"I installed a solar attic fan myself last summer, thinking it'd be a quick afternoon job... yeah, not exactly."
Haha, been there. People underestimate attic ventilation all the time—it's not just about slapping a fan up there. Had a client last year who swore his attic was "cursed" because nothing cooled it down. Turned out his soffit vents were painted shut by the previous homeowner. Once we opened those up, huge difference. You're spot on about EPDM too; silicone just doesn't hold up in extreme heat.
"Had a client last year who swore his attic was 'cursed' because nothing cooled it down. Turned out his soffit vents were painted shut by the previous homeowner."
Haha, that sounds painfully familiar. Reminds me of a job I did a couple years back—homeowner had me install two solar attic fans and was convinced they'd solve everything overnight. But when I got up there, I noticed immediately that something wasn't right... zero airflow coming in from the soffits.
Here's what happened step-by-step (might help someone else avoid this headache):
1. Checked the attic space thoroughly—yep, insulation was packed tight against the eaves, completely blocking airflow from the soffits.
2. Pulled back the insulation carefully to expose the soffit vents. Surprise: whoever installed the insulation went way too far out, basically smothering any chance of ventilation.
3. Installed proper baffles (those foam or plastic channels) between rafters to keep insulation away from vents.
4. Double-checked outside vents for blockage or paint buildup (good call on that painted-shut scenario you mentioned).
5. Finally, re-tested airflow and saw immediate improvement—fans actually started doing their job.
Moral of the story? Solar attic fans are great, but they're only as good as your overall ventilation setup. If your intake is blocked or restricted in any way, you're just spinning your wheels (or blades, in this case).
Also totally agree about silicone sealants not holding up. EPDM flashing or even polyurethane-based sealants are definitely more reliable long-term options for roofs exposed to heat extremes.
Attics can be tricky beasts... seems like every time you think it'll be a straightforward project, some weird issue pops up that makes you scratch your head for an hour or two longer than expected. Glad I'm not alone on this one!
Been there myself... figured my solar fan was defective at first, but nope—same insulation issue. Those foam baffles are a lifesaver, honestly. Worth the extra hour or two to put them in right and save headaches later.
"figured my solar fan was defective at first, but nope—same insulation issue."
Haha, did we all fall for that one? I spent an entire afternoon convinced I'd wired mine wrong or something. Those foam baffles really do the trick, though... but is it just me, or does anyone else feel personally victimized by insulation every time they climb into an attic? Like seriously, why does it always have to be a battle up there?
Haha, insulation is always out to get us, isn't it? Next time, try wearing long sleeves and gloves—makes the battle slightly less miserable. Still itchy, but at least you won't feel personally attacked by fiberglass shards afterward...
