The Air Vent Homeowner Hut—a dedicated place for tips, ideas, and resources for the homeowner. If you would like to submit your innovative idea, clever home improvement tip, or other homeowner resource to be featured here, reach out to us on our Facebook page.
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Tip for Homeowners: Decorative, creative use of a wind turbine.
“This wind turbine pumpkin became a big hit in the office.”
– Katherine Wilson, BHS Roofing, Belton, MO
We like, it too, Katherine. Fall or spring or anytime of year. Very creative!
March 4, 2021
Be Careful Installing Attic Insulation. You Don’t Want to Block the Intake Vents in the Soffit.
When insulation is added to the attic, do not block the intake vents in the soffit or low on the roof’s edge. Intake vents are 50% of the attic ventilation system, feeding the exhaust vents high on the roof at or near the peak. If the intake airflow is blocked, they cannot work.
“We installed this roof 18 years ago. Someone came along recently and added insulation tight to the bottom of the roof deck. The lack of intake ventilation contributed to significant wood rot.”
Excessive Moisture in Your Attic Can be Problematic in the Winter. Troubles Include Mold and Poor Indoor Air Quality.
The same moisture we generate in the summer living inside our homes (through cooking, cleaning, showering, etc.) becomes problematic when the calendar says winter. Unlike the summer months, the attic is now colder and the moisture is attracted to it. If it’s excessive and/or it remains in the attic too long, it could lead to significant problems. Balanced attic ventilation can help prevent this from happening.
Avoid Winter Moisture Buildup Inside Your Attic. Balanced Attic Ventilation Can Help Prevent the Damage.
Through activities like cooking, doing laundry and showering, the average family of four generates 2 to 4 gallons of water vapor DAILY. In the winter, this moisture is attracted to the colder, dryer attic where it can become a problem. A balanced system of attic exhaust and intake vents can help fight this.
Fighting Ice Dams? Don’t Let Your Solution Ignore the Problem
Raking may clear the snow from your roof. Heat tape may melt the ice near your roof’s edge. But have you SOLVED the reason the ice dams are forming in the first place?
Cold Hard Facts about Ice Dams: Your Attic Needs Proper Insulation and Ventilation
Making a home’s living space more energy efficient with improved doors and windows could inadvertently contribute to ice dams if the attic insulation and ventilation is not also considered.
Homeowner Alert: Roofers Will Walk Away if You Won’t Allow Them to Do it Right
Homeowner, quality-conscious roofing professionals will reject your roof if you do not allow them to give your attic the proper type and quantity of intake and exhaust vents.
Homeowner Alert: Price Should Not be the Bottom Line
Homeowner, your roofer has something to tell you: “When comparing price estimates for a new roof be sure to compare the scope of work as well. Do all prices include a balanced attic ventilation system of intake and exhaust vents?
Homeowner Alert: Your Roofer Has Something to Tell You
The reason quality-conscious roofing contractors discuss attic ventilation with homeowners is the potential energy savings it can yield, not to mention the extended life of the roof it can provide.
Homeowners, Talk to Your HVAC Contractor: Trying to give a boost to your wind turbines or box vents, for example, by adding a power fan is a mistake.
No matter how hot the attic is, it’s better to add more of the same type of attic exhaust vent (if possible) than to mix in a second type of attic exhaust. Mixing exhaust vent types short-circuits the attic ventilation system.
Homeowners, Talk to Your HVAC Contractor: Is your attic really too hot or are expectations unreasonable?
Attics will be hot in the summer, even with correct attic ventilation. In this brochure we recommend that homeowners and HVAC contractors be realistic when diagnosing an attic that is too hot.
Homeowners, Talk to Your HVAC Contractor: Before making any changes to your attic ventilation system, avoid these mistakes.
In an effort to help improve the home’s air conditioning system, HVAC contractors sometimes make attic ventilation suggestions that can actually make matters worse. We identify them here.
Homeowner Alert: Another Reason Homeowner’s Insurance Should Pay to Get the Attic Ventilation Up to Code
When Homeowner’s Insurance agrees to pay the full cost to bring attic ventilation up to code during an approved roof replacement claim, those companies could actually save money in the end. Homeowners should explain this to Insurance. This brochure will help.
Homeowner Alert: Your Roofer Has Something to Tell You
When we reached out to residential roofing contractors across North America asking them what they’d like to tell homeowners about attic ventilation prior to starting a roofing project, here are the top 5 topics mentioned.
When homeowner’s insurance asks you to re-use the existing attic exhaust vents during a new roof installation, say “No!"
Neither the attic ventilation manufacturer nor the shingle manufacturer recommend re-using the existing attic exhaust vents when installing a new roof. It’s a recipe for a future leak; not to mention damage during the process.
Another reason homeowner’s insurance should cover the cost of proper attic ventilation for a claim-approved, storm-damaged roof replacement: Shingle Warranty.
To receive the full terms of the shingle warranty for a brand new roof, it must have proper attic ventilation. We have an entire document focused on helping homeowners secure insurance approval for attic ventilation costs.
Why should homeowner's insurance cover the cost of proper attic ventilation for a claim-approved, storm-damaged roof replacement?
Why should homeowner's insurance cover the cost of proper attic ventilation for a claim-approved, storm-damaged roof replacement? Because building code calls for proper attic ventilation. We have an entire document focused on helping homeowners secure insurance approval for attic ventilation. Download it below:
Homeowners, to assist your roofing contractor, complete the questions in this attic inspection checklist and share the results. This checklist will help you and your contractor identify potential problems with your attic ventilation system and ensure these issues are properly addressed during the roofing project. Consider taking your own photos and sharing them with your contractor.
Homeowner Alert: Attic Airflow is a Roof's "Insurance Policy"
Proper attic ventilation helps a residential roof meet its life expectancy because it helps to fight summertime heat buildup, wintertime moisture buildup and ice dams in snow regions. Additionally, the full terms of the shingle warranty are tied to proper attic ventilation and building code clearly specifies proper attic ventilation. And yet, during our best practices in residential attic ventilation seminars for roofing professionals across North America increasingly we’re hearing, “Homeowner’s Insurance refuses to pay the cost for the attic ventilation and so the homeowner is asking us to skip it; which means the brand-new roof will not have proper attic ventilation.”
Tip for Homeowners:Be Careful Painting the Intake Vents
Painted-over intake vents can significantly reduce the airflow through the vents. Avoid clogging/restricting the intake into your attic. Thank you for sharing this, Trevor Atwell from Atwell Exterior Services, LLC, Greenville, NC.
December 12, 2019
Survey Says...Many residential attics could benefit from improved attic ventilation
In our poll of residential roofing contractors across North America, 77% of the homes today have improper attic ventilation, including not enough or incorrect ventilation. It only makes sense, then, that the roofing contractor brings it up during the estimating process for your new roof. If the contractor doesn’t, that should be a red flag to you.
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
Tip for Homeowners: "A Word of Caution about Humidifiers"
Double-check the settings when using humidifiers. Common household models can add over 15 gallons of moisture to your home daily, which can be challenging for the attic ventilation system to handle. Check out "A Word of Caution about Humidifiers" shared by a roofing contractor.
Homeowner Alert: Your Roofer Has Something to Tell You
“Attic ventilation gives you a return on investment better than any other ‘system’ within the roof assembly. Lower electricity costs and extended roof life...”
Industry Tips: What Homeowners Should Know About Attic Ventilation
One of our most popular handouts at the annual Air Vent "Ask the Expert" Seminars. Making the Top Five list for homeowners: Exhaust without Intake is useless.
“Cross venting (or short-circuiting) is when a roof has more than one attic exhaust vent system. The vent systems don't work correctly, pulling air from each other instead of from the soffit vents at the eave. Potentially they can pull rain and snow into the attic. One exhaust vent system per roof please. In this example, there is an electric power fan, wind turbines, and Box Vents."
– Sue McCollum May, A Better Way Construction & Roofing, Lincoln, NE.
Tip for Homeowners: Find a creative use for old wind turbines.
“I cannot take credit for this idea but definitely put them into the right hands. I have a creative friend who knew exactly what to do with these rusted turbines we removed on a recent roofing project."
“A customer today told me I sold myself because I paid attention to the detail part of the roofing project, which included intake and exhaust ventilation; and explaining I was going to check under the roof decking in the cathedral ceiling area to make sure there is proper airflow. That is why I was awarded the job. It was not about the price difference. It was about the detailed part of my presentation. He said my price was higher but I was doing more work for his dollar."
Video: Don’t Settle for an Eyesore on Your Roof Created by Box Vents
You can have curbside appeal on your roof. Having multiple individual box vents on your roof to exhaust your attic can create a visual eyesore unnecessarily. Ask your roofing contractor: “Is my roof a candidate for better looking, better performing ridge vents?”
Video: Ridge Vents are the Optimum Exhaust Vents for your Roof. That’s Why Your Contractor is Recommending them.
Believe your roofing contractor. Of all the categories of attic exhaust vents (wind turbines, box vents, gable louvers, power fans and ridge vents), ridge vents are the best choice if your roof has a generous horizontal ridge line. With matching shingles installed on top, they blend in beautifully with your roof. And because they are installed continuously along the peak of your roof, they are the only vent to deliver non-stop exhaust airflow.
Video: Increased Airflow in the Attic Helps the AC and Heater
Choosing the optimum amount of attic ventilation pays off. If the roofing contractor recommends a 1/150 airflow ratio in your attic (1 square foot of net free area for every 150 square feet of attic floor space), go with it. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi shares research documenting the seasonal dollars saved running the air conditioner and heater.
December 10, 2020
Video: Without a Humidistat Feature Power Attic Fans WILL NOT Fight Moisture
We generate 2-4 gallons of water vapor daily as occupants of the house. If your power attic fan does not have a humidistat feature, it will not help to fight this potentially damaging moisture. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains how, without a humidistat, the only time the fan will be triggered to turn on is based on heat buildup inside the attic – in effect giving you only partial attic ventilation benefits.
Video: Homeowner Says the Contractor’s Price is Too Expensive
But is the price really too expensive, homeowner? Does each estimate you’re reviewing include balanced attic ventilation with INTAKE and EXHAUST vents? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains that it’s unfair to compare pricing without confirming they are in fact apples to apples in scope of work detail.
Is your attic properly vented? Every house has a roof but is every roof properly vented to help prevent roof deterioration or roofing system failure? In this video from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, key points of emphasis are highlighted to discuss with your roofing contractor before you buy your next roof.
October 15, 2020
Video: A Word of Caution About Vented Soffit
Use fully vented soffit. To maximize the intake airflow into the attic, use fully vented soffit. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains that unless it’s fully vented soffit, the vent may not be providing enough intake airflow. Vented soffit panels are also discussed in our podcast with Pond Roofing Company.
Video: Do You Know Where Your Bathroom Fan Ductwork Terminates?
Avoid moisture overload in your attic. Bathroom fan ductwork that terminates either in the attic or out to the soffit near the intake vents can be a source of damaging moisture buildup. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains a better destination for the ductwork.
September 3, 2020
Video: No Need to Hire an Electrician with Solar Power Fans
There are zero electrical costs when you go solar with your attic fans. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains how the sun powers roof-mount and gable-mount fans, not electricity.
August 20, 2020
Video: This High Efficiency Fan Adjusts to the Conditions in the Attic
An on board computer chip and variable speed motor make the HE15 attic exhaust fan high efficiency. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi shares the energy savings – in dollars – homeowners can look forward to compared to traditional attic exhaust fans.
Video: Homeowners: Don’t wait to be offered Ridge Vents. Ask for them.
How superior are ridge vents compared to all other types of attic exhaust vents? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi encourages roofing contractors to always offer them to homeowners if the roof has a generous length of horizontal peak and/or diagonal hips.
Video: Homeowner Asks Why No Other Contractors Talk Attic Ventilation but YOU
A common pushback from homeowners heard by roofing contractors is this: “Why are you the only roofing contractor I’ve talked to bringing up attic ventilation? Why don’t the others?” In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains how to turn that into a positive dialogue.
Video: Does the Homeowner Understand Scope of Work Differences
When comparing roofing estimates, does the homeowner understand the scope of work differences? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains why it is unfair to your roof and to the contractor to say the price is too high without first understanding the details of the project.
Video: Insurance will Only Pay for the Vents in Place Pre-Storm
Don’t accept payment for an inferior roof. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains why it is important to ask insurance companies to pay to bring attic ventilation up to code.
For additional information, check out our industry resources below on how roofing contractors can help homeowners with insurance and attic ventilation upgrades.
When reroofing, always replace the attic exhaust vents. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains the importance of not allowing insurance companies to force the homeowners to reuse vents during reroofing projects.
For additional information, read “After the Storm” – our industry article on how roofing contractors can help homeowners with insurance and attic ventilation upgrades.
Don’t defeat the single best cosmetic advantage Ridge Vents offer vs. other attic exhaust vents on your roof. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains the benefits of avoiding broken rooflines with continuous, end-to-end Ridge Vents.
April 22, 2020
Video: Don’t Forget About Curbside Appeal, Homeowner
What do you want when you look at your house for the next 10 to 15 years? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains the often overlooked benefit of the streamlined look of Ridge Vent vs traditional box and turbine ventilation systems—curb appeal.
April 15, 2020
Video: Ridge Vents with External Baffles are Best
How do external wind baffles affect ridge ventilation? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains how external wind baffles can improve the overall performance of attic Ridge Vents.
April 8, 2020
Video: Of the 5 Types of Attic Exhaust Vents, Ridge Vents are #1
Why are Ridge Vents the #1 option? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains why Ridge Vents are the optimum exhaust vent for continuous airflow compared to other ventilation alternatives.
April 1, 2020
Video: Your Choice Homeowner: Ridge Vent or a BUNCH of Other Vent Types
Better performance. Better appearance. In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains just how many wind turbines or box vents it would take to match the performance of end-to-end Ridge Ventilation.
March 26, 2020
Video: #1 Problem Across North America = Lack of Intake Ventilation in the Attic
What is the #1 ventilation mistake in North America? In this video from our annual Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains how intake ventilation is the leading cause of call-backs from roofing contractors.
january 2, 2020
Video: Do Not Put a Bag Over the Wind Turbine Ever...Including the Winter
Mistakes to Avoid: In this clip from the Air Vent Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains why covering a wind turbine is never a good idea for the homeowner…even in the Winter.
December 5, 2019
Video: Attic Ventilation Must Include Balanced Intake and Exhaust
Balanced attic airflow is best. In this clip from the Air Vent Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi explains that in order for the attic ventilation system to perform properly it must be balanced with intake and exhaust vents.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Video: Never mix two different types of attic exhaust vents above a common attic
Don't mix ventilation types! In this clip from the Air Vent Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi details why combining two different types of attic exhaust vents is problematic and should always be avoided.
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Video: Why Homeowners Should Vent the Attics Under Their Roofs
Why ventilate the attic? In this clip from the Air Vent Ask the Expert Seminars, Paul Scelsi details the effects of heat and moisture build-up in your home's attic.
Ventilation News
Ventilation News
April 7, 2021
Industry Article: Shingle Life Reduced 24% Due to Improper Attic Ventilation
In this industry article, published in Roofing Contractor Magazine, roofing professionals across North America share first-hand accounts of significant damage and life expectancy reduction to shingles due to improper attic ventilation. Read the full article below:
Industry Article: Avoiding Moisture Problems in the Winter
In this industry article, published in Midwest Roofer Magazine, we explain how daily activities inside the house such as cleaning, cooking and breathing generate gallons of water vapor. In the winter, this water vapor is attracted to the colder attic where it can become problematic if it’s not vented out of the attic effectively. Read about one homeowner’s health before and after the moisture troubles. Read the full article below:
In this industry article, published in Roofing Contractor Magazine, roofing contractors share photos of residential attic ventilation mistakes they spotted in the field—and Air Vent explains how to fix them. Read the full article below:
Industry Article: HVAC Contractor: Vent Those Hot Attics Carefully
In this industry article, published in HVAC & Refrigeration Insider, we explain how proper attic ventilation can impact the effectiveness of the air conditioning system. But the HVAC Contractor should take care not to make matters worse...Read the full article below:
Industry Article: Roofing Contractors 'Vent' About Homeowners
“Think of attic ventilation as a prescription for good home health. With proper ventilation, the home will breathe easier with less potential for mold and premature aging and failure of the roof system. Not to mention the reduced costs of operating the heating and cooling system."
– Jeff Barnett, Barnett Roofing & Siding, Inc., Canton, MI.
Our exclusive Contractor Locator will allow you to find contractors in your area who can assist with Air Vent product installation—including solar attic fans and skylight tubes. Click the link below to register and get started.
Homeowner Tips 
April 1, 2021
Download: Dear Homeowner, Your Roofer Has Something to Tell You
Video Clip: Does the Homeowner Understand Scope of Work Differences
View on Facebook
Homeowner Videos
ShingleVent II Success Stories (See how good ridge vents look on your roof)
Listen to the Podcast: Episode 7 - What Homeowners Should Know about Attic Ventilation
Ventilation News
