Proper ventilation is one of the most overlooked, if not entirely ignored features when it comes to pole building.
I’ve written about ventilation previously, read more at: https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/blog/2014/02/pole-building-ventilation/)
For many pole builders and pole building kit providers, their idea of a ridge vent is to just omit the closed cell form fitted closures which should be provided beneath the ridge caps to prevent rain, snow, leaves, needles and critters from entering the building. For those doing it on the cheap, great solution as long as birds flying around inside of the building, or a pile of snow growing in the middle of the floor are not issues.
The informed buyer, however, is just not going to settle for this solution, which is actually more a lack of a solution.
When Hansen Pole Buildings was in its infancy, we offered a ridge vent system manufactured by Closure Vent, Inc. (www.closurevent.com) A huge step up from the “no ridge closure”, we provided them for several years, until we began getting feedback from clients who were experiencing weather coming through the vents.
Always searching for a better solution, we found the Marco Industries™ LP2™ Ridge Vent. This product provides the ultimate attic ventilation benefits, contributes to reducing or eliminating condensation issues – at an affordable investment for the end user!
The LP2™ is a green building product made from Marco’s flame- and tear-resistant nonfabric-covered Python vent recycled, fiber-based polyester (for those who have seen 1977’s Saturday Night Fever too many times – this may be where John Travolta’s wardrobe went). It is a strong, durable modified polyester, which never breaks down and it is durable, non-woven and non-wicking. And its specially cut contours provide a custom low-profile for any pitch roof.
The product keeps out moisture, pests, dust and prevents wind driven rain and snow infiltration. The screw bed and pre-applied industrial strength peel-n-stick adhesive make the LP2™ easily installed by just one person in two steps.
When aesthetics are important, the LP2™ is completely invisible. With the custom contoured fit and low profile, the only people who will know the ridge vent is there are the installer and the building owner!
Why not use traditional fans, turbines and/or louvers? With the Weather-Tite LP2™ a roof ventilation system is created which is less expensive and simply vents the attic better than traditional systems.
The great part – when properly installed with soffit or other intake vents, LP2™ is Building Code compliant!
After reviewing your comments on how a recycled polyester mesh wick pad glued onto a foam closure is a better product, I strongly disagree. When this material is mashed down with the fasteners on the ridge cap,
the airflow is greatly reduced and just like an air filter it traps dust and debris.
Screens have been used for proper airflow for years and it’s proven to be the best method of venting your metal building. Closure Vent Inc. offers dual products for venting depending on the pitch of your roof, proper product matched with the pitch of the roof yields great performance. We will continue purchasing the Closure Vent products because they out perform the fillers that are on the market today.
Gary – the vented closures that we use do not get mashed down as you describe. The mesh pad is only placed in the areas between the high ribs of the panels. The portions of the closure strip that the screw runs through on the high rib is made of foam which does get compressed but does not allow any venting through this portion of the closure by design. The mess portion of the closure though does not get compressed down tight and is formed in the shape of the panel between the high ribs. More can be read about the LP2 style closures at: https://marcoindustries.com/products/ventilation/lp2/
We appreciate your feedback and reading our blogs!
Obviously we are always interested in providing the best possible products for our client’s investment. You mentioned, “it’s proven to be the best method of venting your metal building”. If you would not mind sharing the third party research which verifies the proof, it would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise it is merely a claim.