"Still beats paying someone else, though...mostly."
I get where you're coming from, and saving money doing it yourself is definitely appealing. But honestly, roofing projects—especially anything involving shingles or flashing—are usually trickier than they first appear. I've seen plenty of DIY attic fan installations that ended up causing leaks or ventilation issues down the line. Not saying yours will, but it's something to keep an eye on.
The problem with roofing is that small mistakes can become big headaches later. Misaligned shingles, improperly sealed penetrations, or even minor damage to the underlayment can lead to moisture intrusion over time. And unfortunately, water damage often doesn't show itself until months or years later, when the repair costs are significantly higher than the initial savings.
On the other hand, improving attic ventilation with a solar fan is definitely a smart move. Lower attic temperatures extend the life of your roof and reduce cooling costs. So, your comfort improvements aren't just noticeable—they're beneficial in the long run.
If you're confident in your install, great—but I'd suggest double-checking your seals and flashing after the next heavy rain. It might seem overly cautious, but catching a small issue early saves a lot of hassle later on. Just my two cents from experience...
Haha, isn't it funny how DIY projects always start off sounding easy? Like, "Oh yeah, I'll just pop this solar fan in real quick, no biggie..." and then suddenly you're knee-deep in shingles and flashing tape wondering where it all went wrong. Been there myself.
I totally agree that roofing stuff can get tricky fast. But honestly, I think a lot of the horror stories come from folks who rush through the prep or skip steps because they're trying to beat sunset (or dinner time). Did you take your time with the flashing and sealing around the fan base? That's usually the make-or-break part. If you got that right, you're probably golden.
Also, did you use any sealant or roofing cement around the edges? I've seen some installs where people rely solely on flashing kits that come with the fan. Those kits are decent, but adding a little extra waterproofing never hurts—especially if your roof sees heavy rain or snow.
And hey, even if you do end up with a tiny leak later on, it's usually not the end of the world. Most small leaks can be patched pretty easily if you catch them early enough. Just keep an eye out for any water stains or damp spots after a good storm. Better yet, climb up into the attic during the next downpour with a flashlight—nothing like a little adventure to spice up your evening, right?
But seriously, props for going solar. Did you notice any immediate difference in attic temps yet? I installed one last summer and was surprised how quickly it cooled things down up there. My AC bill definitely thanked me later.
Anyway, fingers crossed your install holds up fine. And hey, even if it doesn't...at least you'll have a good story to tell at your next BBQ.
Roofing projects always seem deceptively simple until you're up there sweating buckets and second-guessing every move. Gotta admit, I'm skeptical about those flashing kits too—seen enough leaks to trust a little extra sealant way more than a manufacturer's promise. Still, good on you for diving in. Even if it doesn't turn out perfect, you'll learn tons from the experience...and probably have cooler attic temps to show for it.
- Been there, done that—roofing always looks easier on YouTube.
- Learned the hard way myself, flashing kits are alright but nothing beats extra sealant.
- Cooler attic temps are worth a weekend of second-guessing, trust me...
"roofing always looks easier on YouTube."
Haha, ain't that the truth. Reminds me of the time I confidently climbed up to install my first solar attic fan—armed with nothing but a YouTube tutorial and misplaced optimism. Halfway through, I realized the flashing kit was more of a suggestion than a solution. Ended up using enough sealant to waterproof a submarine. But hey, attic's cooler now, and my pride eventually recovered... mostly.
