Do roof turbines leak?
#1
02-13-09, 06:12 AM
Do roof turbines leak?
I want to install some roof wind turbines to improve attic ventilation but am concerned with rain leaking through the blades of these turbines (presuming the base at the shingles are sealed properly). I live in the Houston, TX area where rain is often driven sideways (not even going to the hurricanes). I don’t want to spend a lot on the rental property, like installing ridge vents or solar powered ventilators. I want to improve the attic ventilation without introducing rain leaks. Currently the ventilation consists of two triangular shaped ventilation louver panels in the North and South walls at the apex of the roofline as well as soffit panels surrounding the perimeter.
#2
02-13-09, 06:51 AM
Hi NW, years ago I installed one on my ranch and was concerned as you are. I opted to put it in my garage ceiling to see if it actually leaked. Less than I thought, but it certainly did. Easy fix was some plastic, but today I would pick up one of those kids swimming pools. When you look up and out after installation, they are scary! But they work great. Of course today you shouldn't have an opening between the garage attic and the house attic as I did back then.
Good luck
Bud
Good luck
Bud
#3
02-13-09, 08:03 AM
Member
Do roof turbines leak?
After working the damage fo 5 months after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I got a bad taste in my mouth for turbines.
I saw many ceilings and ruined by the wet insulation after the turbine was torn off. It is one of the first things to go, and after that, it does not make any difference if it leaked earlier or not.
Even in the damage I saw, there were many indications of earlier leakage from rains that cause mold, which made everything else go quicker.
Adding turbines may not improve the ventilation, since the gable vents supply air to the turbines and less air comes in you soffit vents.
In extreme winds, you can use all the anchors you want, but that usually does not make any difference.
The gable end vents do work well and a water collection system (screen, pan, drain) can be set up in case of a difficult exposure.
Whatever you do, make sure you have enough air comming in low (soffit vents) before adding more air exhaust.
Next to turbines, improper shingling, flimsy garage doors caused the most water penetration, big problems - total leveling and replacement because of wind entering and lifting the structure.
Dick
I saw many ceilings and ruined by the wet insulation after the turbine was torn off. It is one of the first things to go, and after that, it does not make any difference if it leaked earlier or not.
Even in the damage I saw, there were many indications of earlier leakage from rains that cause mold, which made everything else go quicker.
Adding turbines may not improve the ventilation, since the gable vents supply air to the turbines and less air comes in you soffit vents.
In extreme winds, you can use all the anchors you want, but that usually does not make any difference.
The gable end vents do work well and a water collection system (screen, pan, drain) can be set up in case of a difficult exposure.
Whatever you do, make sure you have enough air comming in low (soffit vents) before adding more air exhaust.
Next to turbines, improper shingling, flimsy garage doors caused the most water penetration, big problems - total leveling and replacement because of wind entering and lifting the structure.
Dick
