Bringing clarity and confidence to attic ventilation education

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Through long-standing in-person education, AirVent continues to help contractors turn ventilation from a challenge into a system-driven advantage. 

For nearly three decades, AirVent, part of Gibraltar Building Accessories, has invested in education around one of roofing’s most misunderstood topics: attic ventilation. That commitment was recently highlighted during this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, where host Karen Edwards spoke with Paul Scelsi, AirVent’s marketing communications manager, about the company’s long-running Ask the Expert seminar series. 

Paul has spent nearly 30 years with AirVent and has been involved with the seminar program since its earliest days. From the outset, the goal extended beyond selling products. “We make and sell vents,” he said. “But why can’t we simultaneously be helping the industry understand why you should actually consider vents?” 

That educational mindset has shaped a program designed to simplify complex concepts contractors encounter every day. Offered free of charge and delivered in cities across the country, the seminars focus on practical guidance that helps contractors explain value to homeowners and confidently include ventilation as part of a complete roofing system. 

Over time, Paul has seen a noticeable shift in how contractors approach their work. “We’re no longer just installing a roof,” he said. “Now, we’re installing a whole system, and that system stands out.” That systems-based approach not only elevates performance with the inclusion of ventilation but also helps contractors differentiate their bids and improve overall project outcomes. 

The seminars emphasize how airflow influences year-round roof performance, from managing heat buildup in warmer months to controlling moisture during colder seasons. Balanced ventilation, Paul explained, can also help reduce the risk of ice dams in snow-prone regions by promoting more consistent roof temperatures. 

Rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution, the program encourages informed decision-making based on roof geometry and attic size. “It’s the roof architecture,” Paul said. “It’s the roof shape, the geometry that should guide your choice.” 

Even ventilation math is addressed directly. While often intimidating, it remains one of the program’s most valued components. Paul stated, “We simplify the math, and we go through it and we show you the step by step.” 

After briefly shifting online during the pandemic, AirVent reaffirmed the value of in-person learning. Paul shared, “I think the best bang for the made-up buck is in person.” The 28th season of Ask the Expert seminars begins January 13 in Wisconsin and runs 13 weeks across 39 cities, with additional appearances planned at events such as the International Roofing Expo. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about AirVent and its Ask the Expert seminar series!