How hot is your attic?

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Attic ventilation isn’t just important, it’s urgent. 

When Austin McConnell, a technical support lead at solar-powered ventilation manufacturer Attic Breeze, joined the live recording of Roofing Road Trips® at the Attic Breeze headquarters, he didn’t waste time getting to the heart of a problem that costs homeowners thousands: attic heat. “During the summer, we can hit temperatures of 105 or 108,” Austin said. “Your attic can easily get to 145, sometimes 150 if there’s really poor ventilation.” 

For many homeowners, that may sound like a minor comfort issue, but according to Austin, it’s far more serious. Poor attic ventilation may not only shorten the lifespan of roofing materials but may also cause air conditioning systems to work overtime. “Insulation that’s around that ductwork, it can’t handle that kind of heat,” he said. “So, the air conditioner has to work nonstop.” 

Austin outlined the science behind attic ventilation, and the hands-on approach Attic Breeze uses to help roofing contractors install solar-powered fans properly. “Not one size fits all,” he noted. “You’ve got to look at the pitch of the roof. You’ve got to take a look at the square footage. This is where our training comes in handy.” That emphasis on education is what Austin says separates Attic Breeze from others in the market. “You’ve got some fan companies out there that don’t offer training. They just sell you a fan and tell you to slap it on.” 

In contrast, Attic Breeze hosts live “Best Practices” training sessions twice a week. These sessions walk contractors through proper fan sizing, roof pitch assessments and air flow balance strategies. “What you’re trying to do is put enough CFM on that house to where all the soffits are providing air,” Austin said, referring to cubic feet per minute, a key measure of air movement. “It’s pushing the hot air up to the fan and it’s getting it pulled out of the house.” 

With high summer temperatures in full swing and rising energy costs hitting households hard, the stakes are high. But Austin believes that, with the right tools and training, contractors can not only help customers reduce their cooling bills but also build trust and long-term relationships. “Call us,” he said. “We can help you. And that’s what we’re here to do.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation with Austin McConnell to find out why attic ventilation is becoming the quiet revolution in modern roofing and how Attic Breeze is leading the charge!