Taking your time with the sealant really does make all the difference. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to deal with “mystery leaks” in rental properties, only to find out later someone slapped on cheap caulk and called it a day. It’s always after a big rain, too—never fails.
Mixed reviews on solar attic fans are spot on. I’ve seen them work wonders in one house and barely make a dent in another. Roof pitch and attic size definitely play a part, but I’d add that insulation quality matters too. One place I manage had a fan installed on a low-slope roof, and it helped, but we didn’t see real improvement until we upgraded the insulation as well.
Cutting into the decking is nerve-wracking, for sure. I remember the first time I watched a crew do it, my stomach was in knots just hoping they wouldn’t hit any wires or pipes. It’s not something you want to rush.
Glad your HVAC is getting some relief. People underestimate how much those attic temps can drive up cooling costs... until they see their bill drop a bit after an upgrade like this.
Cutting into the decking is nerve-wracking, for sure. I remember the first time I watched a crew do it, my stomach was in knots just hoping they wouldn’t hit any wires or pipes.
That’s the part that always gets me too—never know what you’ll find under there, especially on older houses. One thing I’ve learned is to double-check from inside the attic before making any cuts. Mark out where the rafters and wires are, then drill a pilot hole up from below so you know exactly where you’re landing. Saves a lot of stress (and patchwork). And yeah, cheap caulk is a nightmare... I always go for a high-quality sealant and take my time smoothing it out. Rushing just means you’ll be back up there fixing leaks after the next storm.
That’s a solid tip about drilling a pilot hole—wish I’d thought of that before my first install. Ended up nicking a wire and spent half a day patching it up. I’ve also found that some of those “universal” flashing kits don’t fit older decking quite right, so I usually bring extra butyl tape just in case. And yeah, cheap caulk is basically asking for leaks down the road... learned that the hard way after a summer storm rolled through.
Can totally relate on the “universal” flashing kits—my house was built in the late 70s and nothing ever lines up quite right. I’ve had to get creative with extra sealants and even a bit of custom metal work here and there. Curious, did you end up using a regular caulk gun or one of those high-end applicators? I’ve noticed the cheap ones just make a mess, especially if you’re working on a steep pitch.
- Yep, those “universal” kits are a cruel joke for us folks with homes older than disco. I’m convinced nothing is actually universal except frustration.
- I started out with a bargain-bin caulk gun—big mistake. Ended up with more sealant on my hands than the roof. Upgraded to a mid-range one (not the fancy $50 models) and it was night and day.
- Steep pitch + cheap gun = gravity’s revenge. If you haven’t tried the dripless ones, they’re worth it.
- Still had to bend some flashing by hand with a rubber mallet... my “custom” work would make a roofer cringe, but hey, no leaks yet.
