Choosing between attic fan setups: roof or gable mount?

jamesstorm68 · 2025-12-07T23:27:27Z

I put in a roof-mounted solar attic fan last summer, mostly because my 1950s ranch didn’t have a gable vent to work with. It’s been decent—keeps the attic a bit cooler, and I think my AC runs less. But I’ve noticed it’s a pain to check or clean, and I’m always a little nervous about leaks since it’s right through the shingles. My neighbor went with a gable mount (he already had the vent), and he swears by it—says it was way easier to install and less risk of water issues. I’m in central Texas, so lots of sun and heat. My roof’s asphalt, low pitch, not huge. Wondering if anyone’s had both types and noticed a big difference? Is the gable mount really that much better for maintenance and leaks, or am I just being paranoid about my roof? Curious if the airflow is as good too, since it’s not up top.

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Solar Attic Fans & Ventilation Upgrades

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I’ll take a noisy fan over a leaky roof any day, but those old roof units really can sound like you’re prepping for liftoff. Honestly, I’ve seen a few gable fans get overwhelmed after a big thunderstorm—especially in older homes with weird attic shapes. If you’re in the Midwest and storms are a regular thing, I’d lean toward the roof fan for even airflow, but only if you’re sure the flashing and seals are solid. Nothing worse than trading noise for water stains...

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Choosing between attic fan setups: roof or gable mount?

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