Ridge Ventilators and Wall Louvers for Steel Buildings

Ridge ventilators and wall louvers work together to ventilate a building naturally. Warm air rises and leaves through ventilators at the ridge, while cooler outside air enters through louvers low in the walls. This stack effect, assisted by wind, keeps air moving without fans and can greatly improve comfort in hot or humid buildings.

Ridge ventilators are mounted over openings in the roof sheeting at the ridge line. Continuous types run along the ridge, while individual units are spaced at intervals. Their design keeps rain out while allowing air to escape, and they may include dampers that close in cold weather, bird screens and insect mesh.

Wall louvers are fixed in framed openings in the sidewalls or endwalls. Fixed blades shed rain while allowing air to pass, and adjustable blades allow the opening to be closed. Louver area and position are coordinated with ridge ventilators to achieve the required airflow path.

The number and size of ventilators and louvers are selected for the ventilation the building needs, which depends on its use, occupancy, heat sources and climate. The mechanical or process engineer usually sets the air change requirement, and natural ventilation can be supplemented by fans where necessary.

World Steel supplies ridge ventilators and wall louvers matched to the roof and wall systems, with framing, flashings and closures to keep the envelope weathertight. Factories, workshops, bulk stores and agricultural buildings commonly use them.

When specifying ventilation accessories, provide the building use, heat sources, required air changes if known, the climate and any dust or weather constraints. Ventilator and louver layouts are then proposed and coordinated with the roof and wall framing for approval.