If the flashing’s already warped or bent, honestly, neither tape nor caulk is really going to last long-term. I’ve seen both fail after a season—especially with those big temp swings. In cases like that, a mechanical fix (reshaping or replacing the flashing) does way better than any patch job. Quick fixes are fine for a short while, but up here, they just don’t hold up. Sometimes it’s worth biting the bullet and redoing it properly—otherwise you end up chasing leaks every spring.
I get the urge to just slap some tape or caulk on and call it a day, especially when it’s freezing out and you just want to be done. But yeah, every time I’ve tried that on bent flashing, it’s just a matter of time before water finds its way in again. I’ve even tried doubling up with both tape and caulk—didn’t help much. It’s a pain, but straightening or swapping the flashing seems to be the only thing that actually works for more than a season. Otherwise, you’re basically signing up for yearly patch jobs... which gets old fast.
every time I’ve tried that on bent flashing, it’s just a matter of time before water finds its way in again.
Yep, been there—those quick fixes never seem to last through a full winter. What I found works (without spending a ton): carefully pry the bent flashing up with a putty knife, straighten it out as best you can (I use a scrap 2x4 and rubber mallet), then add some fresh sealant underneath before pressing it back down. Not perfect, but definitely holds up longer than just slapping on tape or caulk. Swapping out is best, but sometimes you just want it done without breaking the bank...
I get the urge to just patch it up and move on, but honestly, I’ve found that once flashing gets a solid bend or crease, it never really seals right again—no matter how much sealant you use. Did that last fall on my shed roof and still ended up with drips after the first big freeze/thaw cycle. For me, replacing the section (even with a scrap piece) took about the same time as wrestling with the old one, and I haven’t had issues since. Sometimes the “quick fix” ends up being more hassle down the road...
- Totally get what you mean about the “quick fix” turning into a headache later.
- I’ve noticed once flashing gets a hard crease, it’s almost impossible to flatten it out enough for a proper seal—especially after it’s been bent back and forth a couple times.
- Sometimes I’ll try to salvage it if it’s just a minor ding, but anything more and water always finds its way in.
- Curious—did you use pre-bent flashing or bend your own? I’ve had better luck with the stuff I shape myself, but maybe that’s just me...
