The solar fan that sparked a roofing revolution

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How one overheated attic became the birthplace of a solution shaking up the roofing industry. 

A sweltering attic and a tech-savvy homeowner's frustration with his HVAC system were the unlikely catalysts behind Attic Breeze, a solar-powered ventilation company now redefining how Americans cool their homes. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Adam Keithly, senior vice president of operations at Attic Breeze and John Theede, the company’s Florida regional manager, to share the story of how it all began.  

One particular overheated attic belonged to Travis Hipp, a tech-savvy homeowner who would go on to found Attic Breeze. “He was crawling around his brand new attic and he had paid for tech shield, and he was up in his attic sweltering,” said Adam, recounting the company’s origin story. “He’s like, ‘I spent all this extra money to keep my attic cool. It’s not cool. There’s got to be a better way.’” What started as a DIY solution to a poorly ventilated attic has grown into a nationally respected brand manufacturing solar-powered fans. Today, Attic Breeze fans are helping homeowners across the U.S. reduce energy bills, extend roof life and cut down on HVAC strain.  

The company’s signature solar fans are built from one hundred percent metal components and go through rigorous testing before they ever reach a rooftop. As Adam noted, “Our products are a hundred percent metal, whether they're our Cardinal product line, which is aluminum or Attic Breeze product line, which is Galvalume, all are one hundred percent metal products built robustly right here by hands in Gatesville, Texas.” 

With regional managers like John Theede in Florida, Attic Breeze has expanded its reach while holding firm to its commitment to fast delivery and uncompromising quality. “We can make a quick phone call to Adam and his team. I have them within a week,” John said. “Contractors love it. Absolutely no problems.” 

What began with a single overheated attic now serves as a model for how a locally manufactured, solar-driven product can punch well above its weight in a competitive market. And as the demand for sustainable home solutions grows, the company’s commitment to performance, durability and rapid delivery is setting it apart. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how a small-town Texas plant is making big waves in roofing and to get a glimpse of what comes next for solar-powered attic ventilation!