Are you feeling a bit stuff while you’re self-isolating? The Queensland humidity (even in the cooler months) can still feel uncomfortable, let alone when cabin fever sets in! What you may not know is that effective ventilation and insulation of the roof and its cavities is a simple but effective solution in reducing humidity and heat within your home and allowing some much-needed air to flow through. Let’s talk whirlybirds, earthwool and ceiling batts!
Whirlybirds
Roof ventilators can make a great difference to the temperature in your home by drawing out hot air in your ceiling space, limiting its ability to radiate into your home. However, without clear information on how roof ventilation works and what product will be most suitable for your home and budget, it can be difficult to know which type of ventilation product will be most effective.
With over 25 years’ experience in the roofing industry, take a read of our take on whirlybirds and its key benefits to hopefully assist you in determining whether a whirlybird would be most suitable for your home.
Why ventilate your roof?
The most noticeable advantage of effective roof ventilation is its ability to reduce heat in your roof cavity and consequently your home’s temperature and humidity.
In addition to reducing heat throughout your home, effective ventilation of your roof assists in maintaining the structural integrity of your home by removing excessive moisture from humid air trapped in your roof. Excessive moisture in your roof cavities can damage the building and surfaces of your property. Higher moisture levels also make it highly susceptible to dust mites, mould, and mildew which could potentially affect your health.
What are the benefits of installing a whirlybird?
While a roof blanket is one way to reduce heat, the downside of this option is they seal air and moisture in your roof space, encouraging the growth of fungus.
The other cost-effective heat exhaustion option, Whirlybirds, allow for heat reduction while allowing moisture and stale air to escape through ventilation – making it one of the most popular options for home cooling. Constructed from lightweight, high quality polymer, whirlybirds are a wind driven turbine ventilator designed to exhaust heat and moisture from the roof space without the use of electrical energy.
Benefits of installing a whirlybird include:
- Heat and moisture reduction
- Improved ventilation and airflow
- Cost-effective in improving your home’s comfort with no maintenance costs
- A reduced risk of mould, mites and mildew
- Savings on energy costs with a reduction in the need for air conditioning
- Creates a fresh and clean environment with replenished oxygen levels
Whirlybirds are not only effective in Summer but serve a year-round purpose in increasing the comfort of your living spaces. Whirlybirds effectively expel damp, moisture-laden air which causes mould growth in Winter, protecting your building structures and the effectiveness of insulation.
What are the key features of a whirlybird?
The whirlybird is suitable for use on tiled and metal roofs and is designed to work effectively even in light wind.
Key features:
- No electricity/wiring
- Eco-friendly
- Severe weather and hail proof
- They require little maintenance
- Are easy and inexpensive to install
- Suitable for both metal roofs and tiled roofs with a wide variety of colours
- Smooth and quiet in operation
What type of whirlybird will be most effective?
There are a wide variety of whirlybirds available on the market including: the Windmaster, TurboBeam and the Supavent. Due to its suitability for the Queensland climate, we recommend the Supavent Whirlybird to our clients. Made from hail resistant polymer, the stainless steal vertical blade design is built to be effective even in light wind conditions. Available in 17 colours, it is guaranteed to suit both metal and tiled roofs. Attractive and UV stabilised, the SupaVent is durable for Queensland weather conditions.
How many whirlybirds will my home require?
The number of whirlybirds you will need will vary based on your roof size. However, generally 1 to 2 whirlybirds are sufficient per 90m2 of roof space.
We use Edmond SupaVent Roof Ventilators, the highest quality ventilators available on the market. Available in 17 colours, with a 15-year warranty, the wind driven turbine is guaranteed to suit your home and provide long lasting comfort.
Ceiling insulation – what you need to know
In conjunction with adding whirlybirds for ventilation, ceiling insulation is a cost-effective way to keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also helps to reduce your heating and cooling costs, saving you money and providing energy efficiency as it essentially acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, particularly in roofs and ceilings.
At KWR Roofing, we use Earthwool Ceiling batts to provide good energy saving properties, enabling you to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Earthwool Ceiling batts are made using recycled glass, making it better on the environment.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Soft to handle – easier to install
- Advanced Compression Packaging which means you get up to 55% more insulation per pack
- Non-combustible – Earthwool insulation comes with inherent fire performance and will not catch fire
- Resilience & Durability – Earthwool wall batts also boast incredible resilience and durability
- The insulation is completely odourless, non-hygroscopic and rot proof
- Sustainable – Earthwool insulation is made using recycled glass and sand, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious customers
- Indoor air comfort – they provide great air comfort
Want to know more?
Are you considering combatting humidity in your home with a whirlybird or adding insulation in time for the cooler months? At KWR Roofing, we will help find the best solution for your needs.
Please contact us via info@kwrroofing.com.au or phone on 07 3847 1031 today for a free quote for the supply and installation of a whirlybird in your Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast home.
