Anyone tried those rubber gaskets that are supposed to flex more with temperature swings? Curious if they actually hold up better, or just another marketing gimmick...
I’ve swapped to those “flex” gaskets on a couple jobs, but honestly, I’m not convinced they last much longer. Have you noticed if the thicker washers actually help with leaks, or just slow down the UV damage?
Have you noticed if the thicker washers actually help with leaks, or just slow down the UV damage?
I’ve seen the thicker ones hold up a bit better in spots that get hammered by sun, but leaks still pop up eventually. In my experience, it’s more about how well they’re installed than the gasket itself. Those big temp swings we get seem to wear them out no matter what.
That lines up with what I’ve seen—thicker washers might buy you a little more time, but they’re not a magic fix. I’ve inspected plenty of roofs where the fasteners looked fine at first glance, but a closer look showed the washer had just flattened out or cracked from all the expansion and contraction. If the screws aren’t set just right, or if the panels shift even a bit, water finds its way in eventually. Honestly, I think regular checks and swapping out the old ones before they get brittle does more than just going thicker. Those wild temp swings are brutal on any gasket material.
Honestly, I think regular checks and swapping out the old ones before they get brittle does more than just going thicker.
That’s been my experience too—no matter how beefy the washer, it’s just not built to last forever, especially with the way temps swing around here. But I keep wondering, has anyone tried switching to those newer rubber-alternative gaskets? Supposedly they hold up better under UV and don’t get as brittle, but I haven’t seen much real-world feedback. Are they actually worth the extra cost, or is it just another “green” marketing thing?
I tried those silicone-based gaskets last year when I replaced a section over the garage. They were pricier than the standard rubber, but I was tired of dealing with cracked washers every spring. So far, they’ve held up through two hailstorms and a couple heatwaves—no visible cracks or leaks yet. Maybe it’s too soon to call it a win, but honestly, I’d rather pay a little more if it means climbing up there less often. That said, I do wonder if the “eco” angle is just hype... but at least they don’t stink like the old ones did in the sun.