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Ventilation in new builds—are we overlooking something important?

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streamer83
Posts: 9
(@streamer83)
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Had a similar issue in our place. Quick points from experience:

- Check attic regularly—venting bathroom fans into attic is surprisingly common.
- DIY fix isn't too pricey: flexible ducting and external vents are affordable at hardware stores.
- Proper insulation around vent pipes helps prevent condensation buildup.
- Small upfront cost beats mold remediation or drywall repairs later.

Builders might overlook this stuff, but homeowners can't afford to...


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sonicm95
Posts: 13
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Good points overall, but honestly, DIY isn't always the best route. Helped my brother-in-law last summer with exactly this—seemed simple enough at first, but we ended up chasing leaks because the vent wasn't sealed properly at the roofline. Sometimes hiring a pro to get it done right the first time saves headaches (and money) down the road...especially if you're not comfortable working on roofs or cutting into siding.


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Posts: 9
(@mythology742)
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Yeah, totally get where you're coming from. I tackled something similar myself a couple years back—thought it was gonna be a quick weekend project, but ended up spending way too many afternoons patching things up. Roof leaks are sneaky little devils...you think you've got it sealed tight, then the next rainstorm proves you wrong. Definitely agree that knowing your limits and calling in a pro can save you from some serious frustration down the line.


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Posts: 16
(@beckyastronomer)
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Good points here, but I'd argue leaks aren't always about tricky sealing jobs. Sometimes they're symptoms of poor ventilation causing condensation buildup—seen it happen a lot in newer builds especially. You could patch and seal all day, but if the attic isn't breathing properly, moisture's gonna find a way to cause trouble.

Had a client last year who kept patching leaks himself, convinced the shingles were faulty. Turned out the builder skimped on vents, and moisture was just collecting up there and dripping down. Once we got proper ridge vents and soffit airflow sorted, problem solved itself.

So yeah, knowing when to call a pro is smart—but it's also about diagnosing the real issue first. Could save yourself a lot of headaches (and afternoons on a ladder).


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david_meow
Posts: 11
(@david_meow)
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Interesting perspective, hadn't considered ventilation as the root cause before. As a first-time homeowner dealing with similar issues, how would you differentiate between condensation-related leaks and actual roofing problems without immediately calling in a professional?


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