How to install a ventilator

Skill - 2/5

Time - Half a day

 

The space in the roof traps hot air and can make the house unbearably hot in summer. Even if you use an air conditioner a ventilator contributes to cooling, reducing energy consumption.

 

TIP Install at least one ventilator for every 90 square metres of ceiling area.

Breeze catches in the slots of the ventilator, rotating it to suck hot air out of the roof cavity, making the home cooler inside. In winter it releases moisture-laden air to prevent mould and mildew. Some new designs are transparent to let in light.

 

Remove a tile from the third row down from the ridge. If the roof is sarked, cut the sarking in a cross and fold back the corners to give a 150mm, 200mm or 300mm square opening to fi t the ventilator.

 

●2 MAKE THE HOLE Bend the top edge of the flashing upwards and push it under the tiles above the opening, centring the fl ashing over the opening. Use a rubber mallet to mould the fl ashing to the tile.

 

Hook the fixing strap over the front of the flashing, securing it to the timber batten with nails or screws. Run a bead of silicone underneath and down the sides of the fl ashing. Follow steps 4, 5 and 6 as for a metal roof.