Ventilation Options for Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Engineered Airflow from Steel Craft Builders.
- Overview
Superior Ventilation Solutions
Proper ventilation is essential to the performance, comfort, and longevity of any pre-engineered metal building (PEMB). Whether you’re housing equipment, livestock, machinery, or people, a well-ventilated building helps control temperature, remove moisture, reduce condensation, and improve indoor air quality.
At Steel Craft Builders, we offer a variety of ventilation systems to suit your building’s specific purpose, climate, and layout — from passive vents to powered exhaust systems.
- Ventilation TYPES
Common Types of Ventilation Options We Offer
At Steel Craft Builders, we design every ventilation package to match your building’s specific purpose, climate, and layout. From passive solutions like continuous ridge vents and wind-powered turbines to active mechanical systems for climate-controlled spaces, we ensure your facility has the right airflow strategy from the ridge to the floor.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are continuous vent openings installed along the peak (ridge) of the roof. These allow hot, stale air to naturally escape as it rises, using the principle of passive convection.
Steel Craft Pro Tip: Pair ridge vents with wall louvers or soffit vents for optimal airflow and natural ventilation throughout the structure.
- Best For
- Warehouses
- Agricultural barns
- Shops and garages
- Advantages
- Continuous airflow without electricity
- Low maintenance
- Helps control heat buildup and condensation
Wall Louvers (Fixed or Adjustable)
Wall louvers are passive vents installed in the sidewalls or endwalls of a metal building. They allow fresh outside air to enter while hot air escapes through roof vents or ridge vents.
- Best For
- Agricultural buildings
- Workshops
- Warehouses
- Advantages
- Economical ventilation solution
- No moving parts = fewer maintenance concerns
- Can be combined with ridge vents for cross-ventilation
- Available Options
- Fixed or adjustable blades
- Rain hoods or insect screens
- Manual or motorized dampers
Cupolas
Cupolas are small, vented rooftop structures that add both aesthetic charm and functional ventilation to a metal building. They promote airflow by releasing rising hot air through the roof.
Steel Craft Feature: Our cupolas are available in painted steel to match or contrast your building colors for a custom look.
- Best For
- Barns and agricultural buildings
- Event spaces
- Decorative metal buildings
- Advantages
- Ventilation + visual appeal
- Available in various styles and sizes
- Can be equipped with weathervanes or lighting
Powered Roof Ventilators (Exhaust Fans)
Powered roof ventilators use electric fans to actively remove heat, smoke, fumes, or moisture from inside your building. These are ideal for buildings that generate heat or contain sensitive materials.
- Best For
- Controlled ventilation year-round
- Excellent for removing fumes and odors
- Can be tied into automated systems or thermostats
- Advantages
- Economical ventilation solution
- No moving parts = fewer maintenance concerns
- Can be combined with ridge vents for cross ventilation
- Available Options
- Roof-mounted or wall-mounted units
- Thermostat-controlled operation
- Weather hoods and dampers included
Turbine Vents (Whirlybirds)
Turbine vents are wind-powered vents mounted to the roof that spin to draw air out of the building. As they rotate, they create suction that pulls hot air up and out.
Steel Craft Recommendation: Turbine vents work well in conjunction with wall louvers for balanced ventilation.
- Best For
- Agricultural and light commercial buildings
- Budget-conscious ventilation solutions
- Advantages
- No electricity required
- Spins with minimal wind
- Low-cost option for continuous air movement
Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are installed under the eaves of the roof, allowing fresh, cooler air to enter the building from below. When paired with ridge or roof vents, they create a natural airflow cycle.
- Best For
- Insulated buildings
- Livestock barns
- Garages and homes
- Advantages
- Helps prevent condensation in insulated roofs
- Improves airflow in enclosed buildings
- Aesthetically discrete
Mechanical Ventilation Systems (HVAC Integration)
For buildings requiring climate control, mechanical ventilation systems — including HVAC units, make-up air systems, and ducted fans — may be integrated into your building design.
Steel Craft Advantage: We coordinate with your mechanical contractor to ensure proper vent locations and structural integration into the PEMB system.
- Best For
- Offices and retail spaces
- Climate-controlled warehouses
- Laboratories or clean rooms
- Advantages
- Controlled air quality and humidity
- Integrated heating and cooling
- Required for many code-compliant commercial spaces
- Important Facts
Why Ventilation Matters?
Proper ventilation is critical for:
1. Year-Round Temperature Regulation
Proper ventilation helps regulate internal temperatures in both hot and cold climates, keeping the environment comfortable for equipment, livestock, and personnel.
2. Condensation & Corrosion Control
Effective airflow is critical for moisture control, preventing the condensation buildup that often leads to rust and corrosion on metal building components.
3. Enhanced Air Quality & Safety
Ventilation systems improve indoor air quality by actively removing fumes, chemicals, and stale air, which is especially vital in occupied or industrial spaces.
4. Long-Term Structural Longevity
By lowering internal humidity and minimizing mold risk, a well-designed ventilation system protects the structural integrity of your building for the long haul.
Need Help Choosing Ventilation OPtions?
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- Industry Trusted
A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Facility
At Steel Craft Builders, every ventilation system we design is tailored to your building’s size, function, and local environment. Whether you need passive airflow or a powered exhaust solution, we have you covered.
Getting started is easy
Request your free estimate and connect with our team to start planning your project.