if you’re working with new, clean metal and you’re careful with prep, skipping primer hasn’t bitten me yet. But if there’s any dust or oxidation, primer really does help.
I’ve seen the same thing on a lot of jobs—primer isn’t always “required,” but it’s one of those steps that can make a difference in the long run. I get why people skip it, especially if the metal looks spotless and you’re trying to save a few bucks. But honestly, even when metal looks clean, there’s often some invisible residue or micro-oxidation that you just can’t see. That’s where primer earns its keep.
I’ve inspected roofs where butyl started peeling up after a couple years—almost always on unprimed spots, especially on north-facing edges where moisture lingers. The primed sections just seem to hold their seal better over time. It’s not dramatic at first, but fast forward through a couple freeze-thaw cycles and you’ll notice.
If you’re already up there doing the work, I’d argue it’s worth the extra step. Not saying it’s a magic bullet, but it does stack the odds in your favor for longevity.
Had a similar debate with myself last fall when I was patching up the shed roof. I figured the metal looked clean enough, but ended up priming half and skipping the other half just to see. Sure enough, after one wet winter, the primed side still looks tight, but there’s already a tiny lift on the unprimed edge. Not a huge deal yet, but I’m kicking myself for not just doing it all at once... sometimes those “extra” steps are worth it.
That’s a classic one—always tempting to skip steps when you’re in the thick of it, especially if things look clean. I’ve done the same with flashing on my garage, thinking “it’ll hold.” A year later, rust started creeping in right where I cut corners. Live and learn, I guess. At least you’ve got proof for next time, and honestly, a tiny lift after a wet winter isn’t the end of the world.
Cutting corners on flashing is one of those things that always comes back to bite, even if it looks fine at first. I’ve seen so many roofs where a little shortcut led to way bigger headaches down the line—water finds every weak spot, especially after a couple freeze-thaw cycles. Honestly, I get the urge to skip steps when you’re tired or the weather’s turning, but every time I’ve inspected a “quick fix,” it’s cost more in repairs later. Even a small lift can let in enough moisture to start rot or rust, and then you’re chasing leaks for years. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s never just cosmetic either.
- Been there with the temptation to just get it done, especially when the weather’s turning.
- Did a quick patch job on my shed roof last fall—regretted it as soon as spring rains hit.
- Metal edging’s one of those things that looks minor but makes a huge difference.
- If you skip caulking or don’t overlap right, water sneaks in and you won’t notice until there’s staining or worse.
- I always double-check the corners now... learned that lesson after chasing a mystery leak for months.
- Not saying every shortcut is a disaster, but with flashing, it’s just not worth it.
