How Power Sidewall Roof Ventilation Works

Power sidewall roof ventilation is installed to protect the home from moisture, excessive attic heat, and to draw exhaust combustion products outside. Power sidewall roof vents are considered to be more economical and even safer than chimney venting. Before we look into the how, we should consider the why. 

Why Choose Sidewall Roof Ventilation? 

There are several instances in which you would choose to use sidewall roof ventilation. You can use it for attic ventilation. You can use it with your gas or oil furnace, boiler or water heater. It also comes into play when you are converting your current system from electric to gas or oil, when you want to evade relining your chimney and when you decide to install an additional heating apparatus. It is also used in new constructions. You can use it when co-venting with a water heater and another domestic device. Once you have decided where you fit into the aforementioned categories, you’ll want to know how it all works. 

In the Attic 

In the summer heat can build up in attics, causing high energy costs due to excessive air conditioning. Also, moisture that is created in the home can move into the attic. If it is not properly ventilated, it can cause deterioration. Power roof ventilation in the attic can help with these issues to achieve moisture and temperature control by drawing moisture and heat out.

However, some experts say that it is not in your best interest to use power attic ventilation, as it sucks the conditioned air from your house and into your attic. Not only that, but it can back-draft combustion gases back into your house. They say power ventilation systems are best used with your appliances. Bumping up the amount of insulation used in your attic and leaving two inches between roof sheathing and insulation are much better methods for your attic. 

With Appliances 

Appliances that use gas or oil to heat create heat through the burning of fuel. The heat these appliances make is conveyed through the heat exchanger and into your home or space. It is necessary that the products of combustion be vented outside of your home or other space. A chimney venting system achieves ventilation because the hot combustion gas is naturally lifted. A power ventilated system achieves ventilation using a power-driven blower to vent the gases. It is interlocked with the appliance to make sure that proper draft is realized before the appliance burner is set in motion.

First, when the thermostat demands heat, the power ventilator is energized. This creates a negative pressure, which in turn closes the pressure switch on the control kit. That stimulates the burner and combustion gases are exhausted. Once the thermostat request is fulfilled, the burner shuts down, but the power ventilator maintains its post purge, getting rid of leftover flue gases. Once the timer or the temperature control is gratified, the power ventilator deactivates.