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If you live in a hot & humid place, you will need metal garage vents. But what for? Here, we are going to discuss the pros & necessities of ventilation in metal garages, why you need them, and what options are available to you.
So, let’s dive in.
Why do you need vents for your metal garage?
What vents do is – It effectively helps the circulation of air. If you do not have an AC, ventilation in metal garages will depend on two factors – heat entering the garage (heat gain) and airflow via vents. They are independent of each other but need to work together to cool down garages’ temperature.
So, ensure that the air path around your vents is free. When you allow air flow inside out and vice versa, your garage is moisture free.
What is the importance of vents in metal garage?
1- It prevents condensation.
One of the common problems with metal buildings is – condensation. Condensation happens when warm air comes in contact with cold metal panels. If not resolved, it can lead to moisture build up. This can aid the growth of molds & mildew. A vent system is the perfect solution to avoid any pest infestation & maintain air quality.
Vents prevent weathering of metal panels & growth of unwanted molds.
2- It helps maintain air flow.
It is important to have both intake and outtake vents. A balance between them is vital. It helps maintain a proper air flow. Ensure that any objects do not block the vent’s paths.
3- It lowers your energy bills.
As your roof gets warm, your attic gets warmer. As a result, your HAVC system has to work harder to maintain the garage’s temperature. Hence, more energy bills. You can avoid this by installing a vent in your metal garage.
Further, to save more money, you can add passive vents. They do not need a power supply to work, thus lowering your energy consumption. You can choose to have a reflective metal roof that will reflect all the sunlight keeping your garage cool.
4- It avoids freezing during winter.
Ice dams are a concern for those of you living in a cold weather area.
Indoor warm air reaches the roof deck and melts the frozen snow. Melted ice refreeze as it runs down the roof. It can cause ice dams which can be damaging. Vents maintain attic roof temperature and prevent ice dams from forming.
5- It maintains humidity and temperature.
Vents remove moisture from the air. It helps moderate humidity. You can also get a dehumidifier in case you live in a highly humid climate.
Metal garage vents pull in cool air and release hot air outside. This process keeps a check on the temperature.
Types of vents
You must be wondering how many types of vents there are. Let’s discuss that.
| Passive/ Natural | Active/ Mechanical |
| They do not require power to run. | They require power to operate. |
| Examples are rigid vents, louver, circular/ gravity vents, etc. | Examples are exhaust fans, ceiling fans, floor fans, air conditioners, etc. |
| These are pocket friendly options. | These will add to your energy bills. |
| They have no carbon emissions. | They can have a carbon footprint. |
| You just need to clean it. | They require proper maintenance. |
Passive/ Natural Vents
- Windows
- Louvers
- Turbine vents
- Ridge vents
Passive vents ward off rain water from entering through vents. It also creates less pressure on garages’ roofs & walls. They depend on gravity, wind, and nature to work. They only work efficiently if the height of the garage roof is high.
Active/ Mechanical Vents
- Supply/ Exhaust fans
- Dampers
- HAVC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system
How to choose the right ventilation for your garage?
By now, you must be wondering which vents you should choose to install in your metal garage. Let’s see some factors that will help you determine which ventilation would be the best for your steel garage.
Size
How big is your metal garage? So, do the math. For example, a 2,400 sq. ft. metal structure needs a 10 ft. rigid vent. The bigger structure requires cross ventilation.
Airflow
Your location and obstruction need in your metal garage will determine how many vents you need. If trees or buildings are near your steel garage, there may be better options than natural vents, which rely on wind.
Do you care about the looks?
If aesthetics matter to you, then there are various products that can blend in with the ridges of your metal garage roof and give a finished look.
And that was only the beginning:
Ventilation in metal garages is one of the features to keep moisture and humidity away. You can also install insulators, gutters, etc., for a more robust structure. Adding vents will prolong the life of your metal garage. Nowadays, you can even get discreet vents in the market. They won’t pop out of your garage but provide ample air flow in & out of your steel structure.
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