Sometimes, the basics done right are enough, especially if you’re not in hurricane alley.
Totally agree—seen so many “high-end” roofs fail just because someone skipped a simple step like sealing around a vent pipe. Flashing’s boring but man, it’s always the sneaky culprit. Upgrades are cool, but sometimes less is more.
I’m with you on the basics. Our house is only a few years old but after a heavy rain last fall, water started dripping right above the bathroom fan. Turned out the roofer hadn’t sealed around the vent pipe at all—just like you said, it’s always something simple. We’ve got asphalt shingles, and I keep wondering if metal would’ve avoided that, or if it’s just as vulnerable to bad installs? Not sure if paying double for metal would’ve saved me from that headache or just given me a more expensive leak...
Not sure if paying double for metal would’ve saved me from that headache or just given me a more expensive leak...
Honestly, I had the same debate when we built. Ended up with architectural shingles because the price difference was huge. But from what I’ve read (and seen helping a neighbor with his standing seam metal roof), even metal’s not immune to bad flashing or poor sealing around penetrations. Metal sheds water better, but if the installer skips a step—especially around vent pipes—you’re still at risk for leaks. In my case, it always seems like the weak point is the details, not the material itself.
Yeah, I kinda thought metal would be the “set it and forget it” option, but after seeing my cousin’s place get a leak right at the chimney, I’m not so sure. Seems like no matter what you pick, if the flashing’s sloppy, you’re in for trouble. I went with shingles too—mostly because my wallet said so—but now I’m just crossing my fingers every time we get a downpour.
Seems like no matter what you pick, if the flashing’s sloppy, you’re in for trouble.
Couldn’t agree more—bad flashing is like leaving your front door open during a rainstorm. I’ve seen metal roofs leak just as much as shingles when the installer cuts corners. Did you get a look at how they did your flashing around vents and chimneys? Sometimes it’s worth climbing up there (carefully) and checking for gaps or loose nails. Ever tried sealing it up yourself, or do you leave that to the pros?