Big air, bigger impact

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The airflow metric that’s powering smarter roofing and more efficient job sites. 

In roofing and construction, the difference between good enough and great often comes down to airflow. That’s where the measurement of CFM, cubic feet per minute, steps in, a deceptively simple number that plays a critical role in both attic ventilation and air compressor performance. Whether you're installing a high-performance attic fan from Attic Breeze or choosing the right compressor for pneumatic tools, CFM can make or break efficiency, safety and longevity. 

CFM isn't just a technical detail, it's the language of airflow. In roofing, it determines how effectively an attic fan clears out heat and moisture. In the industrial world, it dictates whether an impact wrench hums or stalls. And when you're dealing with a 14-inch fan blade, the largest in its class, the sheer volume of air it can move turns theoretical CFM into a very tangible force. CFM is more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It’s about balance, performance and longevity. The importance of pairing CFM with PSI or pounds per square inch, becomes clear when evaluating air compressors: PSI delivers force, but without enough CFM, that power won’t last. 

For roofing professionals, proper ventilation is non-negotiable. Hot, trapped air in attics leads to structural wear, mold and ice dams. A well-sized power vent, matched with adequate intake and exhaust, uses high CFM airflow to clear the space efficiently. Without it, even the best roofing materials won’t perform as designed. 

Understanding how PSI and CFM interact can be tricky. Imagine squeezing the end of a garden hose: same water (volume), but with your thumb blocking part of the nozzle, the stream blasts out under higher pressure. Compressors work similarly and choosing the right combination of airflow (CFM) and pressure (PSI) is key. Professional contractors are increasingly turning to rotary screw compressors, which offer higher CFM in smaller packages and operate at a 100% duty cycle, critical for demanding jobs. Reciprocating models may be cheaper, but their intermittent air flow and heat issues make them a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. 

Whether you're working under a hot roof or under pressure in the field, airflow isn’t just a convenience, it’s a science. And the numbers behind that science, CFM and PSI, are what separate underperformance from high performance. For contractors, roofers and tool operators alike, knowing how to size your equipment right means less downtime, longer tool life and safer structures. The specifics, including how to calculate your needs and match equipment properly, are where the true value lies. 

Learn more about how CFM and PSI work together to drive performance, boost efficiency and give roofing and job site tools the airflow advantage they need!