The ventilation upgrade roofs have been waiting for

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Experts unpack why proper attic ventilation is more than a comfort issue, it's a financial no-brainer. 

In an age where homeowners are looking to cut utility costs and extend the life of their roofs, one topic often flies under the radar: attic ventilation. But as John Theede, Florida regional manager for Attic Breeze, explains in this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, proper ventilation can transform a roofing project from routine to revolutionary. 

"Having moisture and extra humidity in an attic can cause condensation and leaks," John warns. "The [Florida] heat alone deteriorates shingles a lot faster than if it was properly ventilated." With over 25 years of experience in Florida’s climate, John knows exactly what extreme heat and humidity can do to a home. He says that poorly ventilated attics don’t just overheat, they strain air conditioners, degrade insulation and slowly destroy roofing materials. Yet, many homeowners still overlook ventilation, seeing it as an add-on rather than a priority. 

If the idea of ventilation math sounds daunting, John offers assurance. “We have a design studio on our website that will actually figure out the cubic feet of the attic,” he explains. Users simply input details like square footage and roof pitch, and the system calculates the number of fans needed to maintain optimal airflow, specifically aiming for “12 to 15 air turns an hour.” 

Attic Breeze’s flagship product line is solar powered, meaning homeowners reap the benefits of air circulation without increasing their energy bills. “It’s a plug-and-play product,” John says. And with no electrical work required, installation is straightforward. “You install it, take the cover off the solar panel. It works immediately if the sun is out. It's impressive.” 

Two product lines, Attic Breeze and the Cardinal, are designed for different use cases, budgets and climates. John notes both options offer durability and efficiency. “The key is to get the hot air out of the attic,” he says. “In some cases, that is with Attic Breeze and in some cases it's with Cardinal.” 

Beyond function, aesthetics and regional adaptability also matter. Attic Breeze fans are available in multiple color options and materials, including Galvalume and aluminum, making them suitable for coastal environments where salt exposure is a concern. John states, "It’s very resistant to harsh regions where there’s saltwater or water nearby.” 

Even better: thanks to solar integration, the systems qualify for a federal 30% tax credit. John notes that some users have reported monthly savings up to $50. He shares, “It’s one of the only things on the roof that is an investment that pays the homeowner back every single month.” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about real-world applications, including surprising commercial use cases and the product’s visual design evolution!