Exhaust fan roof curbs may not the most well-known part of a restaurant exhaust fan setup, but they are important and they serve a vital function.
If you don’t know what a roof curb is or you’ve always wondered why you need one, then this blog article is for you.
Read on to learn more about the purpose of installing an exhaust fan roof curb and why it is such an essential component in your commercial kitchen ventilation system.
What is a roof curb?
A roof curb is basically a prefabricated metal box used to bridge a connection between your exhaust fan and the roof. Their function is to support structures for fans and rooftop ventilators.
Types of Roof Curbs
Roof curbs work on a variety of roof types including flat, ridged, or pitched. There are canted roof curbs, straight-sided roof curbs, ventilated roof curbs, roof curbs designed to support extra heavy loads, and roof curbs for insulated as well as non-insulated roofs.
Some roof curbs are made to use with grease rated upblast exhaust fans while other roof curbs are intended for use with a general HVAC exhaust fan. The type of roof curb that is most commonly purchased at HoodFilters.com is for use on a flat roof and will work with systems that exhaust grease and smoke as well as with general HVAC.
Roof Curb Construction
Our roof curbs are made from 20-gauge, aluminized steel with continuously welded construction and include 3″ continuous flashing. The aluminized steel construction combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of aluminum. It features high temperature resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and excellent structural durability.
Roof curbs can be customized to your specifications. When you order a roof curb, a product specialist will help you make sure that you are meeting all building requirements for your commercial kitchen hood system.
Roof Curb Adapter
In some cases, you may already have a roof curb but it is the wrong size for a new fan you are installing. If you are replacing an old exhaust fan or rooftop ventilator and it does not quite match the opening of your roof curb, you do not necessarily have to buy a new roof curb.
If this happens, you can usually just install an exhaust fan roof curb adaptor. A roof curb adaptor will allow you to use an existing roof curb. It will adapt the fan base dimensions to those of your existing curb without adding height to the installation.
Here is a short video from the experts at HoodFilters.com to help you learn more exhaust fan roof curb adapters and determining whether or not you need one for your exhaust fan.
What is the purpose of a roof curb?
There are a few basic reasons to install a roof curb.
1. To provide a secure, weatherproof attachment between the roof and your exhaust fan.
This is important is because you need to protect the interior sections of your restaurant exhaust fan and motor. If exposed to the elements, your fan components can become damaged and eventually stop working properly. The roof curb also protects your roof membrane from the elements. If you do not protect your roof from leaks, you could be putting the entire roof structure in danger.
2. To provide unrestricted airflow between the duct and fan.
Having a proper connection between your commercial kitchen exhaust fan and your air ducts is also important to make sure that the airflow is not restricted. If restricted air flow or damaged fan components cause your exhaust fan to stop working properly, problems will quickly arise.
Your kitchen may become hot and smoky. The air in your facility may become stale, stuffy, and odor filled. You also might have problems with negative air pressure. Negative air pressure can cause many problems: cold and hot spots, increased noise, and cause problems with doors that suddenly slam shut or that are hard to open.
3. To provide structural support for the restaurant exhaust fan.
Commercial kitchen exhaust fans and motors are heavy pieces of equipment. They are often run for very long hours. Some fans are exhausting smoke and grease 24/7. When operating, exhaust fan blades are constantly rotating, and fan motors have moving parts.
You can’t just set one on right on top of your roof. A roof curb is necessary provide a structural support around the opening to your air ducts. It also keeps your exhaust fan in a stable position, keeping it from moving around. In addition, using a roof curb protects your roof and provides a level foundation for your equipment to rest on.
In Conclusion
Roof curbs save you time and money because they protect your exhaust fan and they protect your roof. If you have any questions about roof curbs adaptors give us a call at 877.394.9731. You can also send us an email to customerservice@hoodfilters.com or visit us online to live chat with a product expert at HoodFilters.com. We are always happy to help!
