Proper Ventilation In Steel Buildings

Proper ventilation is an important feature in any steel building system. Buildings constructed of any material need ventilation, but adequate ventilation of a steel building is especially critical. Steel buildings are very susceptible to condensation, so be sure to confirm that your steel building manufacturer or supplier can provide any and all devices needed to properly ventilate your structure. These devices may include louvers, circular vents, and ridge vents.

The amount of ventilation that a steel building requires is dependant on the dimensions of the building, the location of the project site, and the intended use of the building. A ten foot ridge vent will serve up to 2400 square feet of interior space. Heavily occupied buildings that house a lot of people or livestock or certain items require calculations to correctly determine the proper ventilation. Cross ventilation is also vital, and louvers placed near the base of the building help make a ridge vent on the roof more effective.

Be sure that the ridge vents are appropriate for the building size. Ideally, ten foot vents with nine inch throats should be used, preferably forged of heavy duty 26 gauge steel. Most ridge vents are provided in a mill finish (unpainted) or in white. Each ridge vent should come with a rain cap, a bird screen, and an adjustable adaptor. A connector bar and gutter splices are also needed for installing multiple units in a continuous run for larger buildings. And finally, choose the ridge vent that is appropriate for the roof pitch.

Circular vents, also available painted or unpainted, are generally twenty inches in diameter. Each vent should also include a bird screen and a butterfly damper that locks open until released. Flat based vents can be field installed or modified to fit snugly against the roof pitch.

Louvers are often the only ventilation required in smaller steel buildings, but they are frequently used to facilitate proper cross ventilation in larger structures. Louvers are generally available in 3?x3?, 3?x4?, and 4?x4? sizes. They may be painted or unpainted, and include a bird screen, and sixteen gauge frames along with twenty gauge fins. Any unobstructed area of a wall can accommodate a louver, but the design phase is the best time to carefully consider the optimal placement for them.

Any qualified steel building manufacturer or supplier will offer you professional advice about the proper ventilation of your structure. The precise location of ridge and circular vents is important to determine as early as possible in the planning project. Before you even purchase the building, you and the manufacturer should understand the ventilation requirements for your building project to help ensure a comfortable environment.