Cutting into a roof always feels like defusing a bomb to me—one wrong move and you’re sweating bullets hoping you didn’t just create a future waterfall in your attic.
That’s a pretty accurate description. Last time I installed a solar fan, I thought I had everything sealed tight—used what I thought was enough flashing and high-end sealant. Then we got one of those sideways rainstorms and, sure enough, I found a drip right above my workbench. Those old asphalt shingles really do curl up and fight you. Next time, I’m tempted to just tarp the whole roof until I’m done...
Those old asphalt shingles really do curl up and fight you.
That’s the real headache, especially if the roof’s got a few years on it. When I did my first solar fan, I underestimated how much those curled shingles would mess with the flashing. Ended up having to lift and re-seat a couple just to get a decent seal. Tarping helps, but honestly, sometimes it’s just about picking a dry stretch and working slow. If you haven’t tried using a flexible flashing tape under the metal flashing, it can help bridge those uneven spots. Not perfect, but it saved me from chasing leaks later.
Those curled shingles are a pain, no doubt. I ran into the same thing last fall—thought I could just pop the fan in and be done, but nope, had to pry up half the row just to get the flashing to sit halfway right. I’m not totally sold on that flexible tape though... tried it once and it didn’t stick as well as I hoped after a week of rain. Maybe my roof’s just too far gone? Either way, you’re right about picking your weather window and taking it slow. Rushing is how you end up with leaks and regrets.
Flexible tape never really did it for me either, especially on older shingles that just don’t want to lay flat. I’ve had better luck with the old-fashioned metal flashing and a healthy dose of roofing cement, but even then, if the shingles are curling up, it’s a fight. At some point, patching starts to feel like putting lipstick on a pig. Have you thought about whether it’s worth doing more repairs or just biting the bullet and replacing the whole section? Curious if anyone’s tried those newer peel-and-stick underlayments on a roof that’s already seen better days...
At some point, patching starts to feel like putting lipstick on a pig.
That’s the truth. Once shingles start curling, you’re basically fighting gravity and time. I’ve seen peel-and-stick underlayments used as a last-ditch effort, but on an old roof, they’re more like a band-aid than a cure. If you’re already seeing widespread curling or cracking, it’s usually more cost-effective (and less headache) to replace the whole section. Otherwise, you’ll just be chasing leaks every season.
