During summer roof spaces can reach 60†c - heat which radiates down into living and working areas, making air conditioners work harder and limiting the effectiveness of insulation. In cooler months water vapour from bathrooms and warmth from kitchens can condense in roof spaces forming up to 12litres of moisture a day, leading to mildew problems on walls and ceilings and adversely affecting insulation in the roof.

The range of ventilation systems is huge, from the economical wind-driven "whirlybird" to the thermostated, electrically operated power vents, which can be up to four times more effective than the traditional vent. Most units can be colorcoded to match your roof and some, like the one pictured, even let in natural light.

>> Visit www.edmonds.com.au for some great vent ideas.