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Homeowner Tips
April 20, 2022
Tip for Homeowners: Do You Know Where the Bath Fan Moisture Goes?
Home inspectors and roofing contractors are increasingly red flagging incorrect bathroom fan ductwork. Where is the ductwork taking the moisture? Where does the bathroom ductwork terminate? If the ductwork does not remove the bathroom moisture correctly to the outdoors it could lead to trouble like the photos from Trevor Atwell show. Our podcast interview with Barry Sigler, Barry Sigler Inspections, Canton, OH reveals 3 common mistakes he witnesses with bathroom fan ductwork.
Tip for Homeowners: Fight Ice Dams with a 3-Part Plan
Homeowners can work with roofing professionals to fight the formation of ice dams – and the resulting damage they cause – with a 3-part plan.
Proper R-Value of attic insulation based on the climate zone where the house is located. Insulation helps to keep the warm living space air from escaping into the colder attic where it can become problematic. Sealing possible airflow openings into the attic is also important such as recessed can lights, electrical chases, etc.
Balanced attic ventilation using intake and exhaust vents based on the attic’s square footage. Proper airflow in the attic helps to remove any living space air that escaped into the attic in a timely manner. It also helps to keep the attic temperature closer to the outside temperature to reduce the likelihood of ice dams.
Water-protective membrane under the shingles. This will help reduce – if not prevent – any damage the ice dams cause.
Thank you to Tim Chapin, Your Safe and Healthy Home, Akron, OH, for finding and sharing these examples of ice dams.
Tip for Homeowners: Switching to Ridge Vents Could Help Your Roof Last Longer
Homeowners should question the roofing estimate from the roofing contractor, including the attic ventilation section. In the role play in this podcast episode you’ll hear pointed questions from the homeowner about the scope of work for the project. Are the contractor’s answers sufficient?
Tip for Homeowners: Adding a 2nd Type of Attic Exhaust WILL NOT Help Remove Heat Buildup
“This roof already had ridge vents from the previous roof replacement. But the HVAC contractor recommended adding a solar power fan because the ridge vents were not moving enough air.” – Don Ogden, public insurance adjuster in Texas.
Mixing types of exhaust vents is never the correct answer because it short-circuits the attic ventilation system. Instead, homeowners should check if there is enough intake ventilation at the soffit/low on the roof, make sure the openings for the ridge vent are proper, and confirm that ridge vents are best suited for the roof’s shape/design. But never mix or combine different types of attic exhaust vents on the same roof above a common attic.
Tip for Homeowners: Attic Ventilation Helped Lower the Energy Bill 25%
While the energy savings resulting from balanced attic ventilation will vary, for this homeowner it was 25%. In this one-on-one podcast interview with Khaled Kazmi, roof specialist at Precision Roof Crafters, Houston, TX, you’ll hear his findings from the attic inspection including insulation blocking the intake vents, sweating ductwork and excessively high temperatures. You’ll enjoy the text message from the happy homeowner, too. Rely on proper attic ventilation to help fight heat buildup and reduce your energy bill.
Tip for Homeowners: Don’t Cut the Life of Your Roof Shingles Short 24%
Our poll of residential roofing contractors across North America revealed improper intake and exhaust attic ventilation can reduce the service life of shingles 24%. Evidence of this includes brittle shingles, premature dry-out, and extreme to complete granule loss (as found in this photo by Bill Corley, Style Exteriors by Corley, Oak Lawn, IL). Getting a new roof is the perfect time to evaluate if your attic has enough ventilation.
Tip for Homeowners: Don’t Let Paint Block the Airflow into the Attic
A fresh coat of paint on the house exterior can improve its look. So can a brand new paint color. Just be sure the paint is not clogging the intake vents. In the photo found and shared here by Daniel White, Roof Life of Oregon, Tigard, OR, the paint is significantly clogging the intake vents. That significantly reduces the incoming airflow into the attic. Proper attic ventilation needs to be a balanced system of intake vents and exhaust vents to effectively fight heat, moisture and ice dams. Keep an eye on the intake vents to be sure they are not painted over.
Tip for Homeowners: Before Buying the House, Check Inside the Attic
“The homeowner bought this house not knowing that the cut-outs for the attic exhaust vents (roof louvers/box vents) were roofed over. The homeowner also did not know that intake vents were blocked by the attic insulation inside the attic. Basically, there was zero attic ventilation. We noticed the attic had been treated for mold. When it was time to replace this roof, no other contractors asked to go into the attic before submitting a roofing proposal.”
– Ryan Esquivel, Keith Green Construction, Aloha, OR
Tip for Homeowners: Don’t Be Fooled by the Intake Vents You Think You See
Homeowners, double-check your soffit panels in your overhang or ask your roofing contractor to look. Unfortunately, what appears to be fully vented soffit is significantly blocked by the solid portions of soffit on the other side. It should be 100% clear and free beyond the fully vented soffit so the essential intake air can enter the attic.
It’s the intake air combined with the exhaust ventilation high on the roof or at the peak that combines to fight heat and moisture buildup inside the attic. No one will know it’s wrong unless it’s checked. Thank you for checking this and sharing it, Samantha Prier, Vision Construction Co. LLC, Olathe, KS.
Tip for Homeowners: Contractor Locator Helps You Find a Roofer
Homeowners, if you’re looking for a roofing contractor to replace your roof or inspect its condition, use this handy tool Contractor Locator. It’s a zip code/postal code-based listing of contractors in your area. If you don’t see a contractor listed for your area, email Paul Scelsi and he’ll try to help you find one. Be sure to ask the roofing contractor to check that your attic ventilation is balanced with proper intake and exhaust vents based on your attic’s square footage (length x width floor of the attic).
April 29, 2021
Tip for Homeowners: Ask Your Insurance Company to Pay for Proper Attic Ventilation.
Homeowners, when you are working with your insurance company to replace a storm-damaged roof, ask to include the cost for proper attic ventilation. We’ve bundled various 3rd-party resources to assist with your claim. Find them all on one page here.
Tip for Homeowners: Help restore our Earth every day.
Earth Day is April 22 every year. Here are some ideas to help make every day Earth Day.
When on a walk or run outside, pick up a piece of trash and dispose of it properly (recycle it?).
Carry an extra set of reusable eating utensils wherever you go (in your vehicle, in your desk, in your backpack, in your purse) so you can use them instead of plastic utensils when eating away from home.
Always have easy access to a reusable bag to cut back on single-use plastic bags. If you drive to the store, keep bags in your vehicle. If you bike, keep them in the basket/storage area. If you walk, keep reusable bags near the front door.
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."
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.
April 20, 2022
Listen to our Podcast episode on the topic
Read the article and see Barry’s photographic findings inside Roofing Magazine
Use our free online calculator to check if your attic has enough ventilation
Video Clip: Does the Homeowner Understand Scope of Work Differences
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