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.
Use the links below to sort through our Homeowner content:
Homeowner Videos
August 19, 2021
Video: Be Mindful of the Limitations of Wind Turbines
Limitation Alert. There are times to use wind turbines for attic exhaust ventilation because other options are not practical or possible. But homeowners should be aware of the cosmetic and airflow limitations that come with wind turbines.
Where there’s space between wind turbines the air does not move very well, if at all (this is the same concern with box vents explained in an earlier video). Additionally, many homeowners say wind turbines are not very attractive.
Video: Working with the Homeowner Who Questions the Need for Balanced Attic Ventilation
Roofer and Homeowner Meeting. Just because the attic previously never had proper ventilation is not a reason to continue to ignore it. Besides, it’s possible the conditions inside the attic and living space have changed since the house was purchased – further increasing the need to revisit the attic ventilation.
Video: Be Aware of the Airflow Limitations of Roof Louvers/Box Vents
Exhaust airflow limitation alert! Because box vents (also called roof louvers, can vents, pot vents, static vents) are installed spaced apart near the peak of the roof, they leave pockets of attic that will NOT receive the benefits of airflow. If you’re 100% sure your roof is not better suited for the continuous, non-stop exhaust airflow provided by ridge vents, be mindful of the limitations of box vents.
Video: The Installation Instructions Read “Do Not Mix Attic Exhaust Vent Types”
Mixing different types of attic exhaust vents is the 2nd most common mistake across North America. Homeowners should not ask roofing contractors to do it, nor should they allow it to happen to their roofs. NEVER combine ridge vents, wind turbines, box vents, gable louvers or power fans on the same roof above a common, shared attic. It short-circuits the system causing inefficient airflow and potential weather infiltration.
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.
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.
August 19, 2021
Listen to the Podcast: Episode 7 - What Homeowners Should Know about Attic Ventilation
Homeowner Alert – Dear Homeowner: Your Roofer Has Something to Tell You
ShingleVent II Success Stories (See how good ridge vents look on your roof)
