 2 is installed on roofs laid on cement-sand screeds using Uniflex EPV Vent and Technoelast EKV Vent materials. Aerators are installed evenly over the surface of the roof. The arrangement is considered optimal when most of the aerators are installed in the watershed and the distance between the aerators does not exceed 12 m, and the distance to the vapor barrier structure (parapet, expansion joint, wall) does not exceed 6 m.

The design of the aerators additional opportunity insulation with expanded clay gravel. This eliminates the freezing of the roof at the place where the aerator is installed and the formation of an excess amount of condensate on its walls.

Roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL ECO 75x340 mm can only be used for roof repairs. The aerodynamic shape and reduced flow area allow it to work only after a sufficiently strong heating of the roof. It is installed 1 per 100 m 2 regardless of the method of roof installation and only prevents the formation of blisters under the roof. Its design does not imply additional insulation with expanded clay gravel.

Roof aerators are forbidden to be installed in combined roofs above refrigerators and ice arenas.

Manufacturing jobs:

Installation of aerators and requirements for their installation are described in the instructions for use given on the packaging. Can be used in all climatic regions according to SP 131.13330.

Storage:

In a warehouse protected from rain.

Transportation:

Transportation is carried out by all types of transport in covered vehicles in accordance with the Rules for the carriage of goods in force for this type of transport.

Packing Details:

Roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL 160x460 mm - code EKN 34591, roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL ECO 160x450 mm - code EKN 39091, roofing aerator TechnoNIKOL ECO 75x340 mm - code EKN 5489.

Installation of a soft roof does not tolerate trifles. Sometimes, thinking to save money on such a seemingly optional detail as roof ventilation, the developer is faced with a lot of trouble. The roof begins to leak, the house smells of dampness, icicles accumulate on the cornices. And, the apotheosis of everything, is the fleeting destruction of expensive roofing material. Such troubles occur because moisture penetrates into the soft roof cake, seeping into the insulation, roof structures and the bituminous coating itself. You can solve the problem by installing artificial ventilation ducts - aerators on the roof. Air will circulate through them, pulling out excess moisture and drying the inner cake of the structure.

Thus, the installation of aerators on a soft roof is a process recommended by experts, and in some cases (above the attic floor, for example) it is mandatory, preventing damage to it and ensuring a comfortable stay in the house.

It is clear that aerators provide ventilation and drying of the roofing cake from moisture. But where does she come from? After all, manufacturers initially position a soft roof as airtight. Moreover, in the composition of the roofing pie there are layers of hydro- and vapor barrier (vapor barrier - in the case of a heater).

But this does not save from the presence of wet vapors. They are an indispensable attribute of any living space, formed in the process of cooking, washing, taking a bath and even, in the end, human breathing. According to studies, every day in a house where a family of 4 lives, 2-4 liters of water vapor is formed, some of which accumulates in the under-roof space.

When warm vapor comes into contact with a cold surface (during sharp jumps in temperature from outside to inside), it condenses. As a result, the smallest droplets of water begin to impregnate any structures and materials that they can “reach out to”. First of all, it is rafters, crate, insulation.

Another way for moisture to penetrate is from the outside of the roof. Warm steam, accumulating in the attic, heats the roofing from the inside. In winter, the snow on the roof starts to melt. Ice crusts form, which, when the situation worsens, also melt. Water penetrates into the joints of the coating, the roof begins to leak.

In addition, the coating itself suffers, which in any case has microcracks. Moisture penetrates there and, when the temperature drops, breaks the material. Cracks become visible, sometimes through. The cover is deteriorating.

On a soft roof, the consequences of excess moisture drinks manifest themselves quickly enough. You may notice:

The appearance of bubbles on the surface. A soft roof pie, as a rule, incorporates a waterproofing layer (top) and a vapor barrier layer (bottom). In fact, it is a closed hermetic circuit. In summer, the roof cake heats up to 80-100°C, as a result of which the moisture accumulated in the circuit forms steam and tries to evaporate. Similar situation leads to the appearance of blisters and the destruction of the roof.
Reducing the efficiency of the heat insulator. Wetting the heat-insulating layer even by 2% leads to an increase in its thermal conductivity (and a decrease in insulating properties) by 40%! Accordingly, such a roof ceases to fulfill its functions in terms of retaining heat, and heating costs increase.

All this leads to the destruction of the structure of the roofing material and the occurrence of leaks.

Appointment of aerators

How to prevent moisture from settling on roofing surfaces? Or to drain structures already saturated with moisture?

The laws of physics will come to our aid. Moisture can be removed by its evaporation, which occurs during the movement (circulation) of air flows. Since there is a significant difference between the internal (in the house) and external (on the street) pressure indicators, for air circulation it is enough to ensure the process of communicating two media.

If the attic is cold, then effective ventilation can be provided quite simply - through dormer windows, loose fit of cornice overhangs, gaps in the ridge. For warm attics and mansards, this solution is not suitable, since in the cold season unregulated ventilation will reduce the temperature in the room.

In such houses, the most acceptable is the use of roof aerators - ventilation ducts connecting the under-roof and over-roof spaces. After installing the aerator, due to the pressure difference, forced draft is created in its pipe, which draws wet vapors from under the roof.

Very important point: in order for the process of extracting air through the aerator to become possible, it is necessary to provide a supply of fresh cool air in the overall system. Otherwise, air masses will not circulate. To do this, ventilation products are equipped in the cornices, where fresh air is continuously supplied. Passing through the attic space, it heats up and rises up - to the roof.

Thanks to the created draft in the aerator, it passes through its pipe and is thrown out into the street. With well-equipped ventilation, in just 1 hour, the air flow passes through the roofing cake 2 times, drying and ventilating it.

Accordingly, by installing aerators for a soft roof in the right amount, you can not worry about the dryness of the coating and insulation. Therefore, it is more correct to proceed with their installation at the construction stage. But, if for some reason this did not happen, you can do it later. The main thing is not to wait for the occurrence of irreparable defects in the roof (swelling, destruction of the material). Fortunately for many developers, with the help of aerators, you can not only prevent the accumulation of moisture in the new roofing pie, but also drain the old roof already saturated with moisture.

Varieties of aerators

For soft roofs, aerators are used, made of impact-resistant plastics that can withstand temperature extremes, corrosion, and UV rays. Depending on the design features, purpose and mode of action, there are 2 types of aerators: ridge continuous and point.

The ridge aerator is classified as a continuous ventilation system, as it is installed along the entire length of the ridge to aerate the entire roof space. In appearance, the structure is corner piece with openings protected by special barriers - from insects, dust, snow.

Point aerators are installed on separate sections (points) of the roof, as a rule, on slopes, less often on skates. Each such aerator is a ventilation pipe, protected from above by a cap of various configurations. Usually general form design resembles a "fungus" or "box".

The point pitched aerator has a flat base (skirt), through which it is connected to the roof. The base of the point ridge aerator is angular, designed to mate with the roof in the area of its upper horizontal edge.

Differences in the designs of existing types of aerators also implies a significant difference in the technologies for their installation.

Installation of a ridge aerator

The ridge aerator is the easiest to install, it does not require a special calculation of the quantity, as it is usually placed along the entire length of the ridge. Installation of a ridge aerator is recommended on roofs with a slope of 12-45°. At the same time, it is mounted only on the ridge, providing air circulation in the attic space.

Usage norms:

it is necessary to have ventilation on overhangs to ensure air flow;
it is recommended to install the aerator along the entire length of the ridge, connecting its segments into one structure;
ridge tiles are mounted on top of the ridge aerator, so the appearance of the roof does not suffer from an “alien” element.

Mounting technology:

In a solid base, a ventilation groove is cut with a circular saw. It can be one (at the top of the ridge) or two (on either side of the ridge). The total thickness of the ventilation gap should be 3-8 cm (depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer of a particular aerator). The slots are made so that they end 30 cm before the edge of the ridge, that is, the roof remains solid on both sides of the ridge.
Ridge shingles are laid along the edges of the ridge (where the ventilation gap has not been cut).
Install a ridge aerator. Each of its segments is fixed with elongated roofing nails or screws screwed through ready-made factory holes. At the same time, the segments are connected to each other, like parts of a designer.
The profile of the aerator is covered with ridge tiles. Its petals are mounted overlapping, according to the usual method, which does not differ from the technology of its laying along the ribs. The only difference is in the fasteners. In this case, the tiles are nailed to the aerator with elongated roofing nails.
The ends of the aerator, in places of interface with the roof, are sealed with silicone sealant.

An example of work in the photo:

The video plot will help to understand in more detail the intricacies of the roof aeration device on a soft roof:

Installation of point aerators

In addition to the ridge aerator, it is possible to use several point analogues. These aerators are used:

on roofs with a slope of less than 12 °, as well as on flat roofs;
to improve ventilation efficiency, in addition to a roof aerator;
if the installation of a ridge aerator is not possible, for example, if there is no ridge or if there are adjoining roofing materials to vertical surfaces and walls.

Usage norms:

installation of point aerators is performed on slopes, at a distance of 0.5-0.8 m from the horizontal edge of the ridge;
it is imperative to ensure air flow on overhangs;
one aerator provides effective ventilation of 5-100 m2 of roof (depending on the diameter and shape of the structure), in accordance with these data, their number is calculated - from 2 pieces or more.

Installation technology:

A hole is cut out in a continuous crate that matches in size with the internal gap of the aerator channel. To do this, the base (skirt) of the aerator is placed on plywood (OSB) and the contours of the hole are drawn on the roof, through the passage channel. Marking is done with a pencil or a nail. Using a jigsaw, cut a hole along the line.
The aerator skirt is placed over the hole and fixed with roofing nails or self-tapping screws (at least 6 pieces). Some manufacturers recommend using an adhesive fixation method in addition to fasteners. In this case, the reverse side of the skirt is smeared with bituminous mastic, glued to the base, and only then fixed with fasteners.
Glue the top of the skirt with bituminous glue for waterproofing the junction.
The skirt is covered with tile shingles, cutting them at the junctions.
An aerator mesh is put on top of the skirt, screwing it with self-tapping screws. Then they mount the cover (cap), snap it on and also screw it with self-tapping screws.
Similarly, the rest of the point aerators are mounted (in accordance with the calculation), which in the total mass will form a single ventilation system.

Here's what it looks like:

More visual information about the stages of installation of a point aerator can be obtained by watching a training video:

Thus, the installation of aerators is not a difficult job, even self-taught masters can do it. However, the benefits are enormous!

Thanks to aerators, water vapor is drawn out of the roofing cake, condensation is prevented, mold, fungus and mustiness are prevented. All this has a positive effect on the duration of operation. wooden structures(rafters, battens, sheathing), the work of thermal insulation, the microclimate of the dwelling.