That’s interesting, because I always thought felt was the safer bet on steeper roofs, but I’ve had a couple close calls with it turning slick as ice when it’s even a little damp. Synthetic seems to hold up better, but maybe it’s just luck or the weather here (we get crazy humidity). How’d your solar fan install go with the underlayment? Any weird leaks or did it all seal up fine after? Sometimes it feels like the attic’s trying to cook me alive when there’s no airflow...
Any weird leaks or did it all seal up fine after? Sometimes it feels like the attic’s trying to cook me alive when there’s no airflow...
Yeah, I’ve had the same issue with felt—one minute it’s fine, next it’s like a skating rink if there’s any dew. Synthetic’s been way more forgiving for me, especially in humid weather. As for leaks, as long as you’re careful with the flashing and sealant around the fan, it usually holds up. The attic heat is brutal without airflow, totally get that.
The attic heat is brutal without airflow, totally get that.
Yeah, it’s wild how much difference a fan makes. I was skeptical at first, but after installing mine, the temp dropped a good 15 degrees up there. No leaks so far—just double-checked the flashing after the first rain. Worth the sweat, honestly.
I was pretty surprised by how much cooler my attic got after putting in a solar fan, too. I’d read a bunch of mixed reviews—some folks said it barely helped, others swore by them. For me, it’s made a real difference, especially during those humid July days. I’ve got asphalt shingles and a relatively low roof pitch, so I was a little worried about cutting into the decking. Took my time sealing up the flashing and used a tube of high-quality roofing sealant just to be safe. No leaks yet, even after a couple heavy downpours.
One thing I didn’t expect: the fan’s actually quieter than I thought it’d be. I can barely hear it from inside. If anyone’s on the fence, I’d say the trickiest part was getting the cutout right and lining up the flashing under the shingles. Not impossible, just slow going if you’re cautious like me. My only regret is not doing it sooner—my HVAC isn’t running nearly as hard now.
You did it right taking your time with the flashing and sealant. That’s where a lot of folks mess up, rushing or using cheap caulk, and then they’re surprised by leaks later. I’ve seen plenty of jobs where someone got impatient and ended up with water stains in the attic after the first big storm. As for the mixed reviews—honestly, it depends a lot on roof pitch, attic volume, and how well the rest of the ventilation is set up. On a low-slope roof like yours, cutting through the decking can be nerve-wracking, but sounds like you handled it smart. Glad to hear your HVAC is getting a break now... that’s one of those benefits people don’t always factor in.
