Why Ventilation Matters More Than You Think
Did you know that improper attic ventilation can shorten the life of your roof by up to 10 years? A well-designed roof ventilation system isn’t just about letting hot air out in summer—it also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, preventing condensation, and protecting your roof against long-term damage.
Here in Winnipeg, our homes face unique challenges. The freeze-thaw cycle—where snow melts during the day and refreezes at night—puts extra stress on attic spaces and roofing materials. Without proper attic ventilation, moisture builds up, leading to frost, ice dams, and costly repairs.
But here’s the important part: not all ventilation systems are created equal. Homeowners often ask whether they should choose active ventilation (powered fans and mechanical systems) or passive ventilation (systems that use natural airflow). The answer depends on your home, your climate, and your roof design. Let’s break it down. Today let’s dive into this topic: passive vs. powered attic ventilation: what works best!
What’s the Difference Between Active and Passive Ventilation?
When choosing between active and passive ventilation systems, it helps to understand how each works:
- Active Ventilation:
Active vents (sometimes called power vents or attic fans) use electricity, solar powered fans, or turbine vents to mechanically draw air out of the attic. These systems force air movement and can be effective in hot climates where keeping the attic cool is the main goal. - Passive Ventilation:
Passive ventilation systems rely on natural forces—warm air rising (convection) and wind passing over the roof—to circulate air. By balancing intake vents (like soffit vents) with exhaust vents (like ridge vents, box vents, or gable vents), passive systems allow cool air to enter and warm air, stale air, and moist air to escape.
Key Differences:
- Energy use: Passive vents don’t need electricity. Active vents add to your energy bills or rely on solar panels.
- Complexity: Passive systems are simple and have fewer moving parts. Active systems involve mechanical ventilators that can break down.
- Installation cost: Passive systems are often more affordable and require less maintenance.
- Cold climate performance: In Winnipeg, active attic ventilation can actually cause negative pressure, pulling warm, moist air from the house into the attic—leading to frost and condensation issues.
👉 Note: At Above All Insulation, we install only passive and hybrid ventilation systems. They are more reliable and better suited to Winnipeg’s harsh climate.
Understanding Passive Ventilation (and Why It’s Ideal for Winnipeg)
Passive attic ventilation may sound “basic,” but it’s actually the smarter choice for cold climates like ours. Here’s why:
- Perfect for colder climates: Powered fans can over-cycle in winter, sucking too much warm air from the home into the attic. Passive systems avoid this risk.
- Low maintenance: With no motors or moving parts, passive vents are long-lasting and durable. You won’t need to worry about breakdowns or replacement fans.
- Long lifespan: Fewer components mean fewer failure points.
- More than enough airflow: When paired with good roof design and proper roof ventilation (balanced intake and exhaust), passive vents maintain optimal airflow and keep your attic’s temperature and moisture levels under control.
With the right combination of soffit vents, ridge vents, and roof vents, a passive system often outperforms active ventilation systems in Winnipeg’s climate.
Product Spotlight
At Above All, we recommend proven products that keep attic spaces healthy and roofs functioning properly. Here are three standouts:
1. Airturn 85 Soffit Intake Vents
A proper ventilation system starts with intake vents. The Airturn 85 supports balanced airflow by letting in fresh air intake at the soffits. Without intake vents, exhaust vents like ridge vents or box vents can’t function properly.
- Keeps airflow balanced.
- Prevents stale air build-up.
- Essential for proper roof ventilation.
2. Primex RV-28 Roof Exhaust Vent
The Primex RV-28 is a low-profile roof vent used for attic exhaust as well as bathroom and kitchen exhaust systems.
- Durable design that blends with roof aesthetics.
- Ideal for homes where appearance matters but performance can’t be compromised.
- Works well with both intake and exhaust vents for complete attic ventilation.
3. Duraflo WeatherPRO Turbo Roof Vent
This is a hybrid passive vent, meaning it’s still passive but uses wind to boost performance.
- Great for windy Winnipeg neighbourhoods (especially newer suburbs or open areas).
- Achieves airflow levels comparable to some active vents—without electricity.
- Helps regulate attic’s temperature even during calm days.
Why Above All Recommends Passive and Hybrid Systems Over Active
Some homeowners are drawn to powered fans or solar powered vents, thinking they’ll get “more airflow.” But in Winnipeg, that approach can backfire.
- Negative pressure risk: Powered systems may pull warm, moist air from living spaces into the attic, increasing frost and condensation.
- Energy efficiency: Passive systems circulate fresh air without adding to your energy bills.
- Maintenance issues: Active ventilation systems require upkeep, especially in extreme cold where motors can seize.
- Reliability: Hybrid systems like the WeatherPRO Turbo offer the best of both worlds—wind-boosted performance without the risks of a fully powered fan.
In short: Passive vents and hybrid systems are the best roof ventilation for Winnipeg homes.
Section 4: Passive vs. Active – At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature | Passive (Above All) | Active (Not Offered) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | ✅ No energy needed | ❌ Requires electricity |
| Maintenance | ✅ Low | ❌ Medium to high |
| Winter Suitability | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Risk of depressurization |
| Installation Complexity | ✅ Simple | ❌ More complex |
| Product Availability | ✅ Yes (see Product Spotlight) | ❌ Not installed by Above All |
How to Choose the Right Ventilation for Your Home
Every home is unique, and your ventilation system should be tailored to your roof space and attic ventilation needs. Here are a few things to consider:
- Home’s age and design: Older homes may have smaller attic spaces or complex roof designs that need special attention.
- Attic size: Larger attic floor spaces require more intake and exhaust vents to maintain proper ventilation.
- Roof pitch and design: Steeper or more complex roof designs may need additional ridge vents or static vents.
- Location: Winnipeg homes face heavy snow loads, ice dams, and extreme wind. A reliable passive ventilation system is usually best.
Want to learn about our ventilation services? See our Ventilation Services.
Ready to Upgrade Your Attic Ventilation?
Choosing between active and passive ventilation isn’t about which is “more powerful”—it’s about what works best for your home and climate. In Winnipeg, it’s clear passive attic ventilation and hybrid vents are the most effective, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance solutions.
Not sure what roof ventilation systems works best for your home? If you’re ready to improve your attic space, reduce energy bills, and extend your roof’s lifespan, our team can help. Contact us for a professional attic evaluation. Our team will assess your roof peak, attic fans (if any), intake and exhaust vents, and make recommendations for optimal airflow and long-term energy efficiency. And don’t forget—if your ventilation upgrade is part of an insulation project, you may qualify for Efficiency Manitoba rebates to help cover the cost.