Homeowners with a new GAF roof are understandably pleased about the elevated aesthetic and value that it brings to their home. Although they may barely notice the rooftop accessories that complement their new roof, those accessories play an important role. Among them, they would probably find several GAF Master FlowTM Bath and Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vents, which are crucial to the proper ventilation of bathroom fans, clothes dryers, and other household appliances.
Let's review some of the key performance features of a MasterFlow Bath and Dryer Vent installation.
Features and Benefits
Everyday activity like showering, drying clothes, or cooking produces warm, moist air that needs to be vented outside.
According to GAF Senior Product Manager Jeffrey Avitabile: "It's important to get this air out of the living space, either through the side of the house or through the roof. A common mistake made by contractors is to exhaust this air directly into the attic rather than out through the roof."
This can lead to moisture-related damage to insulation, roof sheathing and framing. Just as important, the formation of mold and mildew in the attic can have a negative effect on a home's air quality, and thus on the health of its occupants.
To ensure that home appliances have proper ventilation that also complements the roof, GAF MasterTM Flow Bath and Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vents are designed with the following important features:
Durable, all-metal construction that is leak and extreme weather- resistant
Sleek contemporary design available in four colors (black, brown, gray, weathered wood)
Heavy-duty stainless steel removable bird/pest screen (for venting bath fans)
Efficient backdraft damper that minimizes noise and helps prevent cold air infiltration
Duct attachment options that provide installation flexibility
Large, efficient base flashing design
Compliant with ventilation code requirements
Impressive warranty coverage
A Closer Look
Some of the innovative features of GAF Master FlowTM Bath and Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vents deserve a closer look:
Storm and Impact Resistance
The streamlined, weather-resistant design of the Master Flow Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent is designed to not only look great, but to shed water efficiently and resist extreme weather.
It passes UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance*, the highest possible rating. Avitabile says this testing protocol means that "a 2-inch steel ball was dropped on the vent from a height of 20 feet and there were no signs of fracturing or cracking on the vent."
It also passes the 110 mph wind-driven rain test per TAS100(A). Says Avitabile: "We took it to a third party testing lab to have the product tested so it can be ultimately listed with the Florida and Miami Dade Building Codes. We wanted to make sure this product provides elevated wind-driven rain resistance to avoid leaking and the associated hassles."
In addition, the vent's large base flashing design and pre-punched nail slots provide an expansive fastening area that allows for expansion and contraction. This helps keep the base flashing flat, which enhances the vent's water-shedding capability.
"It is equally important to provide exhaust and to protect the opening from weather intrusion," states Avitabile.
*UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance test performed by Certerra Analytical - PRI under controlled laboratory conditions. GAF makes no express or implied warranty about the impact performance of this product against hail. Hail damage is not covered under the limited warranty.
Versatile Ducting Options
An innovative GAF duct attachment connector holds the exhaust duct firmly in place and maintains critical alignment between the duct and the Master Flow vent, ensuring proper airflow and preventing air leakage. It allows for a typical installation with flex duct, or the vent can be directly connected to the rigid, round piping that is frequently found in older homes.
A 4-inch to 3 -inch duct reducer provides additional versatility to accommodate different sized exhaust ducts.
These features make it quicker and easier for contractors to replace existing vents without the necessity of expensive and time-consuming duct modifications.
Meets Ventilation Code Requirements
Unlike some rooftop appliance vents on the market, the GAF Master FlowTM Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent meets the requirements of the International Residential Code and the International Building Code for a minimum of 12.5 square inches (26,458 mm²) of net-free ventilation area (NFVA) for rooftop appliance vents.
Unsurpassed Warranty Protection
The GAF Master FlowTM Bath and Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent is warranted for up to 50 years for manufacturer's defects (or as long as the length of the warranty on the adjacent roof cladding).
In addition, enhanced warranty coverage (including workmanship protection and a longer non-pro-rated time period) is available through a GAF Certified or Master Elite Contractor who installs a qualifying roof system.
Whether the goal is to improve indoor air quality by simply replacing existing rooftop appliance vents, or if they are part of a comprehensive new roof installation, GAF Master FlowTM Bath and Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vents represent a major upgrade to more efficient, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing ventilation options.
If you're a contractor, GAF has made it easy to install smart ventilation upgrades while meeting current code requirements. If you're a homeowner, you can rest assured that a certified GAF roofing contractor* can provide a quality ventilation installation that brings multiple benefits, including peace of mind.
*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use.
