Why You Should Consider a Roof Fan

For those looking for additional ventilation solutions in their homes, solutions that are not limited to your bathroom or kitchen/utility space, a roof fan can be a helpful option for you to consider.

But what do they do? Are they unique? And does every home need one? Or just certain ones?

In this blog, we will tell you why you should consider a roof fan.

With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation. This is where applications such as extractor fans and heat recovery ventilation units come in.

To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or MVHR units. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.

Is opening a window enough to ventilate a house?

Opening windows can be a good way to ventilate your house, but it’s not always enough. Below are the pros and cons of only using a window to ventilate your home.

Pros of opening windows:

Fresh air: It brings in fresh air from outside, diluting indoor pollutants and creating a more comfortable atmosphere.
Free: It’s a free and natural way to ventilate your home.
Cooling: It can help cool your house down on hot days (depending on the outdoor temperature).
Removes moisture: It can help remove excess moisture in the air, which can be beneficial in preventing mould growth.

Cons of opening windows:

Limited control: You have limited control over the airflow and the amount of fresh air coming in.
Weather dependent: You can’t rely on it all year round. If it’s raining, snowing, or very windy, opening windows might not be ideal.
Outdoor pollutants: It can bring in outdoor pollutants like pollen, dust, or traffic fumes, which can be a problem for people with allergies or asthma.
Security: Leaving windows open can be a security risk.
Inefficient: In cold weather, opening windows can let out a lot of warm air, making your heating system work harder and increasing energy bills.

When should I open windows to ventilate my home?

The following circumstances present the best time to open a window to ventilate your home.

During the hotter or milder months.
If you are concerned about indoor pollutants in the home that can come from things such as cleaning or cooking.
If your home has issues that pertain to excessive moisture levels.

How to get the best ventilation with open windows

Opening your windows is one way to ventilate your home, but if done in conjunction with ventilation systems, you open up the doors to an extremely effective ventilation solution.

By using an extractor fan whilst opening your windows in your bathroom or kitchen, you can significantly reduce the time taken for the room to ventilate accordingly. Additionally, they can help to extract air pollutants within the room.

Furthermore, whole-house ventilation systems may be the best option altogether if opening your windows isn’t feasible due to poor outdoor air quality, or extremely tight insulation.

Why you should consider a roof fan

A roof fan can be instrumental in aiding ventilation in your home. Depending on the type you choose, it can extract or supply ventilation, or sometimes both. Typically placed in attic spaces, it can be extremely helpful in homes that constantly bear the sun, or has a lot of residents which can contribute to a home becoming hotter and stuffy.

Heat travels upwards, so any residual heat in a home will always travel to the highest place, which is usually the attic. So it makes sense to have a roof fan, which can help to mitigate the collective heat.

In the UK, the term “roof fan” can sometimes refer to two different things:

Passive Roof Vent: This is a non-electric device installed on the roof itself. It uses natural wind and thermal currents to create airflow through the loft space, helping to:

Reduce moisture build-up: Moisture in the loft can lead to mould and mildew growth. Passive ventilation helps remove moisture and prevent these issues.

Improve air quality: Passive ventilation can help remove stale air and odours from the loft space.

Minor cooling effect: In very hot weather, some passive ventilation can provide a slight cooling effect in the house below.

2. Solar-powered Roof Extractor Fan: This is a more active ventilation solution. It’s a small electric fan installed on the roof that uses solar panels to power itself. It works similarly to the passive vent, helping with:

Moisture control
Air quality
Minor summer cooling

In summary, t raditional roof fans for air circulation aren’t as common in the UK due to the climate and loft insulation. Roof vents (passive or solar-powered) are more common for moisture control and minor summer cooling in UK homes.

Are roof fans essential?

Yes. To a degree, roof fans are an essential component that can help to reduce the likelihood of mould appearing in your attic space. If mould appears in any area of your home, it has the potential to spread exponentially. In some cases it can affect the strength of a structure, and in most cases, it has been known to contribute to health issues, especially if you already have a health condition.

Do I need extractor fans if I have a roof fan?

Yes. You still require an extractor fan in certain rooms in your home, even if you already have a roof fan. Your bathroom and kitchen would require one as standard, as not having one will make the rooms take longer to ventilate.

In colder or wet weather, having your windows open to ventilate the rooms may not be ideal, which is another reason why extractor fans are so helpful. They also help to reduce any instances of condensation, which if left unattended can become mould.

Where can I buy a roof fan?

I-Sells is a leading supplier of all things ventilation, this includes extractor fans, roof fans, and much more. Our range covers affordable options, to modestly priced options and the premium options. Each of which have their own features that make them applicable to most if not all homes.

If you are struggling to decide which option works for you, we would be happy to assist you in your decision-making, simply contact us with your query, and we will provide the best possible guidance. When deciding for a roof fan, you would rather get the best option for you first, as installation and subsequent removal can be a long and tedious process.

Purchase a roof fan today

At I-Sells, all things ventilation and ducting related is our speciality, we are here to answer the questions we know are common for those new to HVAC and what it encompasses.

We at I-Sells endeavour to ensure our customers have all the information they require before investing in our mould solutions. Be sure to visit our blog page to learn about the vast array of factors and issues surrounding ventilation, mould, condensation, and much more.

Within this blog, we hope to have shown you why you should consider a roof fan. Whilst providing you with supplementary information to help you going forward.

We understand you may have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about whatever you need our help with. If you’d like to email us, click here. For other contact options, see below:

Call us on 020 8463 9696

Visit us at our showroom:

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Sunday: Closed

15 St John’s Parade

Sidcup, Kent

DA14 6ES

United Kingdom