In a previous article, we looked at how to ventilate a static caravan and how to stop damp and condensation. In this article, we take a closer look at the types of caravan roof vents, their uses and purpose.
How caravan roof vents help with condensation
Whether your caravan is in use or has been closed up for the low season, it still requires ventilation to avoid the buildup of condensation, which will cause damp that can lead to mould and mildew. Whatever the season, caravan roof vents are a crucial part of this process; in hot weather, a roof vent lets air circulate through the caravan while in cold weather, they work to minimise condensation. When a caravan is in use, perhaps with several people sleeping in it, an increased buildup of heat will peak overnight as body temperatures rise. A roof vent allows this heat to dissipate but without one, there will be condensation in the morning. If this is allowed to continue, unchecked, damp and mould will develop.
How caravan roof vents help with smells
Just like your home, a static caravan will have odours from cooking, food waste and laundry but the size and space in a caravan can mean these smells quickly overrun your living space. A caravan roof vent helps the circulation of fresh air inside the caravan, to create a much more appealing environment.
How caravan roof vents regulate temperature
The inside of a static caravan is generally higher than the temperature outside, especially in warm weather. This means that on a particularly hot day, the temperature inside a caravan could rise considerably. Add to this the heat from cooking and it can quickly become unpleasant. Roof vents allows the heat to escape by providing ventilation, replacing hot air with cooler air.
Caravan roof vents and safety
Just as hot air and bad odours will be able to escape through a caravan roof vent, so also will harmful gases, including carbon monoxide. The improvement in air circulation that vents provide may reduce the chance of gas poisoning.
Types of caravan roof vents
At BEC Ingoldmells we stock caravan roof lights, skylights, and mushroom vents.
Caravan mushroom vents
A mushroom vent uses natural air flow and hot air buoyancy to circulate air, and as stale air leaves the caravan via the vent, fresh air will enter to replace it. As a mushroom vent relies on air movement or wind, they are less effective in hot, still conditions.
Caravan roof light vents
A caravan roof light will provide ventilation and natural light in a static caravan, as well as stopping rain from entering. A roof light vent works because the pressure across a roof vent when there is a breeze blowing is lower than the pressure across floor vents, which results in air moving through the caravan.
Caravan skylights
Caravan skylights have to be opened and left ajar to achieve constant ventilation and should not therefore be left open when the caravan is empty. They can be completely closed in extremely cold weather and some are available with a removable fly screen. White skylights are the more economical type but they are also available clear or translucent, to bring light into the caravan.
Our roof and ceiling vents and accessories include the most popular static caravan roof and ceiling vents, as well as kitchen and bathroom roof lights, plus replacement parts. For all your caravan roof vent queries, please contact us today.
