What is a Roof Aerator?

A roof aerator is a device whose purpose is to ventilate the under-roof space, and to remove moisture and water vapor. Outwardly it is a pipe with a diameter of 6.3-11.1 centimeters, covered with an umbrella to protect against ingress of atmospheric precipitation. It is used on flat and pitched roofs. It allows you to maintain the performance of a high-quality roof.

In civil and industrial construction , soft roof is very popular. Structurally, it is a multi-layered structure. It is often called a "roof pie". This structure includes a reinforced concrete plate, a vapor barrier, a heat-insulating material, a screed and a waterproofing carpet. The service life of such a roof directly depends on how well the hydro- and thermal insulation is made. And the most common defect of such structures is the accumulation of moisture in the insulation and screed. Therefore, a roofing aerator for a soft roof is vital.

Dehumidification of heat-insulating layers is carried out due to arrangement of ventilation systems. And for performing similar tasks, a roofing aerator is used. His work is based on the use of a difference in external and internal pressure. Also, its operation is possible due to the creation of thrust in the pipe due to the low pressure that is created due to external wind currents.

The roof aerator performs the following functions:

- the withdrawal of water vapor rising from the interior;

- reduction of pressure appearing in the roofing system ;

- Obstruction of condensate formation on waterproofing.

The absence of a roof aerator or other ventilation system can lead to disastrous consequences.

1. Bloating. This type of defects is most often found on flat roofs. In summer, the soft roof becomes very hot. As a result of this impact, bitumen-polymer materials become plastic. Moisture, which is under the roof, becomes vaporous, as a result of which excess internal pressure increases. These two factors lead to the fact that the plastic material under pressure expands, and bubbles appear. Aerator roofing in this case will be very useful.

2. Increase in thermal conductivity. It has long been known that moisture significantly reduces the performance of thermal insulation materials. And this leads to an increase in heating costs. In addition, it contributes to the development of mold.

3. Destruction of screed and waterproofing carpet. In the role of leveling screed sand-cement mortars are used most often. They belong to the type of capillary-porous materials. Those. Pores in such materials are interconnected, as well as filled with air. Pores can be filled with water as a result of moisture in them. This can be avoided by using roof aerators. At negative temperatures, water crystallizes and transforms into another aggregate state-ice. In this case, it increases in volume, which leads to the appearance of microcracks and the destruction of the screed.

Installation of roof aerators is performed as follows:

1. In the roofing carpet and screed, a window is cut to the layer of insulation in the place where the vent pipe will be mounted.
2. The thermal insulation material should be checked. If it is wet, then it should be replaced.
3. The lower base of the pipe should be covered with a special mastic intended for fixing the roofing aerator to the roof. To attach to the screed, self-tapping screws are used. They should be evenly distributed over the aerator skirt.
4. On the base of the pipe it is necessary to make a layer of additional waterproofing.