Finally tackled that metal edging thing on my roof

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.

DIY is totally doable, but it really comes down to prep and technique. Gravity's a beast, no doubt, but you can tame it with the right setup. I tackled mine solo last summer - had a few sketchy moments myself - but learned some tricks along the way.

The key is having solid scaffolding or at least a stable ladder setup. Trying to juggle metal edging, tools, and balance on a shaky ladder is asking for trouble. Also, pre-drilling your holes on the ground saves you from awkward positions up top. And don't underestimate clamps or temporary fasteners - they're like having an extra pair of hands.

Honestly though, if heights aren't your thing or you're not confident in your gear, hiring someone isn't a bad call. Safety first and all that... But if you're comfortable up there and take your time prepping, DIY can save you a decent chunk of cash and feels pretty rewarding once it's done.

Good points on the clamps - I learned that one the hard way. I did mine a couple years back and thought I'd save time skipping the pre-drilling step... big mistake. Ended up balancing awkwardly, trying to drill holes overhead, and nearly dropped my drill twice. Definitely agree that prep work is half the battle. Also, double-checking your ladder footing every few minutes isn't paranoia - it's just smart. Glad yours turned out well, feels good to tick that one off the list, doesn't it?

- Learned the ladder footing lesson myself after a storm last year - wind gust caught me off guard, and I swear my heart skipped a beat.
- Totally agree on prep work; skipped pre-drilling once too, ended up with crooked edging and had to redo half of it.
- Feels great once it's done though, right? One less thing to worry about next time the weather turns nasty.

Had my own close call with ladder footing a couple years back - thought I had it steady, but the ground was softer than it looked. Ladder shifted just enough to get my adrenaline pumping. And yeah, skipping prep is tempting when you're in a hurry, but I've learned the hard way that shortcuts usually cost more time in the end. Still, nothing beats that relief when it's finally done and you know it's solid for the next storm.

- Been there myself - nothing scarier than feeling that ladder shift when you're halfway up. Glad you kept it upright!
- Totally agree on shortcuts; learned pretty quick that rushing things usually means paying twice later. Had to redo a gutter last spring because I skimped on prep - lesson learned.
- Always feels good knowing your roof's ready for whatever weather comes. Speaking of storms, I finally bit the bullet and installed gutter guards last month. Pricey upfront, but already saving me from climbing up there every weekend.
- Pro tip: old plywood scraps under ladder feet help a ton on soft ground. Cheap insurance, trust me...

Gutter guards are nice, but honestly, I've seen them clog up too - especially if you've got pine needles around. Still beats climbing ladders every weekend though... plywood trick's solid, wish I'd known that before sinking into mud last fall.

"Gutter guards are nice, but honestly, I've seen them clog up too - especially if you've got pine needles around."

Definitely agree on the pine needle issue; I've seen mesh-style guards completely covered within a month. Still, for the cost and effort saved, they're worth considering - just pick carefully based on your specific tree debris.

"Definitely agree on the pine needle issue; I've seen mesh-style guards completely covered within a month."

Yeah, the pine needles are a real headache. I've worked on roofs where homeowners installed those fine mesh gutter guards thinking they'd be maintenance-free, only to find them clogged solid after just a few weeks. The needles seem to weave themselves into the mesh, creating almost like a mat - it's pretty impressive in an annoying sort of way.

That said, you're right about carefully picking the type of guard based on local debris. I've noticed that the solid-surface guards with a slight curve or lip tend to handle needles better, as they let debris slide off more easily. But even then, they're not foolproof. A heavy storm or strong winds can still jam needles and small twigs into the openings, especially if your roof pitch isn't steep enough to help gravity do its thing.

One homeowner I worked with recently had tried three different brands before finally settling on one that worked decently well for his particular tree situation. Even then, he still climbs up once or twice a year to clear off stubborn spots. So yeah, gutter guards can definitely reduce maintenance, but they're rarely a "set it and forget it" solution - at least not in my experience.

Still, props for tackling the metal edging yourself. That stuff can be tricky to get right, especially around corners and valleys. It's always satisfying to see someone take on roofing projects themselves and come out ahead...nice job.

Gotta say, I've seen those solid-surface guards struggle too - especially if you've got a lot of wind. Had one homeowner swear by them until a big storm turned his gutters into mini bird nests overnight...nature finds a way, I guess.

Interesting point about the solid-surface guards - I've seen similar issues myself. Curious, was the homeowner's gutter system properly pitched? Sometimes even slight misalignments can cause debris buildup, especially after storms. Also, have you tried mesh-style guards instead? They seem to handle wind and debris a bit better in my experience...though nothing's foolproof when nature decides to get creative.

"Sometimes even slight misalignments can cause debris buildup, especially after storms."

Totally agree with this - seen it happen plenty of times. Even a tiny pitch issue can turn gutters into mini compost bins after a good storm. Mesh guards do help, but like you said, nature always finds a way. Had one homeowner swear by mesh guards until a freak windstorm plastered wet leaves right onto them...nothing's perfect, but at least mesh makes cleanup easier. Hang in there, sounds like you're on the right track!

- Mesh guards are decent, but honestly, I've seen them cause their own headaches.
- Had a job last fall where the mesh trapped pine needles like crazy - turned into a soggy mess after rain.
- Agree alignment matters, but sometimes even perfect installs can't beat mother nature...
- Still, better than nothing. Easier to scoop leaves off mesh than dig compost outta gutters, lol.

Mesh guards are one of those things that sound amazing in theory, but reality usually has other plans. Had mine installed two seasons ago, and at first, I was pretty impressed - seemed like a smart buy. But then autumn rolled around, and it felt like the mesh was practically designed to trap those tiny maple seeds. You know, the helicopter things? They got wedged in so tight that after a couple rains, it was like someone had poured oatmeal up there.

Still, gotta hand it to you - it's definitely easier scooping leaves and seeds off the mesh than scraping out that nasty gutter sludge. I've done the full gutter cleanout before, and that's a weekend chore I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. So yeah, mesh isn't perfect, but it's a decent compromise for anyone who hates climbing ladders every other weekend.

Honestly, though, I think the key is knowing your surroundings. If you're surrounded by pine trees or maples (like me), mesh might be more trouble than it's worth. But if you've got mostly bigger leaves nearby, mesh guards could save you a pretty big headache overall.

Anyway, props for tackling the metal edging - roof work always makes me nervous, even when it's supposedly "simple." Glad you got it handled without too many headaches!

Yeah, I've been debating mesh guards myself. Got a huge oak next door dropping acorns everywhere - wonder if they'd just bounce off or wedge themselves in? Might stick with ladder duty for now...less oatmeal-y gutters at least.

"Might stick with ladder duty for now...less oatmeal-y gutters at least."

Haha, oatmeal-y gutters - perfect description. I've got mesh guards myself, and honestly, they're decent for leaves but those acorns...they're sneaky little devils. Some bounce off, sure, but plenty wedge themselves right in. Still beats climbing ladders every weekend, though. Maybe just budget for a yearly gutter shake-out? Cheaper than oatmeal cleanup duty in the long run.