HVAC systems take up a lot of space. The vents for air conditioning and furnace units are considerably large because of the engines that power them. Because of the amount of space it takes up, the equipment ends up outside or in an entirely separate room. For others, if the roof design allows it, it ends up in the roof.
But, when the equipment does end up stored in the roof, another problem is presented. The lumpy HVAC units interfere with the planned roof design. Suffice to say, it becomes an eyesore in the structure’s overall design.
Luckily, this only happens when proper planning is absent. We’re here to share the best tips and tricks on how HVAC vents can actually enhance the roof design and not otherwise.
Best Tips for HVAC Vent Placement to Enhance Roof Design
Consult a Roofer
Before implementing any elaborated design on your roof design, it’s best to consult a roofer’s expertise.
The roofer must work together with the architect, an HVAC specialist, and the head contractor of the house or building. With an expert roofer as part of the team, they can provide input and analysis regarding the roof’s capacity.
They have the last say on which parts of the roof can house the HVAC equipment. Moreover, they can also present solutions for common roofing problems, such as handling excessive weight, dealing with the condensation from the HVAC system, and the wear and tear from human traffic.
Regardless of what your planned roof design is, make sure to include an expert roofer in your planning and execution phase. It will make the entire process faster and easier.
Follow a System
Placing the equipment just about anywhere up on the roof provides more problems than what is expected. Haphazardly placing them in the dead center of the roof design or lining them up at the sides just to follow a certain aesthetic may do more harm than good.
Without following a proper system, issues like the electrical and structural capacity of the roof deck pose a critical problem. Before minding how the vent placement enhances the roof design, the arrangement should not bring issues first.
HVAC vents on roofs are particularly common among commercial buildings and structures because of the practical use of flat roof designs. In this manner, the vents should be in a segment of the roof that is aligned with the inner HVAC duct system.
As it is aligned with the inner ductworks, both the internal and external flow of the air comes off naturally. It does demand too much effort from the equipment. As a result, the machinery can work efficiently even at its minimum capacity.
Aside from supporting the efficiency of the pieces of equipment, it also makes thorough HVAC duct cleaning easier. Professional cleaning for HVAC systems with external units is incredibly vital. The vents up in the roof are more prone to catching all types of debris and might be carried inside the ductwork.
Ultimately, the professional cleaners will not have a hard time cleaning and following the entire system because of the proper and strategic placement. It’s easier to track down the route and predict where most of the debris will settle.
Construct Proper Vent Housing
After deciding where to place the equipment, we don’t want them to stand out like sore thumbs up on the roof. One way to blend in with the original roof design is to construct a fitting room or housing for the vents and other HVAC system units.
It doesn’t need to be a closed room. The housing can be a larger version of a cage. Better yet, it can be a roofing deck with a sleek design, which can act as the artsy focal point of the entire roof. Seeing as you can’t modify the equipment to look better, make sure that the elements surrounding it elevates its aesthetic.
A well-constructed vent housing provides several benefits. It hides the bulk size of the equipment units and protects them from the natural wear and tear caused by environmental factors.
Stick to the Color Scheme
Elaborate color schemes and designs are not much of an issue among commercial buildings. In these cases, placing white or neutral-colored HVAC equipment up on the roof won’t clash with the existing colors.
However, it is an entirely different story when it comes to houses. Constructing houses follow a more personalized design, especially when the owner is deeply involved during the planning phase.
For others, they want to stick with the classic and traditional roof designs. However, there are instances where the team decides on a more modern roof design.
It is to go all-natural and organic. This design pertains to the growth of natural plants from the roof that cascades down to the walls of the house. It gives off a natural rustic vibe. In the grand scheme of things, it seems impossible to place HVAC vents in the area without contrasting with the overall roof design.
To circumvent this situation, constructing a roof deck over the equipment can tie the elements together. It looks like an outdoor patio up on the roof from afar, but it actually protects your vents.
On the other hand, the innovative use of colors is your best bet. Give your roof design pops of color to even out the design of the vents. The bursts of color do not need to be from actual paints from walls. It can be from other paraphernalia up in the roof.
Final Takeaways
The best tips on how HVAC vents help enhance your planned roof design all root down to proper planning. Planning and working together with professionals will help you achieve your house’s ideal aesthetic and install an HVAC system properly. Your style doesn’t have to suffer, and your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to be compromised.
Even if these vents and pieces of cooling equipment appear drab and bulky, they can still enhance the appearance of the place with the help of proper planning. From consulting with experts to following and sticking to a single theme, your HVAC vents will never be your home’s source of sore sight.
