Proper ventilation is one of the crucial aspects needed to maintain a healthy home environment. With that in mind, how can you go about ensuring your home has the best ventilation system?
Many Australian homeowners rely on roof ventilation systems to enhance the natural ventilation they get from windows and doors. This post explains the reasons your home needs proper ventilation and what Australian law defines as adequate ventilation.
Why Do Houses Need Proper Ventilation?
Have you walked into a room in your home and immediately opened a window because the air felt “stuffy”? That’s because there is either no or little airflow in the space. Simply put, ventilation is the movement of air in and out of a space.
All residential and commercial buildings are required by law to be able to maintain healthy indoor air quality and get rid of airborne pathogens that could cause harm. Here is a list of some of the airborne pathogens found in the average Australian home:
- Carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are created by cooking and heating your home
- Certain types of furniture finishes, carpets and building materials give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (such as paint smells)
- Household chemical cleaners release airborne toxins which can be inhaled
- Dust, dust mites, pollen
- Bacteria developing a mould in moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom, laundry or kitchen
- Fumes expelled from toxins used in hobby materials such as craft paint and glue
- Pathogens from cigarette smoke
With a list as extensive as that, it’s easy to see how the air quality in your home can easily become compromised. Ventilation is necessary to circulate the stale air out and fresher air in.
What is Considered Adequate Ventilation for a House?
According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), all buildings should comply with the 5% Ventilation Requirement. It states that ‘for the purpose of ventilation, at least 5% of the floor space should be dedicated to an openable window or similar aperture in that specific area.’
The average Australian newly built house in 2019-2020 has increased to 235.8 square meters. Usually, it’s made up of three or four bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room and in some cases a separate dining room. For these types of houses, the average window requirement ranges between 10 and 12.
Essentially that means that each room in the house will have a minimum of one double window. The average window size in Australia is 24” to 48” for a double and single-hung window. Generally, windows are required to be at least 865 mm above the floor. Despite this, many homes don’t always receive the ventilation needed to create the healthiest environment. The good news is that Solatube can fix that!
Top Reasons Why Your Home Will Benefit from Roof Ventilation
Windows may not always supply the ventilation you need to keep the air in your home optimally healthy. Furthermore, if your home is locked up all day while you’re at work, there will be even less air circulation going on. That’s why it’s an innovative idea to invest in our Solar Roof Vents.
The impressive Solar Star units work when a high-efficiency fan unit is powered by solar panels. This setup gives you all the benefits of a powerful roof fan without the additional operating costs, such as utility expenses.
Here are some features you’ll get from our solar roof vents:
- Provides a more comfortable interior temperature by circulating the stifling air out faster
- Keeps roof cavities and materials from deteriorating
- Roof vents pull heat from the roof cavity and structure of your home
- Removes mould and moisture that accumulates in bathrooms and kitchens
- Continued airflow prevents leaks and structural decay on your roof
- Removes excess humidity from showers, dishwashers and humidifiers
- Our roof ventilation system works efficiently even on cloudy days, ensuring that your home’s air is always clean and fresh
- Effective for rooms and hallways that don’t have windows—ideal for providing the necessary air circulation in laundry rooms
- Solar roof vents are easy to install and don’t require any wiring
- Customised to your roof style and essentially only involves a seamless one-piece flashing
- The leak-proof feature ensures that it’s safe to use in high-rainfall areas
- Durable with a 5-year warranty on all parts
Get the Best Roof Ventilation for Your Home
Installing one of our roof ventilation systems is the perfect way to ensure that your home gets the maximum air circulation. This will not only protect the structure of your home but will also ensure that your family members aren’t exposed to any unhealthy toxins while at home.
Simply call us on 13 16 19 for a fast and easy QUOTE. Our skilled experts are looking forward to creating a healthier home environment for you!
The post What is Considered Adequate Ventilation for a House? appeared first on Solatube Australia.
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By: Solatube Australia
Title: What is Considered Adequate Ventilation for a House?
Sourced From: solatube.com.au/blog/what-is-considered-adequate-ventilation-for-a-house/
Published Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:27:55 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ideal Skylight Size?
The best size skylight for your room will depend on the area it is located in, the type skylight you choose, and the amount you would like to let into the room. Skylights should only cover 10-15% of your room’s area. This could mean a 4 x 8 foot skylight for 400 square feet. Keep in mind that larger, deeper rooms may require multiple smaller skylights rather than one large one.
Make sure you consider whether your skylights have filters or diffusers to help reduce the glare and protect furniture from damage from direct sunlight. Also, keep an eye out for designs with special low-e glazing options or tinted glass to ensure optimal climate control and energy savings during seasons when temperatures tend to fluctuate much more drastically! It may take extra planning to find the right size for your space, but it will be worth it in the end!
What are the advantages of skylights and what can they do for you?
Skylights can provide natural light in dark spaces, but you should consider the potential downsides before installing one.
Skylights have one disadvantage: they can make the room hotter or colder. The skylight’s location relative to the sun can make the room too warm or cool. These temperature fluctuations can affect air conditioning costs, making it more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature all year.
Skylights can also cause higher energy bills because they capture heat from the sun and are able to trap it. Skylights also have the potential to reduce privacy, as they allow people to view into spaces from above or on higher floors in multi-story buildings. Skylights can cause water damage and leakage to walls, ceilings and belongings if they are not properly installed.
Skylights also require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and unclogging drains so leaves or debris don’t build up. Many homeowners prefer electric lights to skylights. This is because they are not easily adjusted or dimmed manually like lighting fixtures.
What are the most common problems with skylights
Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home but can present some common problems.
Moisture is a big problem. Because moist air can easily flow through the skylight, it can condense on the glass and frame, which can lead to mold or rot. Failing seals can also lead to air leakage and increase energy bills.
An improper installation can cause problems, as a poorly sealed skylight might not be able to provide sufficient insulation against extreme temperatures. This could cause an increase in your heating bills during winter, or excessive heat in the summer.
Uneven glazing is another potential problem with skylights that often occurs when the glass does not fit snugly within the window opening or if sealant fails around the edges of the glass. This mismatch can result in water infiltration and additional problems with moisture management if it is not treated.
Finally, improper ventilation may be an issue as well as dust accumulation from inadequate air circulation from outside into your home; it’s important to ensure ventilation fans are included for the best protection against dirt buildup and sweltering temperatures in summer months.
Statistics
- The 26% tax credit is available on solar skylights AND accessories, even if the solar accessory is purchased with a non-solar skylight. (skylightsforless.com)
- Skylights let 30% more natural light in as compared to conventional wall windows. (glassgenius.com)
- The flat roof skylight can help reduce this noise by up to 50%, making it much easier to relax when inside your home. (roofing4us.com)
- 4) Energy Efficiency: On average flat roofs lose 50% more heat than traditional sloped roofs; but standard flat skylights only worsen this issue. (roofing4us.com)
- However, including all the expenses, skylight installations can cost you a good 600$ to 2500$. You can choose the skylight particulars according to your project specifications and budget constraints. (glassgenius.com)
External Links
energystar.gov
homedepot.com
britannica.com
ecobuildingpulse.com
How To
How to Install A Skylight By Yourself
Installing a skylight yourself is possible and can be an enjoyable DIY project. The process requires precise measurements and the ability to work on your roof. It is important to understand what you are getting into. Experiential professionals are best if the project’s scope feels overwhelming.
Before installing your skylight, measure your area. Make sure you also understand your roof’s weatherproofing requirements and structure. Once you have established that your roof can support a skylight, it is time to choose the style and purchase the materials.
Use shingles for temporary cover and caulk long-term weatherproofing around the skylight hole base to ensure a perfect installation. It is also possible to use metal flashing between layers to seal the gaps and prevent heat loss.
The underlining frame is part of the inner-layer insulation system. You will need to place the window in this step. Make sure you leave enough space between the panel frame, construction opening, and foam frame caulk so that performance can be improved.
Once everything is properly assembled, be sure to remove protective tape from the window film. Then, engage latch hooks to form a permanent seal against outside elements. Finally, we will move onto exterior caulking using polyurethane foam or silicone bathtub from a hardware store depending on our budget and performance preferences.