Wind Turbines

WIND TURBINES

Wind Turbines, also referred to “Whirly Birds” in some parts of the country and a very common and low cost venting system you will find used in regions where winds are consistently 5mph or greater.  A non-electric alternative to ventilation, these vents use the natural force of wind and air pressure to spin and vent out stale attic air. They do it with a series of specially shaped vanes that catch the wind and provide rotary motion. This pulls hot, humid air from the attic.

Some of the features and benefits of wind turbines are:

• Wind turbines are available in both internally and externally braced styles
• Two-piece base fits roof pitches from 3/12 up to 12/12
• Large flashing allows for easy installation
• Galvanized steel or aluminum construction in 12- and 14-inch sizes
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Provide year-round ventilation
• Low cost and high efficiency make them an extremely popular ventilation component

The vents come in a couple of different sizes and depending on the size and the wind speed outdoors, the turbines can vent high quantities of humid air. The smaller 12 inch turbine can vent 350 cubic feet of air per minute with a 5 mph wind speed.  And a 14 inch with a 15 mph wind speed can vent over 1,350 cubic feet per minute of air. Other vent systems work passively while this system, although also “passive” uses mother natures wind to combat the static air in your attic.