Whirlybirds vs Solar Roof Vents: Which is More Effective?

If you’ve decided to research ways to keep your roof properly ventilated, you may have come across different solutions and are weighing up your options. Many articles you find online will try to persuade you that one solution is superior to another, but the truth is each option of roof ventilation has its benefits and limitations, and the best solution for your needs may depend on your budget, location, and environmental factors. 

This article will outline the differences between whirlybirds and roof vents, which will ultimately help you make a more informed decision regarding your own roof ventilation.

Why is roof ventilation important?

Making sure your roof is  properly ventilated year-round is important to your comfort and the maintenance of your home. You might have found the upper storeys of your home get hotter than the lower spaces. This is due to hot air rising and getting trapped, with nowhere else to go. In summer, it’s particularly important that hot air can be pulled out, with roof ventilation facilitating this process. Aside from temperature regulation, proper air circulation in your roof cavity helps prevent moist air getting trapped, which often leads to mould and mildew forming.

What is a whirlybird?

A whirlybird is a small device that is wind-powered. A passive solution to home cooling, wind spins the turbines of the whirlybird, allowing it to pull hot air up and out of your roof cavity helping to maintain optimal temperatures throughout your home or business with minimal maintenance.

Benefits of Whirlybird

  • Once installed, whirlybirds cost nothing to run
  • Only minimal, infrequent maintenance is required
  • Efficiently & effectively regulates temperatures
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Can be installed on residential or commercial properties
  • Cost effective, cheaper than other roof ventilation systems
  • Only requires light wind to start spinning

Whirlybird Limitations

  • Not always a great option for properties that aren’t exposed to any wind

There is a common misconception that whirlybirds are only useful in summer. In reality, in the cooler months, whirlybirds have the added benefit of removing moist air in your roof cavity, helping to prevent mould and mildew from forming.

What is a Solar Roof Vent?

Whereas whirlybirds rely on the wind to ventilate, solar roof vents depend on – you guessed it – the sun. When your roof reaches 25 degrees celsius, the vent is activated and hot air is pulled out. 

Benefits of Solar Vents

  • Very powerful during the hottest months of the years, harnessing the sun’s power
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Reduces your electricity bill
  • Can be installed on residential or commercial properties

Solar Vent Limitations

  • Weather depending and may stop working when there is no sun
  • Slows on cloudy days
  • Wind can cause it to pull in cool air on cold winter days
  • Expensive upfront costs

The reality is that both ventilation options can be effective at cooling your roof cavity and home. In areas that are exposed to even a small amount of wind, whirlybirds are a highly cost efficient solution, with minimal upfront and maintenance requirements, while still being a great way to keep the roof areas of your home cool. Whirlybirds are the more budget friendly option without compromising on effectiveness. 

If you’re in Brisbane, contact Nev’s Roof Restoration on 0412 537 375 to discuss your ventilation needs and to arrange whirlybird installation on your property.