Photo: Wolfram K

Do I need to ventilate a shed roof?

Most regular small garden sheds require passive ventilation. Passive ventilation involves a passage of cooler air that is drawn in through eaves vents which then rises as it heats up and passes again through the gable vents in the roof.

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Do you find that your shed is uncomfortably hot in the summer and icy old through the winter? Are you spotting unwelcomed signs of damp that run the risk of damaging your tools? If you are, then your shed probably is in need of better ventilation. Simple yet effective, the most practical way of avoiding these issues is by introducing a steady airflow that will help keep you, your shed and your belongings safe. Installing ventilation into your shed building is actually not as hard as you may think and with our helpful fitting guide, we will make it even easier. So, let’s start at the beginning…

Why Do I Need Shed Ventilation?

The most fundamental reason that correct shed ventilation is important is that it helps keep you safe and well. Not only are very high and low temperatures uncomfortable to work in but stale, unventilated air can also cause major problems with mould development when fungal spores begin to grow in wet environments. Mould can cause a variety of health concerns from skin irritation to coughing and even more serious infections. This is why it is so key to ensure that the air flowing through your shed is constant and clean. Damp and mould can also wreak havoc with any tools and other belongings you have stored in your shelf, especially metal and fabric items. Another important reason for ventilating your shed is to protects its structure. In extremely hot temperatures, your shed roof can absorb extreme levels of heat, sometimes causing warping or melting in plastic and timber. High humidity and standing water also expose the wood structure to mould, which if exposed for a long period of time, can cause the wood fibres to break down which leads to rotting. Rotted wood is significantly less durable and stable due to its compromised condition which means your entire shed structure becomes weak.

Types of Shed Vent

Whirligig/Turbine Vent: Turbine vents feature a rounded build with spinning blades and are installed on the top of your roof structure. They are designed to let the hot air out of your shed and have great wind resistance as well as pretty easy installation. They provide effective ventilation when properly installed however can be noisy if fitted incorrectly. Ridge Vent: Pretty straightforward, a ridge vent is fitted at the peak of your shed’s roof. It is installed at the apex opening and provides ventilation by letting heated air escape from your shed into the environment. Gable louver Vent: Available in round, square and even triangular shapes, gable louver vents also provide an outlet for the hot air in your shed to escape. They form an opening in the gable which incorporates louvers to help prevent rainwater from entering the shed. Skylight: You may also consider a vented skylight to provide ventilation for your shed. This will really depend on the size and type of shed you have as to whether this is a suitable option. You have a choice of manual and automatic skylights to choose from. Skylights not only help regulate airflow in your shed, but also introduce natural light into the space. Windows & Doors: Although seemingly obvious, opening windows and doors can be an easy way of introducing a regular airflow into your shed. When combined with an alternative vent, this can be a great way of enhancing ventilation.

Which Vent Should I Use?

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The choice of vent you decide to use will be mainly based on the size, structure and type of shed you own. Most regular small garden sheds require passive ventilation. Passive ventilation involves a passage of cooler air that is drawn in through eaves vents which then rises as it heats up and passes again through the gable vents in the roof. Incorporating windows into your shed design is also another simple yet effective example of passive ventilation. For larger, more complex shed structures active ventilation can sometimes be required to aid in the ventilation process. This enhances the level of air flow by actively drawing in more cool air or pushing out hot air through the top of the roof. This can involve the use of a whirlybird turbine vent to flush out air or even fully powered fans which allow you to control airflow yourself. If you are unsure of the kind of ventilation that your shed requires, then it is always best to get expert advice from a professional to ensure you can utilise the most effective option for your structure.

How do I Install Shed Vents?

In this next section we will talk you through the steps on installing vents into both the roof and walls of your garden shed to create a clean and consistent airflow throughout the space.

Health & Safety

Ensure you wear appropriate protective gear when working with the tools and materials. Follow appropriate safety precautions when working from the extension ladder to ensure optimum security and stability.

What Will I Need?

Utility Knife

Chalk Line

Roof Hatchet or Hammer

Roof Mastic

Roofing Nails

Extension Ladder

Nail Bar

Handsaw with woodcutting blade

How to Install Shed Roof Vents

Locate the installation point for the vent on the roof. The vent is generally fitted at a midpoint on short roofs and for longer roofs, two or more vents should be evenly spaced from end to end. Find the nail heads that were used to secure the fascia board to the rafter tails on each side of the vents. The empty space between the two sets of nails indicates the area between the rafters where the vent can be safely fitted. With these two sets of nails used as a reference point, carefully mark the shingles at the midpoint between the upper part of the roof and the rafters. You will usually find that vents are fitted below the second shingle row from the top of the roof. Measure the open section underneath the vent and mark chalk lines onto the shingles to indicate the upper and lower edges as well as each side of this vent opening. Carefully using the utility knife, cut the shingles on the chalk lines and remove the shingles within this area by prying the edges upward using the roofing hatchet or hammer claws. Pull the nails with the nail bar. Cut out the roof sheathing at the area of the opening – use a reciprocating saw with a 4-inch woodcutting blade. Then, position the vent flashing’s upper fin just below the roof opening. Accurately centre the vent from side to side and fit the vent by sliding the fins on each side under the edges of the shingles left and right of the roof opening. Slide the vent upward so that the upper flashing is below the row of shingles that line the upper edge of the roof opening. Cautiously lifting the vents lower edge, apply roofing mastic onto the shingles across the lower end of the roof opening. Then, securely push the vent into place. Again, lift the shingles to the left and right sides of the roof opening and apply roofing mastic onto the fins at each vent side. Using 1 ½ inch roofing nails, secure the vent’s lower fin to the shingles at 2-inch intervals. Apply roofing mastic onto the nail heads as well as to the seams at which the edges of the shingles and fins meet at the sides of the vent.

How to Install Shed Wall Vents

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Your choice of wall vent will depend on the size of your shed and the weather you experience in your area. If you usually experience moderate weather conditions, then a fixed vent will be fine. However, a vent that incorporates louvres may be a more practical option for places with heavier rain and snow fall.

What Will I Need?

Four Heat Vents (at least)

Power Saw

Measuring Equipment

Screws/Industrial Staples

Wire Screen

For effective ventilation, it is recommended that you install at least four vents – two near the roof and two at ground level for each 50 square feet of shed.

Installing Shed Wall Insulation

Carefully measure the vents and walls of your shed so you can cut accurate holes to securely fit the vents into the appropriate sections. Remember – two near the roof & two at ground level for every 50 square feet! Cut precise holes for the vents located closest to the roof using the power saw. Do this into opposite ends of your shed. It is easier to cut the highest holes first so you can simply align the vent holes at the ground level with them after. Push the vents into the higher holes and screw into place. To prevent the entry of leaves, insects, seeds and other debris, cut a wire screen section about 2 inches bigger on each side of the vent to place over the openings. Secure the wire screen using screws or industrial staples. Next, measure the floor level vents to align with the higher vents closest to the roof. Again, repeat the process of cutting appropriately sized holes using the power saw and push the vent into place. Once again, use the wire screen to help protect the inside of your wall vents.

Where Can I Buy Shed Ventilation?

Now you know how, where and which vents to install, you are probably wondering where to start looking? Well, look no further than Roofing Megastore’s affordable, high-quality roof ventilation to buy now. With a multitude of options available, you are sure to find the perfect vent type best suited to your shed. If you have any other questions or queries, simply get in touch with us by calling 01295 565 565 or drop us a message using our handy live chat.

roofingmegastore.co.uk - How to Install Shed Ventilation | Roofing Megastore