Couldn’t agree more about caulk being a band-aid, not a fix. I put in a solar fan last summer (asphalt shingles, Illinois) and the prefab flashing kit felt like cheap sheet metal—barely covered the cutout, and the fit was sloppy. Ended up bending my own out of aluminum flashing and tucking it under two shingle courses. Haven’t had a leak yet, but I check after every big storm just in case. Warranty-wise, I read the fine print and yeah, if water gets in, it’s on you unless you can prove a factory defect—which is almost impossible. Honestly, I’d rather spend an extra hour up there than deal with soggy insulation later.
- Ran into the same thing with a solar fan install on my own place (asphalt, Midwest). The flashing kit was so flimsy I could bend it with two fingers—felt like a joke for something that’s supposed to keep water out.
- Ended up using some leftover steel flashing from a gutter project. Not pretty, but at least it actually tucked under the shingles and overlapped right.
- I’m with you—caulk is just a temporary patch. If water’s already getting in, it’s too late for a bead of goo to save you.
- Warranty stuff is a pain. I tried to get a manufacturer to cover a leak once and they just blamed “improper install.” Basically, if you’re not a certified installer, you’re out of luck.
- Honestly, I’d rather spend an extra afternoon making sure the flashing is solid than risk mold or insulation headaches down the line. Not sure why these kits are so cheap when the stakes are so high.
- Only thing I’d add—if you’re in a spot with heavy snow, double-check the flashing after winter. Ice dams can sneak water in even if everything looks good after rain.
Solar attic fan install was supposed to be easy... right?
That’s the thing—these “universal” flashing kits always look good in the box, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen them fail in the field. Why do manufacturers keep shipping out paper-thin metal for something that’s supposed to be your last line of defense against water? I get that they’re trying to keep costs down, but at what point does it just become a liability?
I’ve inspected a few homes where folks tried to rely on caulk or sealant as a fix after the fact. Nine times out of ten, it just hides the problem for a season or two. Once water finds a path, it’s game over—especially with attic fans, since you’re cutting a hole right at the roof’s most vulnerable spot. Ever notice how leaks almost never show up right away? Sometimes it’s a year or two before you see the stains or smell the musty insulation.
I do wonder if some of these kits are designed more for the Sun Belt, where snow and ice aren’t a factor. Up here, freeze-thaw cycles and ice dams will find any weak spot. I’ve seen “properly” installed fans leak after a rough winter, just because the flashing wasn’t up to the job. And yeah, the warranty dance is a joke—manufacturers always seem to have an out if you didn’t use their installer or follow every step to the letter.
One thing I’d add: even if you use better flashing, it’s worth checking the attic after a big storm or heavy snow. Sometimes you’ll spot a drip or damp insulation before it turns into a bigger headache. And if you’re already up there, might as well check for any signs of critters too—squirrels love those new openings.
Curious if anyone’s found a kit that actually feels solid out of the box? Or is it just standard practice now to toss the included flashing and make your own?
Once water finds a path, it’s game over—especially with attic fans, since you’re cutting a hole right at the roof’s most vulnerable spot.
Honestly, I’ve never seen a “universal” kit that felt sturdy enough for our winters. Even when folks use extra sealant, it just seems like a short-term patch. Has anyone tried using step flashing from regular roofing supplies instead of what comes in the box? Wondering if that holds up better long-term, especially with ice dams in the mix.
I’m right there with you—those “universal” kits always seem flimsy, especially once the temps drop and things start shifting. I actually swapped in step flashing from my last roofing project, and it’s held up way better through two winters. The kit stuff just doesn’t cut it for heavy snow and ice, at least not up here. If you’re already cutting into the roof, might as well do it right the first time... saves a lot of headaches (and cash) down the road.
