Attic Ventilation2024-02-14T16:59:14-07:00

We specialize in Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation is one of the most important parts of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces the potential for problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the outside air.

attic ventilation

Common Attic Ventilation Problems

Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, create ice dams, cause attic rain, and damage roof system components. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by moisture from household appliances, such as dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, and showers that are improperly ventilated through the roof. In some cases, the condensation can be severe enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.

Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic and keep your attic dry all year long and avoiding heat build up in the summer.

Attic Rain

Hot air rises. Hot, humid air gets trapped in the attic without proper ventilation to the outside. Hot air meets the chilly underside of the roof’s deck and freezes during cold snaps resulting in frost in the attic. When weather warms up again, that frost melts into attic rain. Water leaks on ceilings can be seen, drips through improper venting in bathroom fans, kitchen fans, etc.

Colder Climates

High inside humidity (40% or greater) combined with low outside temperatures (32F/0C or colder) can cause frost to form on the bottom of the roof deck.
This occurs most commonly in colder climates or in climates with extreme temperature changes.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are the result of melting snow continually refreezing at the roof perimeter and then backing up under the shingles and causing leaks.

Proper ventilation used in conjunction with heavy insulation and an air barrier can create a Cold Roof Assembly which will help eliminate ice dams.

Wood Surface

Condensation can cause dry rot or the deterioration of the adhesives used in plywood and/or Oriented Strand Board (OSB).

This occurs because one side of the decking is unable to “breathe” and traps moisture. The roof deck will eventually warp or deteriorate enough to become spongy and dangerous to walk on. The result is sagging between the rafters (deck deflection).

Metal Surfaces

Water vapor will condense first on metal surfaces and will eventually cause the metal to rust.

Heads can rust off nails, metal plumbing straps or straps holding HVAC ducting can rust causing the ducting to crash down on top of the ceiling joists or through a suspended ceiling.

This problem is more common in humid climates.

Moisture

Insulation can trap moisture which will reduce the R-value of the insulation and create an ideal environment for the propagation of certain mould, spores, and fungi.

There is also the potential of mildew which is both damaging to the structure and can cause health problems like asthma or lung infections. The roof system itself will deteriorate prematurely under these conditions.

Attic Inspections

Not sure if you have issues in your attic? We can come and do a thorough assessment for you any time of year. Attic inspections are a great preventative method for water leaks like attic rain and ice dams.

How Do We Solve the Problem?

We essentially help your attic breathe better by adding air intakes and exhaust vents. By allowing fresh air to enter and circulate in your attic, from the lower point toward the higher point reduces condensation and many issues like attic rain. Expelling hot, moist air from your attic also helps to keep your attic dry all year round.

Ventilation Maximum

Using breakthrough technology, all Ventilation Maximum vents use air dynamics, keep out rain and snow, rodent safe, are energy efficient, are silent, and can be used on any type of roof.

Our Partners

Attic Ventilation FAQ

Help! I have water leaking from my bathroom fan, what’s causing this?2023-06-16T17:00:19-06:00

This is a common problem in Calgary. You have attic rain. The culprit is that your attic isn’t venting properly so hot, humid air is being trapped in your attic. When the weather cools, this air turns into frost. When we get another Chinook, that frost turns into water and, if not treated, you’ll see that water come through vents and through the ceiling.

I live in an older home in Calgary and don’t have bathroom fans, is this creating a problem for my attic?2023-06-16T17:03:02-06:00

Sadly yes. Any place where there’s hot, humid air it needs to vent to the outside, either through the roof or the side of the building.

How do I know if I have the right vents on my roof?2023-06-16T17:03:26-06:00

We can come and do an attic inspection for you. We’ll look inside your attic and on the roof to give you a complete assessment of your attic.

Testimonials

Client referrals are our reward, so we strive for 100% customer satisfaction before every project is considered complete.

I couldn’t visualize what our home would look like with both horizontal and vertical siding. Nor could I see how it could look as a different colour and with cedar accents. I was blown away at the renderings Francois brought over. It was like our ideas literally came to life on the computer screen. Now I’m excited to have West Quality bring it to reality!

John C.

Anyone looking to replace siding would be well advised to hire West Quality Construction Inc. We had our late 1950’s bungalow stripped to the bones this August 2014; they then installed insulation, Hardi Board siding, eaves and soffit with our complete satisfaction. The siding crew (Eric & Caroline) took care of every detail from stripping off the old stucco and two layers of siding to always cleaning up after each day’s work.

This company is very professional leaving us extremely satisfied with all aspects of their work.

Donna & Murray David

They were very helpful in bringing my construction project to life. Thank you so much for this great job!

Usama A.

West Quality was referred to us by friends for a shingle replacement job. We in turn referred them to our friends. Their work was excellent, a fair price and clean up was great. Friendly crew. Happy to recommend them.

Tam

We had West Quality Roofing came out to repair our skylight as part of a condition on the sale of our home – they were very accommodating to our schedule to make the necessary repairs. Great experience!

Alison S.

Been working with them for years, super friendly people who care about what they do. Highly recommend them for anyone who wants things done fast, efficient and with professionalism.

Travis

After waiting for 6 months + for insurance repair following a major storm last summer, we contacted Kino at West Quality for a quote to replace damaged siding, remove and fill in a broken window, and replace roof and gutter system. They were very prompt in their response, scheduling and executing the needed repairs very quickly. Quality, including on site management and clean was excellent. I would highly recommend them.

Lee

West Quality came and did the exterior of our home recently. They were incredible to work with, knowledgeable, patient, gave us a realistic timeline and kept to it. Right away they were clear on communication, the attention to detail and quality of workmanship was outstanding. We are incredibly happy with the work that was done on our home.

Thank you very much West Quality, we look forward to doing other projects with you in the future. Everyone was amazing but a big thank you to Valerie, Kino, Francois and their entire team that worked on our home.

Heather L.

Francois at West Quality was extremely knowledgeable and very patient with me as I requested many different quotes for projects aroundFrancois at West Quality was extremely knowledgeable and very patient with me as I requested many different quotes for projects around my house. The team recently completed a roof fix for me, involving rafters that were no longer sitting on a warped beam over my porch, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and expertise were exceptional. I highly recommend West Quality for any roofing issues. my house. The team recently completed a roof fix for me, involving rafters that were no longer sitting on a warped beam over my porch, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and expertise were exceptional. I highly recommend West Quality for any roofing issues.

Kirsten M.

They are attentive to my requirements and are able to make sensible suggestions. Always responsive to my concerns and problems are followed up professionally.

WW

This is a letter of reference to recommend West Quality Construction Inc as a respectful, knowledgeable roofing and siding company who always act with respect and professionalism on my sites.
Their quality of work and competitive pricing are hard to match.
An excellent understanding of attic ventilation and proper attic function on new and existing homes puts them far above other roofing companies I’ve worked with.

I always receive top notch service from West Quality on all our jobs large or small accompanied with helpful, innovative construction solutions.

I would recommend West Quality Construction Inc to anyone in the market for exterior renovation either new home, reno or attic restoration.

Mike Cortese
O2 developments

Well I’m the talk of my neighbourhood!!! A brand new roof in just ONE DAY? My neighbours and I were blown away. Not one person that I spoke to had their roofs replaced with such efficiency and with such professionalism. The quality of the work was amazing and did I mention that it didn’t look like ANYONE was on my property after they had left? My property was SPIC and SPAN!!! The team at West Quality Construction Inc. are the ultimate professionals and would recommend them to anyone! Thank you for making my life easier.

– C. Joly

West Quality did siding replacement of vinyl with Hardie board on our house with new insulation added underneath. The crews were punctual, knowledgeable, friendly, readily adapted to small requests and changes. Their daily clean up was excellent. It’s been 4 months since the install the fit and finish looks very good.

Supply chain issues delayed the project but Francois sourced thicker insulation and did not increase the price to us.

Sheila M.

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