Air Vent is committed to helping roofing professionals everywhere by collecting and sharing best practices and solutions in residential attic ventilation. Air Vent University is an extension of this commitment. Here you’ll find useful information to help you in the field now and as a reference for the future. We’ll add new “lesson plans” regularly. We’ll also mix in some fun with pop quizzes and occasional prizes. And check out our podcast, too. Welcome. For additional learning opportunities, see our Education page.
Air Vent University
Airing it Out with Air Vent is a podcast focusing on residential attic ventilation best practices, tips, and solutions. It is an extension of our popular Attic Ventilation: Ask the Expert in-person seminars held for residential roofing professionals across North America every winter. Listen to episodes below, or find us on your favorite Podcast Network.
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Podcast Episodes:
Episode 34: According to the Better Business Bureau among the most common complaints from homeowners about roofing companies is poor communication and dirty job sites. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss how you can flip those negatives into positive aspects of your business that helps separate you from the competition.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Joel Patzke, co-owner of TrueWorks Roofing in Houston, TX, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 33: Social media can be a powerful tool for your business. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss some of the ways to maximize social media, including eye-catching photos showcasing your craft or mistakes to avoid.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Bobby Binion, sales manager at Deluxe Roofing & Construction in North Richland Hills, Texas, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 32: Starting a business from scratch comes with risk and takes a tremendous amount of planning and commitment. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we share one woman’s journey toward ownership in a male-dominated industry.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Sara Klindtworth, owner of Solid Roofing NW in Salem, Oregon, for sharing her expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 31: Often, the interaction between a customer and the Customer Service Department leaves a longer lasting impression than the actual product or service purchased. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, a 43-year Customer Service veteran shares her tips for always making those interactions as positive as possible.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Shelly Doubet, recently retired Customer Service Manager after 4 decades at Air Vent in the Peoria, Illinois, office for sharing her expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 30: Obtaining and sharing knowledge about your craft and the role proper attic ventilation plays in a roofing project benefits you, your company, and the homeowner. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, a roofing contractor explains that sharing knowledge with the homeowner is beneficial even if the homeowner hires your competition.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Michael Huston, sales manager at Lindholm Roofing Company
in Chicago, Illinois, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 29: What appears to be fully vented soffit on the house exterior might be solid wood underneath preventing any airflow into the attic. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, a roofing contractor explains why the roof has to be replaced including the entire deck because looks can be deceiving.
A special thank you to our podcast guest JR Lynch, managing partner at Fortress Exteriors
in Fishers, Indiana, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 28: Roofing contractors look at a lot of roofs and so do firefighters. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, a roofing contractor who spent 15 years as a firefighter shares his first-hand experiences of the critical role attic ventilation can play in the life of the roof and in the outcome of a fire.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Jason Verbeke, roofing contractor at The Allard Roofing Company
in Fort Myers, Florida, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 27: Being the only roofing contractor who brings up proper attic ventilation to the homeowner or submitting a price higher than the other estimates does not make the contractor wrong. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we explain this is an opportunity to explain why they are the right contractor for the project.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Andy Matyszewski, owner of ABM Roofing
in McDonough, Georgia, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 26: Giving back to our communities can include donating time, resources, products, expertise, and more. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we explain how such contributions – small or large – can change lives.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Mike Talpai, general manager at Patriot Roofing
in Gig Harbor, Washington, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 25: There's a time to use attic exhaust box vents or wind turbines or gable vents or power fans. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we explain why none of those categories can match ridge vents in terms of performance, appearance, and cost.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Larry Deyo, project manager at Ameritech Services
in Deptford, New Jersey, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 24: Similar to a doctor examining a patient to fully understand any health concerns, an attic inspection can help reveal any problems with the health of the attic ventilation system, the roof and more. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, our guest shares the key things to look for during an attic inspection.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Jake Jacobson, vice president of sales at SF5 Construction
in Little Elm, Texas, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 23: When customers CHOOSE to tell their family, friends and neighbors about you, your company, and your outstanding service, you have a powerful word-of-mouth referral. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, our guest calls such customers "Our Loyal Tribe of Raving Fans" and explains how to get more of them.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Drew Cope, owner of Cope Construction & Renovation
in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 22: Attic insulation provides thermal benefits to the house and comfort to the people living inside. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss common insulation installation errors that offset those benefits and negatively affect the performance of the attic ventilation.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Ron Bastian, owner of Bastian Roofing in Richfield, Wisconsin, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 21: Every day the average family of four generates 2-4 gallons of water vapor through activities such as showering. But where exactly does the bathroom exhaust fan ductwork take that shower moisture? In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss common bathroom exhaust fan mistakes to avoid.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Barry Sigler, a home inspector and owner of Barry Sigler Inspections in Canton, Ohio, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 20: The saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" is never truer than photographs of roofing projects. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss how roofing contractors use photography to inform current customers, secure future customers, train new hires, and guide warranty questions.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Ryan Esquivel, an estimator for Keith Green Construction in Aloha, Oregon, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
An additional thank you to Jake Jacobson from SF5 Construction in Little Elm, Texas,
for also contributing his industry expertise for this episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 19: What is it that separates one residential roofing company from another? In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss the distinguishing aspects as viewed by the companies themselves.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Stan Robinson, owner of Pacific West Roofing in Hubbard, Oregon, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
An additional thank you to the following roofing professionals for also contributing
their industry expertise for this episode!
Greg Pike
Campo Roofing in Twinsburg, Ohio
Max Bumgardner
Sutton's Home Improvement in Springfield, Illinois
Tom Picha
All in 1 Home Improvements in Oswego, Illinois
Trevor Atwell
Atwell Exterior Services, Greenville, North Carolina
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 18: Owning a roofing business or managing the overall operations is a major responsibility. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we share tips from experienced roofing contractors – some of them owners themselves – with the goal of a smooth start and long-lasting success.
A special thank you to our podcast guest Trevor Atwell, owner of Atwell Exterior Services in Greenville, North Carolina, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
An additional thank you to the following roofing professionals for also contributing
their industry expertise for this episode!
Greg Pike
Campo Roofing in Twinsburg, Ohio
Max Bumgardner
Sutton's Home Improvement in Springfield, Illinois
Tom Picha
All in 1 Home Improvements in Oswego, Illinois
Stan Robinson
Pacific West Roofing in Hubbard, Oregon
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 17: Handling a negative customer review can be tricky business – whether the review is true or false. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we examine the timing of responding to negative reviews and how to turn it into a positive.
A special thank you to Tom Picha, vice president at All in 1 Home Improvements in Oswego, Illinois, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 16: Homeowners are very likely going to have questions about the roof estimate including the attic ventilation portion of it. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we role play a homeowner/roofing contractor conversation about the estimate. Will the contractor’s answers help the homeowner understand the scope of work and agree with the contractor’s proposal?
A special thank you to Daniel White, roofing consultant at Roof Life of Oregon in Tigard, Oregon, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 15: How do you know if the attic ventilation system is working properly in the summer months? How hot should it be in the attic compared to the outside temperature peak of day during the warmer months? In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss what’s a reasonable attic temperature in the summer when the attic ventilation system is balanced with intake and exhaust vents.
A special thank you to Chris Arrington, vice president Arrington Roofing in Dallas, Texas, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 14: Proper attic ventilation helps protect the roof covering on the house, the roof deck, the attic insulation and more. It also helps to save energy. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, a roofing contractor shares one homeowner’s story in which the electric bill was reduced 25%.
A special thank you to Khaled Kazmi, a roof specialist at Precision Roof Crafters in Houston Texas, for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Have a suggestion for a future Podcast topic? Send us your ideas and feedback to pscelsi@gibraltar1.com.
Episode 13: Balanced attic ventilation with equal amounts of intake and exhaust airflow can help the shingles on the roof meet their full life expectancy. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, roofing professionals report a 24% reduction in shingle life and many documented problems to the shingles due to improper attic ventilation.
A special thank you toGreta Bajrami, the CEO of Golden Group Roofing in Westborough, Massachusetts for sharing her expertise for this podcast episode!
Greta was among the finalists for Beacon Building Products Female Roofing Professional of the Year.
Check out all 5 finalists here.
Additional Resource: Impact of Attic Ventilation on Shingle Life
Episode 12: Paying to replace a storm-damaged roof without also paying to bring the attic ventilation up to minimum building code standards is purchasing a sub-par roof. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss how contractors are convincing homeowner’s insurance to pick up the full tab on behalf of homeowners.
A special thank you toKyle Pyatt, the Director of Residential Sales for Gen 3 Roofing Corporation in Centennial, Colorado and Sabrina Johnson, President of KDCO Home Improvement in Akron, Ohio for sharing their expertise for this podcast episode!
Learn More: Handy Checklist to Get Insurance to Pay for Proper Attic Ventilation
Episode 11: Attic ventilation isn’t just good for the roof and house, it’s good for business, too. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss how contractors can boost their bottom line and their credibility by regularly including balanced intake and exhaust attic ventilation in the scope of their roofing projects.
A special thank you to Kyle Pyatt, the Director of Residential Sales for Gen 3 Roofing Corporation in Centennial, Colorado for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Episode 10: By investing in yourself and your employees through continuous education, you help build your individual value and grow your business. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we discuss many readily available ways to continuously learn.
A special thank you to Kevin Marcano, owner of Marcano Roofing in Salem, Oregon for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Episode 9: OOccupants of the house generate between 2 to 4 gallons of water vapor daily by cooking, cleaning, showering, doing laundry, breathing and perspiring. In the winter, this water vapor is attracted to the colder, dryer attic where it can become a problem if it’s not properly ventilated. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we examine how to fight wintertime moisture.
A special thank you to Jerry Becker roofing consultant with Roof Life of Oregon in Tigard, Oregon for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Episode 8: It’s impossible to completely stop Mother Nature and the ice dams that impact roofs. But it is possible to reduce their frequency and severity. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we share helpful tips in the battle of ICE DAMS vs. ROOFS.
A special thank you to all who contributed to this podcast episode!
Sabrina Johnson
KDCO Home Improvements - Akron, Ohio
Jake Jacobson
SF5 Construction - Little Elm, Texas
Chuck Power
Gulfeagle Supply - Michigan
Episode 7: When a homeowner is ready to listen to the roofing contractor or home inspector’s assessment of the attic ventilation system, what exactly will be said? In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, here are five key points every homeowner should be aware of about attic ventilation.
A special thank you to Shawn Bellis owner of EPIC Exteriors in Overland Park, Kansas for sharing his expertise for this podcast episode!
Episode 6: Not every homeowner agrees with the residential roofing contractor’s assessment of the attic ventilation improvements needed. They want a new roof but not necessarily attic ventilation fixes. Sometimes it’s due to price. Sometimes it’s the homeowner’s refusal to understand the project. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we let roofing contractors VENT about homeowners.
A special thank you to all who contributed to this podcast episode!
Jeff Heitzenrater
Triple Peaks Roofing and Construction - Olmstead Falls, Ohio
Matt Cooper
Redemption Roofing - Conroe, Texas
Corey Ballweg
Mid-Towne Construction - Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Clayton Putman
Elite Roofing - Denver, Colorado
Greg Pike
Campo Roofing - Twinsburg, Ohio
Sabrina Johnson
KDCO Home Improvement - Akron, Ohio
Chris Arrington
Arrington Roofing - Dallas, Texas
Jeff Barnett
Barnett Roofing & Siding - Canton, Michigan
Richard Turner
R. J. Turner Remodeling - Winston Salem, North Carolina
Patrick Readyhough
Pond Roofing Company - Fairfax, Virginia
Episode 5: It’s hot in the attic. Getting inside the attic can be tricky. And navigating around is not always easy. But skipping an attic inspection prior to installing a new roof could result in a costly callback – possibly a brand new roof paid for by the roofing contractor. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, Pond Roofing shares its story.
A special thank you to Patrick Readyhough of Pond Roofing in Fairfax, Virginia for sharing his story for this podcast episode!
Episode 4: Sometimes a homeowner or a roofing contractor or even the HVAC contractor during a house call suggests adding a second type of attic exhaust vent to boost the vents already in place. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, residential roofing pros share their first-hand stories of why mixing types of attic exhaust vents is a problem to avoid.
A special thank you to all who contributed to this podcast episode!
Ron Gonzalez
Roofing Contractor - Aurora, Illinois
Trevor Atwell
Atwell Exterior Services - Greenville, North Carolina
Tim Chapin
Your Safe and Healthy Home - Akron, Ohio
Paul Vosen
Degenhardt Home Improvement - Madison, Wisconsin
Scott Dennison
Dennison Exterior Solutions & Gutter Topper - Saint Joseph, Michigan
Shawn Bellis
Epic Exteriors - Overland Park, Kansas
Ron Bastian
Bastian Roofing - Richfield, Wisconsin
Sean Toms
S & K Roofing - Eldersburg, Maryland
Tom Picha
Affordable Roofing - Aurora, Illinois
Episode 3: No amount of attic exhaust ventilation can overcome the lack of intake ventilation at the eave/soffit or roof’s lowest edge. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, residential roofing pros explain why they ensure attic ventilation includes exhaust and intake.
A special thank you to all who contributed to this podcast episode!
Sue McCollum May
A Better Way Construction and Roofing - Lincoln, Nebraska
Chris Arrington
Arrington Roofing - Dallas, Texas
Jeff Barnett
Barnett Roofing & Siding - Canton, Michigan
Clayton Putman
Elite Roofing - Denver, Colorado
Greg Pike
Campo Roofing - Twinsburg, Ohio
Sandra Daffer
Hawaiian Built Roofing - Boise, Idaho
Sean Jegen
Gorilla Exteriors Contracting - Shawnee, Kansas
Sean Toms
S & K Roofing - Eldersburg, Maryland
Episode 2: The most qualified people to offer tips and guidance for avoiding mistakes and callbacks are the very people who have first-hand experience with the issue. In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we asked residential roofing pros to give us their top attic ventilation tips based on what they have seen in the field.
A special thank you to all who contributed to this podcast episode!
Scott Dennison
Dennison Exterior Solutions - St. Joseph, Michigan
Tom Picha
Affordable Roofing - Aurora, Illinois
Sabrina Johnson
KDCO Home Improvements - Akron, Ohio
Shawn Bellis
EPIC Exteriors - Overland Park, Kansas
Sean Toms
S & K Roofing - Eldersburg, Maryland
Corey Ballweg
Mid Towne Construction - Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Jeff Heitzenrater
Triple Peaks Roofing & Construction - Olmstead Falls, Ohio
Richard Turner
RJ Turner Remodeling - High Point, North Carolina
Jake Jacobson
SF5 Construction - Little Elm, Texas
Trevor Atwell
Atwell Exterior Services - Greenville, North Carolina
Tim Chapin
Your Safe and Healthy Home - Akron, Ohio
Ron Bastian
Bastian Roofing - Richfield, Wisconsin
Jerry Becker
Roof Life of Oregon - Tigard, Oregon
Sue May
A Better Way Construction & Roofing - Lincoln, Nebraska
Paul Vosen
Degenhardt Home Improvement - Madison, Wisconsin
Steve DuCharme
Innovative Builders Roofing & Construction - Edmond, Oklahoma
Episode 1: Most attics have incorrect or insufficient ventilation. Our survey shows it’s 77% of today’s homes. So What? In this episode of Airing it Out with Air Vent, we dive deep into the potential consequences of improperly ventilated attics and explain why it matters.