"Just spray gently from above and watch carefully underneath."
That's spot-on advice. Had a similar issue last spring—thought I'd sealed everything perfectly, but nope, sneaky drip found its way in. Learned the hard way that patience with the hose test is key... slow and steady beats rushing every time.
That's definitely a solid method, but I'd suggest being cautious about relying solely on the hose test. Water can behave differently under various weather conditions—wind-driven rain, for instance, can find its way into spots that a gentle spray from a hose might miss entirely. I've seen situations where everything seemed perfectly sealed during a calm test, only to have leaks appear again during the next heavy storm.
One thing I've found helpful is combining the hose test with a visual inspection after a particularly windy or rainy day. Sometimes, subtle signs like water stains or slight discoloration on the underside of sheathing or rafters can reveal hidden issues that aren't immediately obvious during controlled testing. Also, if you have attic access, checking insulation for dampness after storms can pinpoint trouble areas more accurately.
Last year, we had a property with persistent leaks around metal edging despite multiple tests and repairs. Eventually, we realized the issue wasn't just sealing—it was also about proper flashing installation and overlap techniques. The edging itself was fine, but the flashing beneath hadn't been installed correctly, allowing water to wick back underneath during heavy rains. Once we corrected that detail, the leaks stopped completely.
Not saying your approach isn't effective—it clearly worked well for you—but just wanted to highlight that sometimes leaks are tricky and might require looking beyond just sealant and gentle spraying. Roofs have their quirks... and patience combined with thoroughness usually pays off in the long run.
"Eventually, we realized the issue wasn't just sealing—it was also about proper flashing installation and overlap techniques."
Good point about flashing. I'd actually argue that flashing details are usually more critical than sealants themselves. Sealants can degrade or fail over time, especially with temperature swings and UV exposure. Properly installed flashing, on the other hand, channels water away mechanically—no matter how harsh the conditions get. I've seen plenty of leaks caused by relying too heavily on sealants alone... Flashing done right is your best long-term bet.
Yeah, flashing is definitely underrated. I can't even count how many times I've inspected homes where someone tried to fix leaks by just slapping on more sealant. It might hold for a few months, maybe even a year or two, but eventually it always comes back to bite you. I remember one place in particular—beautiful older home, owners kept patching up around the chimney with silicone every year. When I finally got up there, the flashing was installed completely wrong, basically funneling water right into the attic. No wonder they had mold issues.
Honestly, sealants have their place, but they're more of a backup than a primary defense. Flashing done right is like your first line of defense—it directs water away naturally, without relying on something that dries out or cracks over time. Did you end up redoing the flashing yourself, or did you get someone else to handle it? Curious how tricky it was to get it right...
Had a similar issue on a rental property recently. Tenants kept complaining about leaks around the skylight, and turns out someone had just layered sealant over old flashing. Finally got it properly redone—no leaks since. Definitely worth doing it right the first time.
