Going with the Flow
Metal garages can be hot, stuffy, damp, and uncomfortable at the same time. If unchecked, poor ventilation and insulation can lead to vehicle damage, increased energy costs, and generally make them a chore to inhabit.
But with the right ventilation, a sprinkle of planning, and a little know-how, you can keep your building cool and breezy in any season.
Below, we’ll explore some of the tried-and-true ways to introduce a little airflow to your metal garage. If you’re designing a steel building and want to know all the ins and outs of ventilation, we’ve got you covered.
TL;DR
- Air movement keeps things dry & comfortable.
- Match your vent setup to your space and weather.
- Watch out for blocked vents or weak fans.
- Best fixes: windows, doors, fans, vents, A/C.
- Crack things open, dry the air, and seal leaks.
Picking Ventilation that Works
Garages all act differently. A small one might just need a vent or two. Big steel buildings, however? They usually need quite a bit more forethought. Some of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your project include:
Roof Type
Roofs might stop rain and wind, but they also play a part in how your building handles heat. Choose a roofing system that supports your local climate and is compatible with your ventilation.
Plan Based on Usage
How will you use your metal garage? Some projects generate more heat than others and will require different heating and ventilation. Knowing how you’ll use your building beforehand can help you plan the right ventilation.
Power Access
You’ll want to install your metal garage in a location that’s close to power access. Tackling this at the onset of your project can reduce costs and minimize major headaches when installing HVAC systems.
Insulation
Insulation might not look like much, but it plays a massive role in how your metal garage handles heat and moisture. Planning this out during the initial design will cost much less compared to aftermarket projects.
Also Read: Smart Reasons to Buy a Metal Garage in NC
Where Things Commonly Go Wrong with Metal Building Ventilation
When planning your metal garage ventilation, doing it right the first time is almost mandatory if you’re staying under a budget. To prevent that from happening, we’ve tackled some of the biggest potential pitfalls of ventilating your metal garage:
1. Clogged Vents
Blocked vents are the number one problem with reduced airflow in a metal garage, and can lead to pests, insects, and even potential fire hazards.
2. Using Underpowered Fans
If your ventilation system is not capable of handling the square footage of your metal garage, you’ll know it. Plan ahead and choose ventilation that's sized right for your building dimensions.
3. Not Sealing Your Metal Garage
Holes in your metal garage allow air to flow. Sealing any holes and cracks between windows and doors will minimize this, lower heating costs, and save you money.
4. Using the Wrong Insulation
Having improper insulation is almost as bad as having none. You’ll want to choose an insulation type with the appropriate R-value for your climate for the most comfortable results.
The Best Metal Garage Ventilation Options
Let’s talk about some ventilation fixes that actually work in real life:
Windows
Windows are some of the best ways to ventilate a space. Opening multiple windows to create a crosswind can make this even more effective.
Doors
Opening doors is even more effective than windows due to their size and is a great way to give your metal garage some breathing room.
Exhaust Fans
Active ventilation is a tried-and-true way to force air through your metal garage to lower temperatures and moisture levels.
AC Units
You can’t beat an HVAC system in terms of efficiency when used in a well-sealed metal garage. These cooling systems can lower temperatures, work as a dehumidifier, and keep your space comfortable year-round.
Passive Vents
Ridge or gable vents are also great ways to let heat drift out on its own without the need for fans.
Five Proven Ways to Ventilate Your Steel Garage
You can improve most garages without tearing anything out or investing untold amounts of money. Follow these steps to keep cool:
1. Open doors or windows every time you work.
Opening up doors is a very effective way of allowing heat, moisture, and air to escape. It can help you maintain high air quality and keep your inhabitants safe.
2. Add a fan on the wall or ceiling to move air.
Fans are an undisputed way to force airflow in your metal garage.
3. Keep a floor fan going if it’s stuffy.
You don’t have to install fancy fan systems. A few box fans can do the trick.
4. Use a small dehumidifier in summer.
Dehumidifiers won’t actively reduce temperatures, but they will play a big part in reducing stuffiness in your building.
5. Seal cracks so airflow stays steady.
Reducing unwanted airflow in your structure is very important for the effectiveness of using heating and cooling systems.
Also Read: Perfect 24×30 Metal Garages in NC
FAQs About Metal Garage Ventilation
Do you have questions about how to properly ventilate your metal garage? You’re not alone. Below, we’ve put together some of the most common questions we receive from buyers like you:
What’s the best option for a standard-sized metal garage?
Answer: One powered fan and a few vents usually do the trick to keep your metal garage cool.
What’s the easiest fix for ventilating your metal garage?
Answer: Opening multiple doors or windows to generate a cross breeze is one of the most effective ways for ventilation.
What’s the best way to ventilate a garage without windows?
Answer: You can add ridge vents or a wall fan.
How to ventilate a garage with no windows?
Answer: Run a dehumidifier and make sure nothing’s blocking vents.
