What’s the difference between a roof exhauster and ventilator?

The words “exhauster” and “ventilator” are often used interchangeably, so it’s always a good idea to take the time and understand how the fan is designed before you make a selection that meets your needs.  An Americraft roof exhauster is designed to efficiently remove air, smoke and fumes out of a building.  It includes a gravity activated butterfly damper section constructed of mill galvanized metal.   The damper lids are durable, but lightweight to open when the fan is energized and close when the fan is turned off. While the storm band does an effective job of preventing outside wind from opening the lids while the fan is off, Americraft also offers magnetic latches to hold them closed when the fan is off. The weathertight damper section does an excellent job of preventing any type of precipitation from leaking down into the building.   The butterfly damper section is designed for exhaust only and cannot be used to bring fresh air into a building.

Model AM

Americraft has a variety of roof exhausters and ventilators. Exhausters are available in four models:  Models BRV and BRVCS are belt drive units typically used in situations where the motor and drive components must be located outside the air stream.  The Model BRV8 is also belt driven but the motor and drive components are in the air stream.  It is designed when efficient, quiet airflow is required.  The Model AM is a direct drive used in applications when less maintenance is a priority. While it is always good to ensure nothing in your ceiling is blocking the airflow of a roof exhauster, the motors on the BRV8 and AM models both hang below to curb cab, so it’s important to take this into account when choosing where to install the fan.  

Model BRV

The Americraft Model 1900 is a roof ventilator that has the flexibility to be used for intake, exhaust or a combination of both.  It is also available in belt or direct drive.  There are 3 ways to utilize the Model 1900 roof ventilator:  

• The ventilator can be set up to achieve 100% performance for intake or exhaust air flow.  In this set up, the standard propeller will give 100% performance when positioned to exhaust air.  To achieve 100% performance for intake air, the propeller is turned 180°.
• The ventilator can be set up with the standard propeller used in forward and reverse positions.  The propeller will give 100% performance in its normal operating direction (intake or exhaust) and approximately 65% in the reverse direction
• If you require a truly reversible propeller, which will provide 100% flow in both directions, let us know your CFM requirements and we’ll design a propeller that will best meet your needs. The propeller will be designed with an opposing set of even number blades.

  Furthermore, the versatility of the Model 1900 is achieved with an aluminum weather hood with a removable bird screen.  The hood is designed with a low profile and a full 360° perimeter opening for more reliable air flow performance.  The hood can be easily opened on a hinge and fully supported in place for full access to the fan inside, or an optional access door can be added for side entry.

 

Model 1900 with open Hood