CoVent Exhaust Fan: A Superior Solution for Metal Roof Ventilation
CoVent Exhaust Fan vs. Traditional Ridge Vents
When it comes to ventilating attics and bathrooms in homes with metal roofs, the CoVent Exhaust Fan from Levi’s Building Components (available at shop.bestbuymetals.com) offers significant advantages over traditional ridge vents. While ridge vents provide continuous ventilation along the roof’s peak, the CoVent system offers a targeted and more efficient approach for specific exhaust needs. This article explores the benefits of using CoVent for metal roof exhaust.
Targeted Ventilation vs. Continuous Flow:
Ridge vents excel at providing passive, continuous airflow along the roof’s ridge, exhausting warm, moist air from the entire attic. However, they may not be the most effective solution for localized ventilation needs, such as exhausting air from a bathroom or directly from an attic space with a specific moisture source. CoVent Exhaust Fans, on the other hand, are designed for precisely these situations. It’s an all-in-one exhaust fan vent specifically designed for metal roofs, making it ideal for interior exhaust fans connected with 3″ or 4″ flex hoses.
Simplified Installation and Superior Seal:
One of the biggest challenges of using standard exhaust vents designed for shingle roofs on metal roofs is the complex installation and the difficulty in achieving a proper seal. These traditional vents often require extensive caulking and are difficult to conform to the metal roof’s purlins. This can lead to leaks and costly damage. CoVent addresses this issue with a purpose-built design. It comes packed ready for installation and includes an attached DEKS roof boot flashing and an extended edge to prevent the flex hose from slipping. The included zip tie further simplifies the connection process. This integrated design ensures a secure, weathertight seal, minimizing the risk of leaks and callbacks.
Direct and Efficient Exhaust:
CoVent’s direct connection to the exhaust fan via flex hose provides a more efficient exhaust pathway compared to relying on the general airflow created by ridge vents. This direct approach is particularly beneficial for removing moisture and odors from bathrooms and attics.
Specific Use Cases:
The CoVent Exhaust Fan is specifically designed for bathroom and attic venting. This targeted approach makes it a superior choice in these situations compared to the broader ventilation provided by ridge vents. It is important to note that CoVent is not designed for dryer vents or heating system exhaust.
Installation Advantages:
Replacing a shingle roof exhaust fan vent with CoVent during a re-roofing project is straightforward. The installation process involves boxing out the existing opening, marking the metal roof panel, cutting a hole, and securing the CoVent with screws. The integrated roof boot and flashing simplify the process and ensure a weather-tight seal. The design accommodates both 3″ and 4″ flex pipes, with a reducer included in the EF 43 model for 3″ connections.
Key Advantages of CoVent over Ridge Vents for Specific Applications:
- Targeted Ventilation: Ideal for bathroom and attic exhaust, providing direct and efficient removal of moisture and odors.
- Simplified Installation: Designed specifically for metal roofs, simplifying installation and ensuring a proper seal.
- Superior Seal: Integrated DEKS roof boot flashing and extended edge prevent leaks and ensure weather protection.
- Direct Connection: Flex hose connection provides a more efficient exhaust pathway compared to relying on general attic airflow.
- All-in-One Solution: Comes packed ready for installation, including all necessary components.
Conclusion:
While ridge vents play a crucial role in overall attic ventilation, the CoVent Exhaust Fan offers a superior solution (with a 20 year warranty!) for targeted exhaust needs in metal roof applications. Its ease of installation, superior seal, and direct ventilation pathway make it the ideal choice for bathroom and attic exhaust. When re-roofing with metal, replacing existing shingle roof vents with CoVent will ensure a long-lasting, leak-free, and efficient ventilation system.
