Cómo seleccionar productos para su sistema de ventilación para ático: Techos de GAF
Los respiraderos de techo forman la base del sistema de ventilación para ático. Permiten que el ático respire, y ayudan a proteger su sistema de techo de los daños ocasionados por el calor y la humedad.
Así es como funcionan dos tipos importantes de respiraderos de techo y los beneficios que pueden aportar a su casa.
¿Qué productos necesito para tener un sistema efectivo de ventilación para ático?
Un sistema de ventilación para ático consta de respiraderos de entrada y respiraderos de escape. En conjunto, estos productos se pueden utilizar para crear un sistema de ventilación para ático equilibrado que ayude a reducir la temperatura del ático y el exceso de humedad.
Los respiraderos de entrada, ubicados en la parte inferior del techo o cerca de ella, son una parte muy importante de su sistema de ventilación para ático. Estos respiraderos permiten el ingreso de aire fresco desde el exterior hacia el ático. Si no ingresa aire, entonces no puede salir aire, lo que reduce la eficacia del sistema de ventilación para ático y podría causar la degradación del sistema de techo.
Esta corriente de aire fluye continuamente por el ático y luego vuelve al exterior a través de los respiraderos de escape situados en la parte superior del techo o cerca de ella. Estos respiraderos ayudan a proteger el sistema de techo desde adentro hacia fuera. Es importante que la cantidad de ventilación de escape cerca de la cumbrera o sobre ella no exceda la ventilación de entrada sobre el sofito o cerca de él.
Tipos de respiraderos de entrada
Existen dos tipos de respiraderos de entrada: los respiraderos de sofito y los respiraderos de entrada para techos. La mayoría de los hogares tienen respiraderos de sofito si están construidos con voladizos o aleros de techo. Normalmente, como el sofito se encuentra en el punto más bajo del techo, es el lugar perfecto para que el aire fresco entre al ático. Los respiraderos de sofito tienen varios estilos, incluyendo respiraderos individuales, hiladas continuas y paneles de sofito ventilados.
Los hogares con sofitos limitados o sin ellos pueden utilizar respiraderos de entrada para techos, que no requieren que los propietarios de esas viviendas construyan sofitos nuevos y costosos o modifiquen los existentes.
Elección de los respiraderos de escape para su sistema de ventilación para ático
La ventilación escape es más eficiente cuando se instala en el punto más alto del techo o cerca de él, donde el aire caliente y húmedo puede salir fácilmente. Los respiraderos de escape se dividen en tres categorías comunes: estático, eléctrico y mecánico.
1. Respiraderos de escape estáticos
Dado que utilizan el flujo natural del aire a medida que aumenta el aire caliente, los respiraderos de escape estáticos no requieren electricidad.
Hay tres tipos de respiraderos de escape estáticos:
Respiraderos de cumbrera: se instalan en la mayoría de los hogares, ya que este tipo de respiradero de escape es eficaz y bastante fácil de instalar en el punto más alto del techo: la cumbrera o el pico. Es la ubicación ideal para permitir que el aire caliente salga del ático. Además, se mimetiza con el acabado del techo gracias a su bajo perfil. Los respiraderos se cubren con las tejas de cumbrera.
Respiraderos para techos a cuatro aguas: Los respiraderos para techos a cuatro aguas son muy similares a los respiraderos de cumbrera en función y apariencia. Ayudan a ventilar las casas que tienen diseños de techo a cuatro aguas con un área de cumbrera muy limitada o inexistente. Para proporcionar un aspecto uniforme, los respiraderos para techos a cuatro aguas se instalan normalmente a lo largo de la intersección, mientras que las ranuras de aire debajo de los respiraderos para techos a cuatro aguas se ubican solo en la parte superior de la intersección. Según el diseño de su techo, los respiraderos para techos a cuatro aguas pueden combinarse con respiraderos de cumbrera para proporcionar la cantidad de respiraderos de escape necesaria para el ático.
Rejillas para techos: también conocidas como respiraderos de caja, las rejillas para techo ofrecen otra opción de respiradero de escape para diseños de techos modernos, techos a cuatro aguas o techos con áreas limitadas de la cumbrera o sin cumbrera. Para lograr la cantidad adecuada de ventilación de escape, las rejillas para techo normalmente requieren la instalación de múltiples respiraderos debido a su pequeño tamaño. Sin embargo, las rejillas se pueden instalar en la parte trasera del techo para obtener un mejor acabado. Pueden instalarse en techos nuevos o existentes.
2. Respiraderos de escape eléctricos
Un respiradero de escape eléctrico ayuda a eliminar un gran volumen de aire caliente y húmedo del ático. Alimentados por electricidad, energía solar o una combinación de ambos, a menudo, se los denomina de doble potencia o híbridos, ya que estos respiraderos tienen diferentes clasificaciones de flujo de aire, según la capacidad en pies cúbicos por minuto (cubic feet per minute, CFM): cuanto más alto es el flujo de aire en CFM, más rápido el respiradero expulsa el aire del ático. Los respiraderos mecánicos normalmente incluyen un control de termostato y, algunos modelos, cuentan con un control de higrostato/termostato opcional.
Hay dos tipos de respiraderos de escape mecánicos:
Montaje en el techo: en opciones eléctricas, solares o de doble potencia, estos respiraderos de escape se instalan sobre las aberturas de la cubierta del techo.
Montaje en techo a dos aguas: este tipo de respiradero de escape se puede instalar fácilmente desde el interior del ático, lo que ayuda a evitar la perforación en el techo.
3. Respiraderos de escape mecánicos
Los respiraderos de escape mecánicos, como las turbinas de viento, utiliza la energía del viento para eliminar el exceso de calor y humedad del ático. Con el viento adecuado, la turbina gira y extrae el calor y la humedad del ático. Las turbinas se sitúan a mayor altura sobre la superficie del techo, por lo que sobresalen más que otras opciones de escape, pero mueven el aire de forma eficaz. Cuando no hay viento, funciona de manera similar a un respiradero de escape estático.
¿Qué tipo de respiraderos son mejores para mi techo?
Cada casa es diferente. Los mejores respiraderos para su techo dependerán del estilo arquitectónico, el diseño de su techo y el clima local. Es importante no mezclar diferentes tipos de respiraderos de escape en el mismo espacio del ático, ya que puede impedir que el flujo de aire atraviese correctamente el espacio.
Un profesional calificado en tejados puede implementar un sistema equilibrado de ventilación para ático de respiraderos de entrada y respiraderos de escape que ayudará a reducir el exceso de calor y humedad del ático. Para ayudar a calcular las necesidades de ventilación para ático, haga clic aquí o póngase en contacto con un contratista certificado por GAF* cerca de usted.
* Los contratistas inscritos en programas de certificación de GAF no son empleados ni agentes de GAF, y GAF no controla ni supervisa de otro modo estos negocios independientes.
Los contratistas pueden recibir beneficios, como puntos de recompensa por lealtad y descuentos en herramientas de comercialización por parte de GAF por participar en el programa y por ofrecer garantías mejoradas de GAF, que requieren el uso de una cantidad mínima de productos GAF.
Generación de plomo para propietarios de viviendas de techos residenciales
Contratista para residencias con pendientes escarpadas
Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based journalist, content marketing writer and TV producer who covers design, architecture, real estate, gardening and travel for many publications and brands, including Country Gardens, Metropolis Magazine, Realtor.com, Marriott Traveler, Costco Connection, Toll Brothers, PBS NextAvenue.org and many more. Wendy loves keeping up with current design trends and is addicted to home improvement DIY reality shows. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.
Protecting what matters most includes promoting the career growth of roofing industry professionals like you. That's why GAF offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including CARE courses, online training, in-person training, and roofing summits and expos.Recently, third generation roofer, Jeremy Simpson of Simpson Roofing Company, spent a day at the GAF Northeast Roofing Summit and Expo to learn more about the latest updates in the residential roofing industry. While the majority of the work the Simpson Roofing Company does is commercial, they are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge by learning about innovative ideas, new products, new software, and new technology in the residential space.Simpson attended breakout sessions on topics including Principles of Ventilation, AI in CRM, and Sales. "I love coming to these GAF summits, because they really line up all the pertinent info for your business to succeed" says Simpson, "I promise you it's worth its weight in gold!"To learn more about on demand, hands-on, and in-person training opportunities through GAF, visit our CARE Contractor Training Center.Video TranscriptMy name is Jeremy Simpson from Simpson Roofing Company. We are out of Vernon, New Jersey, and Patterson, New Jersey, two locations. Today, I'm here at the GAF Summit, and I'm looking to just learn new things. We are a third-generation roofing company. We predominantly do commercial, but all throughout the years, we've done residential. That's why we're here today at this event. We're trying to get updated on the new stuff that's coming out, specifically from GAF. Innovative ideas, new products, new software, new tech. So follow me along today as we explore the GAF summit.[00:00:45]Today, we're going into the principles of ventilation. Designs change, architecture changes, and you need new ways of ventilating. And I don't know all of them. So I want to get some info and see what GAF has to offer as far as new products and new thoughts on how to move the air around. So we just got out of our first breakout session about ventilation. A lot of math, a lot of numbers going into the calculations of moving air around in your attic space to have a really good performed roof system. I didn't know all those details. Now I know, got to use it going forward from there.[00:01:19]I just got out of the AI CRM breakout session there. A little bit of an information overload, and that was a good thing because it really showed me how much I was missing the CRM and AI, it's the future. It's coming.[00:01:37]So I just got out of the third and final breakout of today's GAF Summit, and it was about sales, and it was very interesting to see the different dynamics that take place in the residential market when you're dealing with a homeowner versus something commercial, where oftentimes you don't even get to see who you're selling to. So to find out those little intricacies inside that process was super insightful. The best part of today was everything. I love coming to these GAF summits because they really line up all pertinent information for your business to succeed.[00:02:11]Thank you so much for tagging along today. It was super fun for me. I hope you got a little bit out of it as well. And if you ever find a time to come out to one of these GAF summits, I promise you it's worth its weight in gold.
While you can't control the weather, you can minimize its impact on your home. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you can take steps before and after a storm to protect your property from damage. For instance, choosing quality hurricane roofing materials and completing proper roof maintenance can help reduce roof damage.Here's everything you need to know to prepare your roof for hurricane season.Types of Hurricane Roofing MaterialsThe Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricane categories based on their highest approximate wind speeds:Category 1: 74 to 95 mph windsCategory 2: 96 to 110 mph windsCategory 3: 111 to 129 mph windsCategory 4: 130 to 156 mph windsCategory 5: 157 mph or higher windsWith this in mind, specific roofing materials are designed to resist high winds and protect against damage from debris.Impact-Resistant ShinglesImpact-resistant shingles meet the UL 2218 impact test standards, defending your roof—and home—against the natural elements. They can cost more than typical asphalt shingles but can be worth the expense if you live in a hurricane-prone region.Metal RoofingMetal roofing can resist heavy impacts and withstand high winds, making it one of the best roofing systems for hurricanes. Some metal roofs can withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph, covering you even during Category 4 hurricanes.Synthetic RoofingSynthetic roofing materials resist wind, water, and fire damage, making them beneficial during hurricanes. Since they use man-made materials, they don't rely on a natural build. Instead, they're built with damage-resistant features in mind while mimicking the appearance of natural materials. These composite roofing shingles are typically made from recycled plastic, asphalt, and other products.GAF Hurricane Roofing SolutionsYour choice of roofing materials can limit roof damage. Some products are manufactured specially to withstand the harshest weather conditions and keep everyone in your home safe. Here are a few GAF products developed with harsh weather in mind.GAF Timberline® AS II ShinglesTimberline® AS II Shingles are created with proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that's flexible to bolster impact resistance. Impact resistant shingles can be stronger than other non-impact resistant asphalt shingles, and since they pass the UL 2218 impact-resistance test, you could potentially qualify for insurance discounts. Timberline® AS II shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty that protects against algae discoloration. Plus, when installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, they're eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, which provides infinite wind speed protection.GAF Grand Sequoia® AS ShinglesGrand Sequoia® AS Shingles also pass the UL 2218 Class 4 test, as they're built with the same SBS-modified asphalt formula. The DuraGrip™ Adhesive seals shingles tightly to prevent wind blow-off, and the shingles are warrantied against winds up to 130 mph, covering Category 4 hurricane winds.GAF TimberSteelTM Premium Metal Roofing SystemThe GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System gives your home the hurricane-resistant capabilities of metal roofing at an affordable price. The system can help keep your home safe against high winds and rain through its multiple layers of protection. It's designed to provide a beautiful look with GALVALUME® steel that features top and bottom interlocking to keep everything tight and leakproof.Hurricane-Resistant Roof DesignsMore goes into building a hurricane-resistant roof than just the material. The roof shape and slope can provide additional resistance.Hip roofs can best resist hurricane weather. Although they're typically costlier to build than gable roofs, a hip roof's four slopes provide better wind uplift resistance than a gable roof's two slopes. As the wind flows around the roof causing pressure differences, the additional slopes are better equipped to handle the wind flow.A 30-degree roof slope also provides the best protection against high winds, preventing wind from easily lifting the roof.Installation Quality Plays an Important RoleRoofing contractors must follow proper techniques when preparing or installing a roof for hurricane season. This often means using nails instead of staples to install shingles since nails better attach the shingle to the roof and create fewer holes for water to get in. Likewise, properly installed flashing—without gaps in the intersection—helps keep heavy rainfall from entering the home.Additionally, a contractor can install hurricane clips to ready a roof for harsh weather. These steel plates secure and connect roof trusses to the home's wall structure, keeping the roof attached during high winds. In states like Florida, new homes are required to have hurricane clips installed.Preparing Your Roof for Hurricane SeasonThe Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until November 30, reaching its peak in September.Months before hurricane season approaches, schedule a professional roof inspection from a trusted contractor to ensure your roof is up-to-date and isn't damaged. This gives you sufficient time to complete any maintenance and repairs before the season arrives, as contractors might be busy once it starts.Reinforce Weakened AreasA weak spot in your roofing system can lead to further damage and compromise the rest of the roof's integrity. Even a small opening in a shingle can cause serious water damage during a rainstorm. Your roofing contractor can fix or replace loose or torn shingles, repair broken flashing or fascia, clean debris from your roof, and clear out your gutters.Mitigate Potential Tree DamageSharp winds and storms can sometimes cause tree branches to break and fall on top of the roof, damaging shingles or other materials. So, trim nearby trees as part of your roof maintenance. Also, remove fallen leaves before and after storms. Leaves can clog gutters, preventing water from flowing off the roof during heavy rain.Schedule Post-Storm InspectionsRoofing maintenance after a storm is just as important as before a storm. If a hurricane damages your roof, find a company that handles storm damage roof repair. While you can try assessing any roof damage from the ground, a roofing contractor can accurately identify the damage extent and fix it. They can also help you with any insurance claims if your policy covers you for these circumstances.Protecting Your Roof from Hurricane DamageYou can take several proactive measures to minimize the impact of harsh weather on your roof. Choosing the right materials—and ensuring they're installed correctly—is paramount. Hire a GAF-certified roofing contractor*and enjoy peace of mind as the next storm approaches.FAQCan a roof be hurricane-proof?Due to the nature of hurricanes, no roof is 100% hurricane-proof. But wind- and moisture-resistant roofs perform the best during hurricanes. This is why it's important to choose quality products that will protect your home in the worst possible weather conditions.What is the best roof for a hurricane?The best roof for a hurricane is made with impact-resistant shingles or metal. These materials can handle impacts from heavy objects that may blow onto your roof during a hurricane. Metal roofing can generally handle higher hurricane winds better than typical singles.What type of roof would most likely be torn off in a hurricane?The worst-performing roofs during hurricanes are ones that have wood shingles or shakes. Wood isn't very moisture-resistant without additional coatings. Wood shingles and shakes are also lightweight, so sharp winds can easily lift them. Furthermore, wood isn't as strong as other materials, so it can become brittle when heavy objects land on it.What is the best roof for high-wind areas?Metal roofing is one of the best roofing systems for high-wind areas, as it's built to withstand wind speeds up to 130 to 150 mph. But the installation quality is just as important as the material—even the most robust materials may not stand well against high winds if they aren't correctly installed. Additionally, When installed with the required combination of GAF Accessories, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology are eligible for an industry first: a wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.To ensure your roof is in good shape to protect your home this hurricane season, reach out to a contractor certified by GAF* in your area to schedule a roof inspection.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.
Your home's eaves, soffits, and fascia are susceptible to rot. While each of these is slightly different, they all work together to protect your home against the natural elements and boost its curb appeal. However, their purpose can sometimes leave them exposed to too much water, causing them to rot. If you notice your roof edge trim, also known as the soffits and fascia, rotting, you'll want to take quick action to prevent further issues.Eaves, Soffits, and Fascia DifferencesWhile similar, the eaves, soffits, and fascia make up different parts of the roof. Eaves are the parts of the roof that extend beyond the walls of your home siding. They guide rainwater away from your home, protecting the siding and foundation from water damage and providing shade to the sides of the home. Roof eaves also play a big part in your home's aesthetic.The roof edge trim is made up of soffits and fascia. Soffits are boards that sit below the eaves and cover their insides; they connect the roof's exterior with the sides of the house. By covering the inside of the eaves and thus protecting the rafters, they help reduce the risk of water damage and keep pests from nesting there. Vents are typically installed on the soffits to help improve the airflow from the attic and roof.Fascia boards are located at your roof's edge along the eaves, connecting with the soffits underneath them. Similarly to soffits, they protect the roof edges against the elements by acting as a barrier. They also contribute to curb appeal. Gutters are commonly attached to the fascia boards, so this can help you differentiate each part when you're looking at the structure.Why These Roof Materials RotYour roof works by directing rainwater to fall off the eaves and flow through the gutters into downspouts. However, that's not always the case. Sometimes, water makes its way beneath the eaves into your soffits and fascia. This is particularly likely if you have clogged gutters or downspouts.When these features can't do their jobs correctly, excess water soaks the fascia and soffit, causing rot and discoloration. Homes usually have a roof drip edge installed on the eaves and rakes to prevent this from happening. If you already have a drip edge installed and your soffits, eaves, or fascia are still rotting, it might mean your drip edge is damaged and needs to be replaced.What to Do When Your Soffits or Fascia RotAs soon as you notice any rotting on your soffits or fascia, you'll want to replace them immediately. The rot can worsen over time as it encounters more moisture, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth. Untreated rot can also lead to structural damage if the water spreads to the rafters below the eaves. In the worst situations, excessive moisture can even reach the drywall and insulation inside your home.You'll likely need to decide whether to replace the roof trim or the entire roof. Your decision depends on whether the rot has only damaged the roof edge trim or has affected other roofing materials too, such as the shingles.If your roof has already reached its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-efficient to replace everything at one time. This will also allow you to create a cohesive and consistent roof aesthetic.Instead of trying to determine the extent of the damage on your own, leave it up to a professional who knows exactly what to look for. Call a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to inspect your roof. They can assess your roof's condition and determine what needs to be replaced.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.
