I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll admit I tried patching a few spots before biting the bullet on a full tear-off. My shingles were curling at the edges, and every time I thought I’d fixed one leak, another would pop up after a heavy rain. The solar attic fan install was the last straw—cutting into old, brittle shingles just made things worse. If your roof’s already showing its age, especially with curling or cracking, it’s tough to get a good seal around new penetrations. Sometimes it’s just not worth fighting with it anymore... I wish I’d replaced that section before messing with the fan.
That’s the thing with older roofs, right? Once those shingles start curling, it’s like playing whack-a-mole with leaks. I’ve seen folks try to patch around vent installs, but the seal never really holds if the material’s already brittle. Did you ever get any pushback from your installer about the condition of your shingles before they cut in for the fan, or was it more of a DIY job? I’ve had some contractors flat-out refuse to touch a roof if it’s past a certain age—they say it’s just not worth the callbacks.
Also, curious—did you notice any difference in attic temps at all before the leaks started up again? Sometimes I wonder if the hassle is even worth it on an old roof, or if it just opens up more headaches.
You nailed it about contractors steering clear of old shingles—honestly, I’ve turned down jobs where the roof was just too far gone. Once those shingles get brittle and start curling, there’s no good way to guarantee a seal around new penetrations. I get why folks want to install fans for the attic heat, but if the roof’s already on its last legs, it’s kind of a gamble. I’ve seen a few people get some short-term relief on attic temps, but then the leaks start and you’re back to square one... Sometimes patching just isn’t worth the headache if the whole surface is compromised.
Once those shingles get brittle and start curling, there’s no good way to guarantee a seal around new penetrations.
I've run into this exact issue during inspections. Folks sometimes underestimate how much those old, curled shingles can compromise even the best install. I’ve seen a few solar fans done on 25+ year-old roofs, and inevitably, water finds its way in around the flashing. Sure, attic temps drop for a season or two, but then you’re chasing leaks. In my experience, if the shingle field is brittle, adding any roof penetration is just asking for trouble—it’s almost impossible to get a reliable seal. Sometimes it’s better to wait until you can do both jobs together—new roof and fan—rather than patching up problems one at a time.
Sometimes it’s better to wait until you can do both jobs together—new roof and fan—rather than patching up problems one at a time.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I get the urge to add a solar fan for the energy savings, but if your shingles are curling like potato chips, you’re just asking for leaks. I’ve seen folks try to “make it work” with extra caulk or flashing, but water always wins in the end. Honestly, if you’re already thinking about a new roof soon, it’s way less hassle (and waste) to do both at once. Plus, you can look into cool roof options or recycled shingles while you’re at it... might as well go green if you’re re-roofing anyway.