Solar attic fan install was supposed to be easy... right?
I’ll admit, I got sucked in by the “easy DIY” label on the box. Watched a couple videos, figured I’d be done in an hour, tops. Then I actually cut into the roof and realized there’s a whole lot more to it than just dropping the fan in and slapping some tape or sealant around the edges.
I tried that flashing tape that everyone raves about—seemed like it would save me a headache. It looked solid until the first real rainstorm. Next thing I know, I’ve got a slow drip right over my garage. Had to go back up there, peel the tape off (which was already curling up at the edges), and do it the old-fashioned way with metal flashing and a whole lot of patience. Not gonna lie, working that metal under those brittle shingles was a pain, especially since my roof’s got a pretty steep pitch. Nearly lost my balance a couple times, too… makes you rethink whether saving an hour is really worth it.
I get why people reach for tape when it’s blazing hot out—being up there in July felt like standing on a frying pan. But now that I’ve had to redo it, I’m convinced that shortcutting just isn’t worth it for anything that cuts into the roof. Still, I wonder if anyone’s actually found a tape or sealant that holds up more than a year in southern heat? Or is it just wishful thinking?
Also, curious—has anyone tried those “no-cut” solar fans that claim you don’t have to mess with the shingles at all? Are they actually leak-proof, or is that just marketing hype?
I’ve managed a few properties where folks tried the “miracle” tapes and sealants—never seen one last through more than a couple seasons, especially in the southern sun. The stuff just bakes and peels. Honestly, every time someone tries to shortcut roof work, I end up calling a roofer later anyway. As for those no-cut fans, I’m skeptical. One tenant swore by his, but after a year he noticed water stains around the vent. Maybe it’s just our humidity, but I haven’t seen a truly leak-proof option yet.
I hear you on those miracle tapes—seen way too many “quick fixes” turn into bigger headaches down the road. Down here, the sun just cooks anything that’s not properly flashed or sealed. I’ve inspected a bunch of those no-cut fans, and honestly, even the best ones seem to let a little moisture sneak in eventually. Maybe they work better up north, but in humid climates, I’d rather just bite the bullet and do a proper install. Sometimes shortcuts just cost more in the long run.
Down here, the sun just cooks anything that’s not properly flashed or sealed.
Ain’t that the truth. I tried one of those “no-cut” solar fans on my shed a couple years back—figured it’d be a quick win. Fast forward to summer and I had water stains creeping down the rafters. Turns out, even with all the fancy tape, the Florida sun just laughed and peeled it right up. I get why folks want the easy route, but sometimes old-school flashing is just less drama in the long run. Anyone else notice those tapes get brittle after a season or two?
- Seen it a hundred times—tape just doesn’t hold up to UV, especially on a low-slope or flat roof.
- Even the “UV-rated” stuff seems to get crispy after a couple summers.
- I’ve had better luck with metal flashing and a bead of good sealant, but it’s more work up front.
- Curious if anyone’s tried those newer liquid-applied flashings? I’m skeptical, but maybe they’re less prone to peeling in the heat...
- For me, anything that skips mechanical fasteners is just asking for trouble once hurricane season rolls around.
