How Do You Stop A Turbine Vent From Squeaking?

A squeaky turbine vent can be terribly annoying. Especially if they are the kind that you cannot just turn off with a switch. And they are hard to reach so it is not like you can just spray them with lube easily. But you can fix it if you are able to get up on the roof to get to it.

The cause of a squeaky roof turbine is typically from the lubricant drying out. This causes the metal parts to rub together and make a squeaking noise. So, you have to lubricate the parts to get it to stop the squeaking.

There are several parts to a roof turbine vent. Any time you have more than one part that moves, both lubricants are needed. In a whirlybird roof vent, there is a large shaft in the center that goes from the top to the bottom of the vent.

This shaft is the axis that the fins spin around, but it is the turbine underneath that pulls the air from your attic. But the parts have to be able to spin without moving the fins to vent the air properly. It is the bearings that keep the fins and the turbine from rubbing or getting stuck.

The bearings are just rings separated by balls that need to be lubricated to work correctly. The inside ring is connected to one part of the vent while the outside ring is connected to the other. These two rings that rotate independently do so with the ball bearings that help keep the spinning smooth.

After a while, the lubricant can wear out or get washed away from rain or moisture. Hot air can also dry them out. If the lubricant dries out, the ball bearings do not move as they should, making them rub together when they spin. That is what is causing your turbine vent to squeak.

To fix your squeaky turbine vent without getting on the roof, head up to the attic with those cans of lubricant and a cloth. There should be a mesh guard to keep out dirt and pests. Just remove that mesh and poke the nozzle of the lubricant up into the bearing and give it a couple of good squirts.

Wait until it is not spinning for the best results. The cloth is to wipe off the silicone lubricant. Then you need to spray it with lithium gel lubricant. That will stay on better than the silicone spray.

Related Questions

What Are Some Other Causes of Turbine Vent Squeaks?

Another thing that may cause your turbine vent to squeak is some kind of debris getting stuck in the fins. The only way to fix this is to get up on the roof and get that debris out of there.Another cause of a squeaking turbine vent is if the bearings have come loose. If you see the turbine wobbling or shaking, this could be a loose nut or bearings. Check the inside first, since it is easier to get to.Just tighten up the nut or bearing that is holding the turbine together. Hopefully, that will fix the problem. If not, check the screws or bolts holding the turbine to the roof. They may just need some tightening.

Should I Cover the Vents During the Winter?

It is important to keep the warm air from being sucked out through the turbine vents during cold weather. Cover the vent from the inside with plastic sheeting.You should also be sure to remove any built-up snow from the vent after a heavy snowstorm. The snow can cause pressure on the vent and can also make the blades rust.

Can I Change the Vents to Plastic?

Because turbine vents are continuously exposed to rain and moisture, they tend to rust after a while. You can use plastic instead, but some plastics can get brittle and crack from the cold. Aluminum is actually the best choice since it does not rust and will not become brittle and crack.