I spent more time fussing over the starter row and making sure my nail gun was set just right than worrying about every new product on the shelf.
That’s honestly the key. I’ve seen folks drop a fortune on “hurricane-rated” shingles, but then skip the basics—like proper nailing or lining up that first row. Doesn’t matter how fancy your materials are if the install’s sloppy. Around here (I’m up in Wilmington), I always tell people: get your underlayment right, flashings tight, and don’t rush the details. The new tapes and sealants are cool, but they’re not magic if you miss the fundamentals. Your roof lasting through a storm isn’t just luck—it’s solid work.
Couldn’t agree more about the basics. I’ve watched more than one “premium” roof peel up like a sardine can because someone got lazy with the starter row or skipped a few nails. Had a crew once that spent half a day arguing about which shingle brand was “toughest,” but then left the flashing looking like it was installed by raccoons. Give me a solid install over fancy marketing any day... especially when I’m the one getting the 2am leak calls.
- Nailed it (pun intended) on the basics.
- Seen too many “high-end” roofs fail because someone got creative with shortcuts.
- Flashing’s the silent hero—nobody notices till it leaks, then suddenly it’s public enemy #1.
- I’d rather see a roof with straight lines and proper nailing than one with fancy shingles slapped on crooked.
- Marketing doesn’t keep water out... good install does.
- You’re not alone on those 2am calls—been there, patched that.
Flashing’s the silent hero—nobody notices till it leaks, then suddenly it’s public enemy #1.
That line hits home. I spent a weekend redoing the step flashing around my chimney after a minor leak—turns out the original installer skipped a couple steps and just caulked over gaps. It held up for years, but one big storm and... well, you know how that goes.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those newer peel-and-stick flashing tapes? I’m tempted to try them for some tricky spots, but not sure if they really hold up long-term or if it’s just another shortcut waiting to fail.
Peel-and-stick flashing tapes are kind of a mixed bag, honestly. I’ve used them in a few spots where traditional metal flashing was just too awkward—like around some odd roof penetrations and a skylight curb that never quite lined up right. The install is definitely easier, and if you prep the surface well (clean, dry, no dust or old caulk), they stick like crazy at first. But long-term? That’s where it gets tricky.
In my experience, the tapes hold up fine for a few years, especially if they’re protected from direct sun and not in spots where water just sits. But on south-facing slopes or anywhere UV exposure is high, I’ve seen the edges start to curl or lose adhesion after about 5-7 years. Once that happens, water finds its way in, and you’re back to square one. I wouldn’t call them a shortcut exactly—more like a tool that’s great for certain situations but not a total replacement for step flashing or proper metal work.
One thing I do like: some of the newer tapes are butyl-based instead of asphalt, and those seem to last longer and stay flexible. Still, nothing beats overlapping metal for peace of mind, especially in hurricane country. If you’re dealing with tricky spots where metal just won’t fit, tape can be a good backup, but I’d still try to cover it with counterflashing or something to keep the sun off.
And yeah, it’s wild how much damage a little missed step can cause. I had a similar situation with a vent pipe—installer just globbed on sealant instead of using a boot. Looked fine for years, then one winter freeze-thaw cycle and suddenly I had water stains on the ceiling. Lesson learned: shortcuts always come back to haunt you eventually.
If you do go with tape, just make sure you follow the install instructions to the letter and don’t skimp on prep. It’s tempting to rush, but that’s usually when things go sideways.
