"Does it hold up well in extreme weather, like heavy snow or intense summer heat? I've been burned before by products that promise durability but then peel off halfway through winter..."
I've inspected quite a few homes where rubberized asphalt tape was used on flashing repairs, and here's my quick take:
- **Weather Durability:** Generally holds up pretty well. I've seen it survive harsh winters with heavy snow and ice dams, as well as scorching summers. However, the key is proper surface prep—cleaning and drying thoroughly before application. If moisture or dirt remains underneath, it'll start peeling prematurely.
- **Ease of Application:** Good news for you—it's pretty forgiving for DIYers. You don't need surgical precision; just patience. The tape is flexible and adheres easily if you take your time smoothing it down. Just make sure to press firmly along edges and corners to avoid gaps.
- **Longevity:** Realistically, it's more of a solid temporary-to-medium-term fix rather than permanent. If your aluminum flashing is severely damaged or corroded, eventually you'll want to replace it properly. But if you're dealing with minor damage or leaks, this stuff can buy you a decent chunk of time (think 2-4 years typically).
Quick tip: Don't apply it when temperatures are below recommended guidelines on the packaging—it won't bond as effectively and could shorten its lifespan significantly.
Bottom line: For minor issues or temporary fixes, it's reliable enough and DIY-friendly. But if you're seeing major deterioration, bite the bullet and redo the flashing properly... it'll save headaches down the road.
I've had similar experiences with the rubberized asphalt tape stuff. It's definitely a decent short-term fix, but the key really is in the prep work, like you mentioned:
"If moisture or dirt remains underneath, it'll start peeling prematurely."
Couldn't agree more. Last winter I patched up some flashing around my chimney thinking I had cleaned it enough—turns out I rushed it a bit. After a couple of heavy snowfalls and freeze-thaw cycles, the edges started peeling back, and water found its way under the tape... ended up having to redo the whole thing in spring.
That being said, when I've taken my time and really cleaned the surface thoroughly—scrubbing off dirt, grime, and oxidation—it's held up surprisingly well. Even through some nasty summer heat waves and heavy winter snow loads. But yeah, it's not a permanent solution by any means. If your flashing is seriously corroded or damaged, you're just kicking the can down the road.
I'm actually curious about something related: Has anyone tried using primer or adhesion promoter underneath these tapes? I've read mixed opinions online—some say it helps significantly with longevity in harsh climates; others think it's an unnecessary step. Wondering if anyone here has personal experience with that route...
I've tried primer under the tape a couple times, and honestly... I'm still on the fence about it. On one hand, the spots I primed did seem to hold up better through winter ice dams and heavy rains. But was it enough of a difference to justify the extra cost and hassle? Hard to say. If you're already meticulous about surface prep, primer might be overkill. But if you're patching something tricky or expecting harsh conditions, probably worth giving it a shot at least once.
I get what you're saying about primer maybe being overkill, but honestly, as someone who just bought their first house and is still figuring things out, I'd rather err on the side of caution. Last fall I skipped primer when patching some flashing around my chimney because it seemed like a hassle... big mistake. First heavy rainstorm and I had water sneaking in again. Maybe it was just beginner's bad luck, but now I'm thinking primer might've saved me from redoing the whole thing twice.
Yeah, primer can seem like an extra step, but aluminum flashing is notoriously tricky for adhesion. I've seen plenty of quick patches fail without proper prep. Better to spend a little extra time upfront than chase leaks later... learned that one the hard way myself.
