Just spent the weekend trying to install some flashing around the skylights on my shed roof. Used one of those peel-and-stick flashing tapes from the hardware store, seemed easy enough at first. But after last night's rain, there's still some leaks coming through...ugh. Wondering if anyone else had similar issues with these products or if maybe I'm just doing something wrong here.
I've had mixed luck with those peel-and-stick tapes myself. They're convenient, sure, but sometimes they just don't bond well enough—especially if the surface isn't perfectly clean or dry. Did you use a roller or something to press it down firmly? That can make a big difference. Also, double-check the corners and overlaps; water loves sneaking in through tiny gaps. If all else fails, a bead of roofing sealant around the edges usually does the trick...saved me more than once, haha.
"Did you use a roller or something to press it down firmly? That can make a big difference."
Good call on the roller—I learned that trick the hard way. Another thing I've found helpful is warming up the tape slightly with a heat gun or hairdryer; it softens the adhesive and helps it bond better. Have you tried that yet?
"Another thing I've found helpful is warming up the tape slightly with a heat gun or hairdryer; it softens the adhesive and helps it bond better."
That's actually a solid tip—warming the adhesive can definitely help, especially in colder weather when tapes and sealants tend to stiffen up. I've seen plenty of cases where skylight seals fail prematurely because the adhesive wasn't applied under optimal conditions. Temperature plays a bigger role than most people realize.
One thing I'd add from experience: surface prep is absolutely crucial. Even if you're pressing firmly with a roller or warming the tape, if there's any dirt, moisture, or residue on the surface, you'll never get a proper watertight seal. I usually recommend wiping down the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or acetone (depending on what material your skylight frame is made of). It might seem like overkill at first, but trust me—it's worth the extra few minutes of effort.
Also, what kind of flashing tape are you using? I've noticed some brands perform significantly better than others in terms of long-term adhesion and flexibility. Butyl-based tapes generally outperform asphalt-based ones for skylight applications, especially since they stay flexible longer and handle temperature fluctuations better.
On another note, how's your overlap looking? Sometimes folks underestimate how much overlap is really needed for proper water shedding. A good rule of thumb is at least 3-4 inches overlap on all seams and corners. If you're skimping there—even unintentionally—it could be causing some headaches down the road.
Anyway, sounds like you're already headed in the right direction with the roller and heat approach. Skylights can be notoriously tricky to seal perfectly...been there myself more times than I'd like to admit. Keep at it—you're almost certainly closer than you think to getting that watertight result you're after.
That tip about warming the tape is pretty decent advice, especially if you're working in cooler weather. I've seen that peel-and-stick stuff fail more times than I'd like, usually because the surface wasn't pristine or it was just too cold out. Had a similar issue last fall—ended up switching to a butyl-based tape and cleaning everything down with acetone beforehand. Haven't had a leak since, knock on wood...
