In the process of getting a new roof installed, you will be faced with many options, some of which are presented in “roofer speak” and terminology the common homeowner doesn’t understand. So you may be asking, “What on earth is a shingle over eave intake, anyway?” Here, we break it down for you in layman’s terms and explain the benefits of adding this product to your roof installation.
What is SmartVent Shingle Over Eave Intake?
SmartVent Shingle Over Eave Intake is, simply put, a tapered, under shingle product designed for installation along the soffit edge of the roof or the facing edge of dormer roof to wall. This roof and attic ventilation product goes virtually unnoticed, but provides many benefits.

What does the SmartVent Shingle Over Eave Intake do?
This product allows air to flow freely through the one inch roof decking slit, providing more than adequate soffit ventilation to maximize ridge vent effectiveness. This is extremely important since most ridge vent products require an equal amount of ventilation at the soffit in order to work properly. Using a unique design and installation method, SmartVent eliminates the problems and inefficiencies found in roof construction using ridge and soffit venting, namely inadequate vent openings in the soffit, dormers, transition roofs, and mansard roofs.
Why should I opt for the SmartVent Shingle Over Eave Intake?
SmartVent provides the best passive attic intake ventilation available. The benefits of this product to homeowners include:
1. Extends your roof’s life
Proper ventilation reduces attic heat buildup which can cause shingles to age prematurely or crack and lead to warping of roof decking materials.
2. Reduces ice dams in colder climates
In colder regions, proper ventilation keeps the roof’s surface temperature more uniform, reducing the risk of ice dams, which can lead to leaks under shingles and into the attic.
3. Prevents moisture damage that can cost homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars to remediate
Proper ventilation allows moisture-laden air to escape, preventing mold and mildew growth, wood rot in rafters and other structural components, and insulation degradation
4. Improves energy efficiency, leading to cost savings for homeowners
Good airflow keeps attic spaces cooler in the summer, reducing air conditioning loads and prevents heat buildup that could transfer into the living space.
5. Enhances the indoor comfort of your home
By maintaining proper attic temperatures and reducing humidity, ventilation helps create more stable indoor temperatures and improves air quality in the home, reducing the risk of musty odors and heat spots.
6. Maintains your roof’s warranty
Finally, most shingle manufacturers require balanced attic ventilation as a condition of their warranty. Improper ventilation may void warranty coverage, especially for premature shingle failure or ice dam-related damage.
At Nest Exteriors, we offer the CertainTeed 5 Star Warranty on every roof installation, which requires intake ventilation. The SmartVent Shingle Over Eave Intake is a recommended product that is well worth the additional investment, improving the lifetime of your roof and preventing damages to your home due to poor ventilation.
At Nest Exteriors, we install full CertainTeed Integrity Roof Systems, which makes our customers eligible for the SureStart™ PLUS 5-Star Warranty—CertainTeed’s most comprehensive residential roofing protection.
This warranty includes:
- 50 years of non-prorated coverage on shingles and all roofing system components
- 25 years of workmanship protection, backed by CertainTeed
- Full coverage for materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal
- Transferability to a new homeowner within the first 15 years
To qualify, the roof must be installed by a SELECT ShingleMaster™ like Nest Exteriors and include proper ventilation. That’s why we recommend SmartVent intake products, which help ensure your system meets all eligibility requirements—safeguarding both your home and your warranty.
Looking to upgrade your roof with the best quality and assurance in the industry? You’re in the right place. Call us to find out why we’ve been voted Top Roofing Company in Arlington.
Because there’s less stress with Nest.