Understanding Whirlybirds: The Benefits of Whirlybirds Roof Vents

Whirlybirds

Whirlybird, also known as turbine vent, is a very common type of roof vent that is used on houses for ventilation purposes.

It is a wind-powered ventilation system that cools our homes and is notable for their distinctive bulb-shaped form with fins on the outside.

These fins are designed to ‘catch’ the wind as it passes, causing the whirlybird to turn and spin, helping to circulate the air within the roof.

Despite being only one of the several ventilation options available, whirlybirds are very popular in Australia and their installation is quite common in Melbourne since they help provide optimum roof ventilation in hotter homes.

At Heritage Plumbing we have helped countless Melbourne families install whirlybirds on the roof of their home.

So, do whirlybirds work and what are the benefits of using them?

As the whirlybird roof ventilation experts, Heritage Plumbing is here to answer those key questions.

How do whirlybirds work?

Whirlybirds remove hot air trapped between the ceiling and the roof. This stops that same heat from radiating from the ceiling space into the rooms, keeping your home cooler.

This helps in protecting a well-ventilated home from moisture condensation and temperatures that can reach sweltering 60 degrees Celsius.

Mould, mildew, dry rot, and moist insulation (which becomes ineffective) are just some of the problems that can occur in homes in hot humid climates when sufficient ventilation is not given.

Normal insulation alone is insufficient to keep heat from entering your home.

When the roof is adequately ventilated – which can be achieved with a whirlybird installation – less heat is transferred into your rooms, allowing air conditioners and fans to work more efficiently and the cost of running these appliances is also decreased.

Whirlybirds and the ventilation they provide are also useful in winter too as they help remove moist air, resulting in lower winter energy expenses.

They do this by preventing moisture-laden air from both inside and outside the home from condensing and causing dampness.

When ceiling insulation becomes wet, it reduces its efficiency, increasing the demand for heating to compensate for heat loss.

Ceilings can mildew as a result of damp conditions. These issues are alleviated by proper roof ventilation.

What are the benefits of a whirlybird installation in Melbourne?

There are many benefits that can be gained from a roof whirlybird installation, specifically in Melbourne.

They are effective in both hot and cold conditions

Melbourne and Victoria are well known for their inconsistent climates.

It is not uncommon to see four seasons in one day, with searing hot heat followed by showers and cool evenings.

As touched on above, whirlybirds are effective in both hot and cold conditions and assist with the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.

They enhance the effectiveness of other insulation materials

Whirlybirds help your existing roof insulation materials work more effectively. Damp internal roof and ceiling can affect the performance of insulation but by providing adequate ventilation to your roof spaces, they help ensure that these spaces don’t become too hot or too cold.

They are quiet and waterproof

Unlike big bulky air conditioning systems, whirlybirds are quiet!

A working whirlybird is almost silent, and only makes noise when it breaks. The ones that have been installed wrongly or for a low price are prone to this.

When correctly installed, whirlybirds are also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water getting into your roof space.

Whirlybird insulation cost

Whirlybirds are a low-cost way to greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your heating and cooling expenditures.

The cost of installation varies slightly depending on roof access, the amount of whirlybirds needed to air your home adequately, and other considerations.

Contacting Heritage Plumbing to discuss whirlybird roof vent installation on your property is the best method to find out how much it will cost/find out the estimated cost.

No running costs

Whirlybird installation costs are low and what’s better? Powered by wind, they virtually cost nothing to run!

The only associated costs with a whirlybird post-installation will be maintenance and repairs, however, whirlybirds are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting when correctly installed so this should not be a problem. Contact Heritage Plumbing to get your whirlybird fitted by the experts.

Whirlybird roof installation with Heritage Plumbing

Heritage Plumbing is one of Melbourne’s leading whirlybird installers because we pay close attention to every detail.

We can help you save money on heating and cooling in your house by analysing the requirements of your roof and property, demonstrating the amount of whirlybirds you need, and installing your new whirlybird in a safe and compliant manner.

Whirlybirds FAQs

Question: Do whirlybirds really work?

Answer: The answer is yes to the question, “Do Whirlybirds Work?” Whirlybirds work to extract hot air from roof spaces, efficiently ventilation the space below. A building’s or house’s roof works as a heat trap. By sucking out the hot air, whirlybirds effectively eliminate the heat that builds up in rooms.

Question: Do whirlybirds make a difference?

Answer: The main advantage of roof ventilation is that it allows you to control the temperature of your roof cavity without heating or cooling the rest of your house. Roof ventilation also keeps wet air from gathering in your roof cavity, which can lead to very humid temperatures and leaking rafters.

Question: Do whirlybirds cool the home?

Answer: Whirlybirds remove moist air, resulting in lower winter energy expenses. Moisture-laden air from both inside and outside the home can condense, causing dampness. When ceiling insulation becomes wet, it reduces its efficiency, increasing the demand for heating to compensate for heat loss.

Question: Are whirlybirds waterproof?

Answer: When built correctly, a whirlybird creates a totally watertight seal that prevents rain from penetrating the building or home.

Question: Are whirlybirds noisy?

Answer: A working whirlybird powered by the wind is silent, therefore if it’s generating noise, it’s most likely broken. The whirlybird is usually bent or the bearings are worn out when this happens. This is a problem with some of the less expensive imported whirlybirds.

Question: How many whirlybirds do I need for House?

Answer: The number of whirlybirds that you need for a house is dependent on a number of factors. Primarily, those factors are the size of the house, the amount of space between the ceiling and roof and the surrounding climate. It is best to contact a specialist to provide you advice on the number of whirlybirds your property will require to operate effectively.

Question: Do whirlybirds need wind?

Answer: The efficiency of a whirlybird is determined on the wind in the area. It will not work if there is no wind (except for the rotation created by the air expanding in the roof space as the sun heats it).

Question: Why do whirlybirds leak?

Answer: Regardless of whether it’s a windy day or a light drizzle, the turbine’s design prevents water from entering through the fins and into the turbine itself.

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