Should I replace my attic fan when getting a new roof?
Since the roof is already being redone, it is much easier to replace an old attic fan whose exact age is unknown. Even if it is not currently leaking, an older unit is worth evaluating so you do not miss the opportunity to swap it out while roofers are already working in that area.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Removing the attic fan completely if the house has soffit vents and ridge cap ventsDid this help you?
- 2Having the roofer check the ventilation layout before replacing the fan like-for-likeDid this help you?
- 3leaving existing skylights untouched and working around them during shingle installationDid this help you?
- 4leaving old skylights in place and roofing around themDid this help you?
- 5consulting with professional roofers before making a decisionDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“How should I handle this skylight?”source ↗
“It is not leaking, it is old.”source ↗
“Should I get the roofer to install new skylights or leave them alone and work around it?”source ↗
“we need a new (sloped, shingle) roof. I haven't met roofers yet, just want to make sure I'm ready to discuss this with them.”source ↗
“as far as I can tell, all the skylights are fine. I think they're maybe 25 years old, not sure (before my time).”source ↗
“There are no leaks or anything, but I'm wondering what the thinking is for doing them now, while things are gonna be torn up”source ↗
“I also don't know just what gets replaced in a skylight -- would we just get new windows, and the frame stays”source ↗
“I have a roof fan and have no idea how old it is. It is at least 20 years old though because I have lived here that long so am wondering if I should get it replaced while the roof is being redone, as it seems much easier to do now.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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