Interesting to hear your experience with Flex Seal outdoors—I was actually considering it for a similar chimney flashing issue. Makes sense that temperature swings would cause problems, especially with freeze-thaw cycles. I'm still learning the ropes with home repairs, so it's reassuring to know the traditional methods hold up better long-term. Guess I'll skip the quick fix and go straight for the metal flashing and roofing cement route...sounds like it'll save headaches down the road.
"Guess I'll skip the quick fix and go straight for the metal flashing and roofing cement route...sounds like it'll save headaches down the road."
Good call on that. Flex Seal and similar spray-on products can seem tempting at first—quick, easy, and all—but I've seen plenty of cases where they just don't hold up to weather extremes. Chimney flashing especially takes a beating from temperature swings, moisture, and UV exposure. Metal flashing paired with proper roofing cement is definitely the way to go if you're aiming for longevity.
Just a quick tip: when installing the metal flashing, make sure you overlap each piece correctly—start from the bottom and work your way up so water sheds properly. And don't skimp on the roofing cement; apply it generously under the edges to create a solid seal. It can get messy, but trust me, it's worth it.
You're making a smart choice going traditional here. Might take a bit more effort upfront, but you'll thank yourself later when you're not climbing back up there every spring to patch things again...
"Guess I'll skip the quick fix and go straight for the metal flashing and roofing cement route...sounds like it'll save headaches down the road."
Smart move. I learned this lesson the hard way a few years back when I first bought my house. Thought I'd save myself some trouble by grabbing one of those spray-on sealants from the hardware store—seemed like a no-brainer at the time. Quick, cheap, and the commercials made it look bulletproof. Well, after one particularly rough winter, I was up on the roof again staring at peeling, cracked sealant and water stains creeping down my chimney wall. Not exactly my proudest homeowner moment.
After that fiasco, I decided to bite the bullet and redo it properly with metal flashing and roofing cement. It wasn't exactly fun—roofing cement is sticky as heck, and I swear I ended up wearing more than I got on the flashing—but once it was done right, it stayed done. Haven't had to climb back up there since, knock on wood.
One thing I'd add from experience: make sure you prep your surfaces really well before applying the cement. Scrape off any old residue or dirt thoroughly—if you don't get a clean surface, even the best roofing cement won't bond properly. Learned that little tidbit from an older neighbor who saw me struggling and came over to lend a hand (and some friendly advice).
Honestly, going traditional might feel like more hassle upfront, but it's worth every minute spent when you're not dealing with leaks and repairs year after year. Good luck with your project...hope your cleanup goes smoother than mine did!
Definitely the right call going with flashing and cement. It's a bit more cash upfront, but way cheaper than fixing water damage later on...trust me, learned that lesson myself. Sounds like you're set up for the long haul now.
- Good call on the flashing, learned that one the hard way too.
- Now the real question...did you DIY it or hire someone?
- Tried doing mine solo once—let's just say gravity won that round.
