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Blog

How To Install A Roof Whirlybird

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Are you looking for a suitable method of getting rid of hot air that is trapped in the ceiling cavity? Roof mounted ventilators are also called “whirlybird vents” might just be the answer.

When you install them you need to maintain them because they are propelled by breezes and do not need any source of power. You need some little knowledge about the process of roof whirlybird installation. Below is all you should know about installing mounted ventilators.

The DIY Installation 

The DIY installation of the mounted ventilators is quite easy because when you buy the product you will get it with instructions.

Below are the essential steps that you need to follow:

  • Find out which part of the house you would like to install the vents. It should be the side that is away from the entrance.
  • Calculate the number roof mounted ventilators that you will need. The best option is one vent per 50 square metres of the ceiling cavity. However, it depends on the product that you purchase
  • Since most roof experts drill a nail through the roof from the side to mark the centre line, you need to look at the roof cavity and ensure that you don’t cut through the rafters.
  • Mark the areas of the roof that you would like to be sawn.

You need to have a suitable saw blade for your reciprocating saw if you have a metal roof. In case it is a tiled roof, you will have to eliminate the tiles surrounding the place that you will be cutting through.

  • Cut the specified area using a roof reciprocating saw according to the product’s directions.
  • During the installation process, use caulking to avoid rain. You need to screw holes created during the installation process.

You will need to be careful during the caulking process to avoid roof leaks. Most people fail in this step during the DIY installation process.
 
The steps provided in this guide should not be used as an installation guide because they are only meant to show you the challenges you might face during the DIY roof installation. In most cases you should have a roof ventilation specialist to do the installation for you.

 

How to choose a roof mounted ventilator

Years ago, whirlybirds were only used in commercial buildings and industrial settings that whee style didn’t matter and wasn't a major issue. Today, there are different colours of whirlybird vents and the best qualitiy ventilators are the ones that are resistant to corrosion and rust.

Before starting the process of roof whirlybird installation, consider the quality of the roof mounted ventilator before the price. It might cost you more if the product has a warranty of more than 15 years.

Looking for a roofing specialist in your neighbourhood to help with a home whirlybird project? Simply list your job on Bricks+Agent, a convenient community hub to connect homeowners with local professionals. Register today for free and get the home help you need. 

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Topics: How To, Repairs & Maintenance, Tradie Advice, Property Advice

Jon Stul

Written by Jon Stul

Having spent over 12 years in the real estate industry covering all facets from residential through to commercial, established and off plan properties and sub-divisions, he has an in depth knowledge of the industry. Stepping out of the industry four years ago and moving interstate to expand a frozen yoghurt chain that has gone from 1 to 4 stores in the time he has been involved. This was recently sold to Made Group. Real estate has always been in his blood and it was a natural fit to start Bricks + Agent given the amount of insight he has into the industry as a whole. Having seen how all different forms of traditional marketing was used to the direction that it is now heading today, we think we have come up with a truly unique proposition that fits into the current state of the property maintenance market.

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