Roof-Mounted Fans and Air Units for Wisconsin Module Paint Areas
A paint booth large enough for structural module frames moves a large volume of air, and most of the equipment that moves it sits on the roof. For Wisconsin module fabricators, the exhaust fans, make-up air units, curbs, stacks and duct runs often take as much planning as the cabin underneath. Roof capacity, snow and service access in winter, and the distance between exhaust and intake all come into play. Double D Mechanical installs, relocates and services the exhaust, make-up air and duct systems for module paint booths and ovens.
Discuss your installationRoof Loads and Curbs
Make-up air units and exhaust fans for large booths are heavy and vibrate. The roof framing must carry their weight plus any snow drifting around them, and curbs must be set level and flashed tight. A structural review by the building's engineer comes before equipment selection.
- Unit weights and curb dimensions
- Roof framing direction and capacity
- Drift and drainage around new curbs
- Vibration isolation for fans
Separating Exhaust and Intake
Exhaust that drifts into the make-up air intake brings paint fumes back into the cabin. Stack height, horizontal distance and prevailing wind direction should guide where each unit sits on the roof.
Service Access Year Round
Filters, belts, burners and controls on rooftop units need maintenance in every season. A safe roof access route, clear space around units and, where needed, walkways keep service from being skipped when conditions are difficult.
Duct Runs Through the Building
Large rectangular or round exhaust duct takes space between the booth and the roof. Routing around structure, crane runways and other utilities, with supports and cleanout access, is easier to plan before the booth is set than after.
Planning a booth or oven project in Wisconsin
Crews mobilize from Houston; Wisconsin is roughly 1,000 miles away, so equipment, panels and tooling are staged and shipped ahead of the install crew.
Manufacturing in Wisconsin is concentrated around Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Appleton. The sectors most likely to be specifying spray booths, blast rooms, powder systems and cure ovens there include heavy machinery and engines, paper products, food processing equipment, and metal fabrication.
Cold winters mean make-up air heaters are sized for sub-freezing intake, and booth or oven placement has to account for frost lines, snow loads on roof penetrations and winter slab work.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a module booth need such large rooftop equipment?
Large cabins exhaust large air volumes, and the make-up air unit must replace and heat all of it. The fans and units scale with the cabin.
Can rooftop booth equipment be placed on grade instead?
Sometimes, if there is room beside the building and the duct routing works. Grade-mounted units are easier to service but take yard space.
How far should the exhaust stack be from the make-up air intake?
Far enough, and high enough, that exhaust does not drift back into the intake. Site conditions and the equipment manufacturer's guidance set the arrangement.
What roof information is needed?
Roof drawings or framing details, roof condition, existing rooftop equipment, access points and any restrictions on roof work.
How should rooftop units be maintained in winter?
Keep access routes safe, check filters, belts, burners and controls on schedule, and confirm intakes and dampers are not blocked.