I’ve tried both pre-bent and bending my own, and honestly, the stuff I bend myself just seems to fit better around weird corners. Pre-bent always feels a bit too stiff or the angles are just off. Once it’s creased, though, forget about it—never seals right for me either. Had to redo a section last fall after thinking I could “massage” a kink out... lesson learned.
Yeah, once aluminum flashing gets a hard crease or kink, it’s basically toast for sealing. I’ve tried to flatten them out too, but you just end up chasing leaks later. I get why folks like pre-bent for speed, but on storm jobs with odd rooflines, custom-bending on site just works better. Sometimes I’ll use a rubber mallet to finesse a bend, but if it’s creased, I just cut a new piece. Not worth risking water getting in—especially after a bad windstorm.
I’ve tried flattening out creased flashing with a block of wood and a hammer—looked okay at first, but the next rain told a different story. Anyone ever tried using that butyl tape as a backup, or is that just asking for trouble down the line?
Butyl tape’s great for a quick patch, but I wouldn’t trust it as a long-term fix, especially if you’re dealing with repeated water exposure. Once that flashing’s creased, it’s already lost some integrity. Ever tried replacing just the damaged section? It’s a pain, but I’ve found it holds up way better than relying on tape or sealants. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those liquid flashing products—they seem promising, but I’m skeptical about their durability over a few seasons.
- You’re right about butyl tape—works in a pinch, but I’ve seen it peel or let go after a couple seasons, especially on south-facing slopes.
- Replacing just the damaged section is a pain, but honestly, it’s usually worth the hassle. The patch blends better and you’re not relying on something temporary.
- Tried a couple liquid flashing products last year. They went on easy, but I’m not convinced they’ll outlast good metal and proper install. One area started to crack after a cold snap.
- If you’re seeing repeated water, I’d lean toward the redo, even if it’s just a small piece. Shortcuts always seem to come back around...
