4 Simple Tricks For Better Shed Ventilation
Shed ventilation is essential all year long, especially during the winter season. It provides proper airflow and prevents fume and mildew build-up from chemicals that you might store in your shed.
22/11/2021
Although it’s okay to leave your shed as-is if you don’t store some precious items inside it, it’s a different story if you use it as your extra storage space. So, does a shed need ventilation?
Basically, yes. And if the airflow in your shed is too passive, it can result in mould and mildew growth, which can make its walls rot slowly until it’s too late to fix it. To prevent this issue, you need to ventilate your shade.
For better shed ventilation, here are the tricks you should consider:
1. Install Roof Windows Or Skylights
One of the best ways to ventilate your shed is installing roof windows or skylights, which you can easily open and close. These are an attractive option if you use your shed as a workshop since they make it easier to keep the temperature under control when your region experiences extreme weather conditions. By installing skylights, they help you maximize heat from the sun and draw cooler air into your shed.
2. Consider An Exhaust Fan
Whether it’s a typical garden shed or storage shed, installing an exhaust fan to ensure a good temperature during hot or cold days is crucial. You can simply mount it in a gable wall to ensure there’s a static vent in the opposite wall. Then, switch it on whenever you require a draft.
This solution is perfect for those times when you’re using solvents or mixing paint. Moreover, consider controlled fans that come on and off in response to the changes in ambient temperature.
3. Install Vents
Another way to achieve better shed ventilation is by installing vents. Once installed properly, they guarantee healthy air circulation and improve the natural lighting of your shed. The best thing about vents is they’re easy to install and they’re lightweight.
Generally, there are different kinds of vents that work well, and these include the following:
• Wall Vents
These vents let the dirty air out and fresh air in. Adding wall vents to your shed will allow regular air circulation, protecting your items stored from moisture build-up.
Unlike other vents, wall vents come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit most needs. They can be mounted on the wall to help draw fresh air into your shed as they get rid of the hot stale air. For better air quality, use vents like a gable on the wall.
When purchasing wall vents, make sure to match them with your shed needs and size. You can make your shed more usable and improve its airflow, regardless of the season, with the right wall vents.
• Ridge Vents
Depending on your shed’s style, you may require ridge vents. These are installed at the sloped roof’s peak. This type of vent enables air to escape through the ceiling, making it ideal for tall and big sheds. So, if you have a big shed, you may require some ridge vents installed.
• Louvres Or Turtle Vents
Turtle vents are exhaust vents that work by removing heated air from the attic and drawing cooler air to replace it from the lower vents. They also pull moisture out of your shed.
Compared to some types of vents, louvres are made of metal or plastic and come in different fixed colours. Once installed near the shed roof’s ridge, they look like the slats of louvred vents. They must be spaced evenly to ventilate the entire roof effectively.
Turtle vents can ventilate your entire shed if it has an open attic. However, if your shed’s attic is sealed with insulation and vapor barrier, you need air from the outside entering your attic at the roof’s lowest part. For the vents to work properly, the air should come in for air to go out, which can be achieved when you install a wall vent.
• Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are often installed under the
shed’s eaves to exhaust warm air and increase
air intake. They come with screened openings,
which allow the air in and keep the bugs out.
Like other vents, they come in a variety of
colours, shapes, and sizes.
If your shed’s
attic is insulated, it’s crucial to ensure your
insulation doesn’t block the soffit vents so the
air will flow freely. The greater the opening in
your soffit vents, the better airflow across a
wide attic area. This can also help you keep
your attic cooler throughout the season.
• Turbine Vents
These vents feature a round build with spinning blades and are installed on the top of the roof structure. Turbine vents are also made to let the hot air out of the shed and have better wind resistance as well as easy installation. Plus, they provide effective ventilation once installed correctly but can be noisy if fitted inappropriately.
Those are just some of the many types of vents you can consider for your shed ventilation. If you don’t know which to choose for your shed, it’s always wise to work with professionals for the best results.
4. Create Windows
Apart from the fact that they can make your shed look better, windows can also work wonders for ventilation since they’re the natural way of letting air flow around. By creating windows, you can provide your shed with the extra circulation it requires to maintain your space’s air quality without taking a toll on some fixtures in the area.
Depending on your preferences, windows can be fully framed between the studs or mounted like storm windows, which attach to the sidings and cover the cut-out in the wall. They also work well with soffits for better airflow and remove hot moist air through the roof-mounted exhaust vents.
Conclusion
Better shed ventilation means you’ll be able to make the most of your shed. If you’re planning to turn it into your craft room, workshop, man cave, or storage space, make sure to consider the above tricks to get your shed ventilation sorted. Once done properly, you can be assured that your shed will have a better airflow, allowing you to breathe easily and protect your things from mildew or mould growth.