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Al Khosos has many issues regarding poor air quality. Many of these issues were born from the unplanned nature of the settlement. We look to provide solutions which are both effective and practical.

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Aluminum

Bamboo

Mud Bricks

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- Al Khosos buildings, especially industrial buildings, experience very low air quality

- Box Vents allow for proper ventilation and hot air to escape

- Typically made of aluminum

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- Bamboo's naturally airy construction keeps air flowing and prevents it from holding too much heat

- Bamboo has many uses from scaffolding to furniture

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- Atriums serve two purposes:

1. Atriums, large rooms in the center of a building, provide a central passage way for air to flow between the outer rooms

2. Atriums also provide natural passage ways and social hubs for people

- Walls constructed by mud bricks

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- Which of the designs do you like?

Why do you like these designs?

What aspects of the design could be improved?

- Which of these designs do you dislike?

Why do you dislike these designs?

What aspects of the design are promising?

- What logistical issues do you see with the designs?

- Do you think these designs make sense for Al Khosos?

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Hassan Fathy. Architecture for the Poor.

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There are over 1000 species of bamboo, which is a type of grass and grows from it's roots, when it is cut it quickly grows back with most species maturing in 3-5 years. This amazing plant grows in both tropical and temperate environments and is very hardy, not needing pesticides or herbicides to grow well.

Some facts about the sustainability of bamboo are:

It requires no pesticides or chemical fertilisers

It grows rapidly and can be harvested in 3-5 years

It rarely needs replanting

It sequesters carbon dioxide and is carbon neutral

It produces more oxygen than trees

It plays an important role in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

It requires no irrigation

It is excellent for inhibiting soil erosion

It grows in a wide range of environments

Its production into fibres has lower environmental impact than other forms of fibre, especially synthetic ones.

The uses of bamboo

Houses, schools and other buildings

Today, over one billion people in the world live in bamboo houses. According to UNESCO, 70 hectares of bamboo produces enough material to build 1000 houses. If timber was used instead, it could require the felling of trees from an already diminishing forest.

Roads and bridges

It is being used in road reinforcements in India and it is also used in bridges built in China and is capable of supporting trucks that weigh as much as 16 tons.

Medicines

In China, ingredients from the black bamboo shoot help treat kidney diseases. Roots and leaves have also been used to treat venereal diseases and cancer. According to reports in a small village in Indonesia, water from the culm (the side branches) is used to treat diseases of the bone effectively.

Bamboo Clothes

It's the new hemp, it can be made into a strong and durable fabric a bit like canvas and can be made into all sorts of clothes. Additionally, bamboo fabric is breathable, thermal regulating, wicks moisture better than polyester performance fabrics, will resist odour and is absorbent and fast drying keeping you dryer and more comfortable than any cotton or polyester fabrics. Beware though: it is also made into Rayon in a chemical process that is unsustainable.

Accessories

It is also used to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other types of jewellery.

Food

Shoots are used mainly in Asian food preparations. In Japan, the antioxidant properties of the bamboo's skin prevent bacterial growth, and are used as natural food preservatives.

Fuel

Charcoal made from this amazing plant has been used for centuries as cooking fuel in China and Japan. The Bamboo vinegar or pyroligneous acid is extracted when making charcoal and is used for hundreds of treatments in almost all fields. This liquid contains 400 different chemical compounds and can be applied for many purposes including cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, food processing, and agriculture.

Scaffolding

It is often used for scaffolding because it proves to be an eco-friendly and cost-effective resource. In Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is preferred over metal scaffolding because its easily available and cheaper.

Bamboo Furniture

Beautiful and intricately crafted beds, chairs and tables are made from from this incredible resource. Read more about sustainable furniture here"

Rugs and textiles

Exotic woods like the mango are often used in Oriental rugs. Buying a bamboo rug will ensure that you save a tree.

Paper

Pulps are mainly produced in China, Myanmar, Thailand and India, and are used in printing and writing papers.

Nappies

According to Japanese scientists, bamboo cloth can retain its antibacterial quality even after 50 washings.

Utensils and tableware

Cups and saucers, spoons and ladles can all be made from this incredibly versatile material.

The list is endless...

Musical instruments, fishing rods, bicycles, helmets, toys...

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Bamboo, Bamboo uses and benefits, Bamboo sustainability

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Bamboo is very fast growing, renewable and easy-to-grow. It is very versatile with countless uses such as construction, clothes, food and fuel

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White Castle Roofing - Trusted roofing contractor in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Nebraska

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On this blog, we've talked quite a bit about the importance of attic ventilation and making sure you have adequate air circulation for the longevity of your home's roof. But what actually DOES that venting? And does it make a difference what you use to do it?

Simple answer: Venting is done by...um...vents. And yes, it makes a difference!

When it comes to residential roof vents, you have a few options. Most commonly, your choice will be between traditional box vents and the newer, more efficient ridge vent. There are a few specialty types we'll touch on as well, but for the most part, these will be your two primary conduits to get your roof vented out the top.

Box vents are the most common vents you'll see on a roof. They're sometimes also called a 750, and they're the more economical option. Box vents are placed around the roof toward the ridge, since they're meant to give the warm, moist air in your attic a place to go, and as we know, warm air rises. But what you save in dollars with box vents, you might give up in efficiency - they'll do the job, but not nearly as well (or as aesthetically) as ridge vent.

By contrast, ridge vent is installed from end to end along the entire roof, providing uniform cooling along the entire roof deck. This makes it much more effective than one or two box vents - it's like one giant box vent along your whole roof, with a much lower profile. Once it's installed, it's covered with ridge cap shingles, so it's barely noticeable from the ground (where a box vent is quite visible).

When choosing the type of venting you prefer with your roofing specialist, keep in mind the up-front cost isn't the only factor. A roof is a long-term investment, and by providing better roof ventilation, you could be saving yourself in energy (heating and cooling) costs as well as repairs down the road.

There are a few other types of vents you might come across, too:

Baffle vents are used to vent bathroom fans. It's important to vent these fans out the roof, as condensation problems are most likely to happen when - as we know - warm, humid air meet cold outside air in the attic...and there's a lot of warm, moist air that accumulates from bathrooms. White Castle Roofing installs baffle vents on the roof, but not the tubing inside the attic.

A turbine is installed directly on the top of a roof and uses wind power to suction hot and humid air out of the attic. A turbine has a series of vanes that spin as wind passes through them. It's the only venting option that moves, and can become noisy over time. It can also be combined with other venting options.

A power vent is the only venting option that requires power/electricity. It can be combined with other venting options for optimal attic venting. White Castle Roofing will install power vents, but do not hook these up, as they require a skilled electrician.

So when you drive around checking out your neighbors' roofs (or are just admiring your own, especially if it's a White Castle roof!), see if you can identify what vents you spot, and know what you want when you go to replace your own! And yes - you CAN always upgrade your own venting, if you aren't sure what you have or how well it's doing the job. Just request a free estimateor give your nearest White Castle Roofing office a call and we'll come take a look!

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Roof Anatomy: Vents - White Castle Roofing | Trusted roofing contractor in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Nebraska

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On this blog, we've talked quite a bit about the importance of attic ventilation and making sure you have adequate air circulation for the longevity of your home's roof. But what actually DOES that venting? And does it make a difference what you use to do it? Simple answer: Venting is done by...um...vents.

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Proper roof ventilation is not merely a matter of comfort but a critical factor in prolonging the lifespan of your roofing system. While there are several methods and products available for this purpose, ridge vents and box vents are among the most commonly used. The objective of this post is to delve deep into the intricacies of these two types of vents, comparing their design, functionality, and efficiency. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding that will empower you to make an informed decision for your specific roofing needs.

The Science of Roof Ventilation

Before diving into the specifics of ridge and box vents, it's crucial to understand the science behind roof ventilation. At its core, the principle is straightforward: hot air rises. This phenomenon, known as the stack effect, is the driving force behind most passive ventilation systems.

In a well-designed roofing system, intake vents are usually placed along the soffits, allowing cool air to enter. As this air warms up, it rises and exits through exhaust vents located at the highest point of the roof. This process not only helps in regulating temperature but also in controlling moisture, thereby preventing issues like mold, rot, and ice dams.

However, achieving this balance is not as simple as installing a few vents here and there. Factors like the roof's pitch, the home's geographic location, and even local building codes can significantly impact the effectiveness of your ventilation system. This is where the choice between ridge vents and box vents becomes critical.

What are Ridge Vents?

Ridge vents are a type of exhaust vent that runs along the peak of a sloped roof. Unlike other vent types, ridge vents are almost invisible from the ground, offering an aesthetic advantage. They provide a continuous ventilation strip, allowing hot air to escape more uniformly compared to discrete venting solutions.

Design and Functionality

The design of ridge vents is particularly suited for roofs with a prominent peak. They are typically made from rigid or rollable material and come with an external baffle to improve airflow and prevent rain or snow infiltration. The continuous design allows for a more uniform air exit, making them highly efficient in maintaining a balanced attic temperature.

Material Choices

Ridge vents are commonly made from:

Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Plastic or Polymer: Offers flexibility and is often UV-resistant.

Copper: Used in premium installations for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Compatibility

Ridge vents are versatile and compatible with a wide range of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and slate. However, they are less effective in roofs with low slopes or complex geometries, where the ridge line is not well-defined.

What are Box Vents?

Box vents, also known as low-profile vents, turtle vents, or flat vents, are a type of static exhaust vent. Unlike ridge vents that offer a continuous ventilation strip, box vents are discrete units installed at various points on the roof, usually near the ridge.

Design and Functionality

Box vents are typically square or rectangular and are installed by cutting an opening in the roof to match the size of the vent. They rely on natural convection to allow hot air and moisture to escape from the attic. While they don't provide as uniform an airflow as ridge vents, they can be strategically placed to optimize ventilation, especially in roofs with complex geometries or multiple peaks.

One of the unique aspects of box vents is that they can be installed in clusters to increase ventilation capacity. This makes them particularly useful in situations where the roof design or local building codes make continuous ridge venting impractical.

Material Choices

Box vents are commonly made from:

Aluminum: Offers a good balance between durability and cost-effectiveness.

Galvanized Steel: Known for its robustness but can be prone to rust over time.

Plastic: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant but may be less durable in extreme weather conditions.

Compatibility

Box vents are highly versatile and can be used with almost any roofing material. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the roof's slope, the vent's placement, and the overall design of the roofing system. They are often chosen for roofs with complex designs or multiple levels where ridge vents are not feasible.

Comparative Analysis: Ridge Vents vs Box Vents

Efficiency

Ridge vents offer a more uniform airflow due to their continuous design, making them highly efficient in maintaining a balanced attic temperature. Box vents, while effective, may require strategic placement or clustering to achieve similar efficiency levels. In terms of energy consumption, ridge vents generally offer better passive ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems.

Installation Complexity

Ridge vents require a continuous opening along the roof's peak, making the installation process slightly more complex and time-consuming. Box vents, on the other hand, are easier to install but may require more units to achieve the same level of ventilation, potentially complicating the roof's aesthetic.

Aesthetics

Ridge vents are almost invisible from the ground, offering an aesthetic advantage. Box vents are more visible but come in various styles and materials, allowing for some degree of customization.

Cost

Both types of vents have a broad cost range depending on the material and brand. However, ridge vents often have a higher material cost, while box vents may incur additional labor costs if multiple units are required.

Durability

Both ridge and box vents come in durable materials like aluminum and galvanized steel. However, the durability can also depend on the quality of installation and local weather conditions.

Recommendations

Given the complexities involved in choosing between ridge and box vents, here are some recommendations based on different scenarios:

High Wind Areas: Ridge vents with external baffles are better suited as they prevent wind-driven rain from entering the attic.

Complex Roof Designs: Box vents are more adaptable to roofs with multiple levels or complex geometries.

Aesthetic Concerns: If aesthetics are a priority, ridge vents offer a sleeker, almost invisible profile.

Budget Constraints: Box vents are generally easier and quicker to install, potentially saving on labor costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both ridge and box vents together?
Mixing different types of vents can disrupt the natural airflow, leading to inefficient ventilation. It's best to consult a roofing professional for tailored advice.

How do I calculate the amount of ventilation needed?
The general rule is 1 square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic space, but local building codes may have specific requirements.

Are there any code compliance issues to consider?
Both ridge and box vents must meet specific building codes, which can vary by jurisdiction. Always consult local codes or a roofing professional for guidance.

Conclusion

The choice between ridge vents and box vents is not a one-size-fits-all decision but should be based on various factors including roof design, local climate, and budget constraints. By understanding the intricacies of each option, you can make an informed decision that best suits your specific needs.

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Ridge Vents vs Box Vents - Presidio Roofing Company

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Proper roof ventilation is not merely a matter of comfort but a critical factor in prolonging the lifespan of your roofing system. While there are several methods and products available for this purpose, ridge vents and box vents are among the most commonly used. The objective of this post is to delve deep into the [...]