When people think about a roof, they think about shingles. But the air moving through your attic underneath has just as much to do with how long that roof lasts — especially in Alberta's climate.
Here is what good ventilation does, and what happens without it.
What attic ventilation actually does
A properly vented attic lets fresh air in low (at the soffits) and pushes hot, moist air out high (at the ridge). That airflow keeps the attic close to outdoor temperature year-round — which matters more than most homeowners realize.
What happens when it is wrong
- Summer: trapped heat bakes your shingles from below, aging them prematurely and raising cooling bills.
- Winter: warm attic air melts snow on the roof, which refreezes at the cold eaves and forms ice dams that force water under the shingles.
- Year-round: moisture builds up, leading to mould, damp insulation, and rot in the roof deck.
It can quietly void your warranty
Most shingle manufacturers require adequate ventilation for the warranty to hold. A roof that bakes from below because the attic cannot breathe can age out years early — and the warranty may not cover it. It is one more reason a proper install matters.
What we check
On every roof replacement and inspection, we review intake and exhaust ventilation, look for blocked soffits, and make sure the system is balanced. Getting it right adds years to the roof and keeps the attic dry.