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How we choose a solar attic fan? ... When we select a solar attic fan either as a standard flash type of fan or a curb mounted fan or a vent gable fan we obey few basic rules:
Mechanical rules. Mechanical specific we have to have a fan with a low noise level. Generally speaking the more blades a fan has the quieter it will be, (five blades are better that four). Each blade does less work and creates a smoother and even sound, as opposed to fewer blades where the sound is choppy and irritating. Running on low speed also creates less wear and tear on the fan and needs less electricity .( less consumption it means is working better on cloudy days or days with low level of isolation.). We have to give a close attention to the kind of materials a fan is made of, more important even is to have that fan of marine grade type of materials for a lasting presence on our roofs. That will protect against UV and high temperature. More manufacturers of solar attic fans are offering aircraft grade aluminium hood used for housing of the fan (is lowering the weight tearing of the roof and has a high resistance to direct mechanical impact).
Installation rules:
- We use a curb style base for flat or low slope roofs. Any roof 2 ½ -12 pitch or less, should be treated as a flat
roof installation.
- We mount the solar attic fan as a light pitched to the shingle roof for fans mounted on the north side of the roof in any of the set ups with a remote panel mounted on the south or west side of the roof.
- We mount the solar attic fan tall pitched for zones with snow
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The attic fan has to be installed 2 feet away from the roof’s ridge.
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The attic fan has to be mounted between roof tresses
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The attic fan has to be positioned in the centre of the roof, where the most amount of heat accumulates
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The roof where we do the install has to be provided with a lot of natural vents in order to insure the right ventilation.
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The solar panel for a remote powered attic fan has to be placed away from shades and away from chemises.
Steps to install a curb mounted solar attic fan
Step 1 Assemble a curb with the outside dimensions of 21 .75” x 21 .75” (see Figure 1). Use pressure-treated lumber secured at all four corners with wood screws or galvanized nails (use 2” x 6” or larger lumber - adhere to local building codes).
Step 2 Locate an area that is between the trusses to install the solar attic fan (southern exposure is ecommended). Mount the curb to the deck centering the curb over the space between the trusses.
Step 3 Using a reciprocating saw, cut out opening. DO NOT CUT STRUCTURAL FRAMING.
Step 4 Place curb over opening and toe-nail into existing roofing using galvanized nails. If necessary, building blocking to ensure the curb is secure. Wrap curb with roofing material to prevent leaking (see Figure 2).
Step 5 Attached the solar attic fan to the curb using (4) screws provided through the pre-drilled holes on the solar attic fan curb lip (see Figure 3).
Step 6 Adjust angle of solar panel to position it will gather the most amount of sunlight (panel facing due south is recommended). To adjust, remove centre screw on solar panel bracket and swinging arm up to desired position. Re-attach screw (see Figure 4).
