If you’re already up there, might as well do it right and not have to mess with it again for a while.
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve seen more “quick fixes” on flashing than I care to admit—usually ends up with me getting called back out six months later when the patch job peels or leaks. Curious, has anyone tried those peel-and-stick aluminum repair tapes? I’ve seen mixed results, especially in spots that get a lot of sun. Sometimes feels like you’re just buying time until you have to redo the whole thing anyway...
Tried those tapes on a low-slope porch roof a couple summers back—looked fine at first, but after one brutal July, the edges started curling up. Sun just cooked the adhesive. Ended up replacing the whole section anyway. Might buy you a season, but I wouldn’t trust it long-term, especially in hot climates.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had better luck with the tapes—though I’m up in the Northeast, so maybe the milder summers help. Used a butyl-based flashing tape on a dormer joint three years ago, and it’s still holding tight. I wonder if the type of tape or prep makes a difference? I cleaned the aluminum with acetone and roughed it up a bit before applying. Not saying it’s a forever fix, but for spots where a full redo isn’t practical, it’s saved me some hassle. Curious if anyone’s tried the newer UV-resistant tapes—they’re supposed to handle heat better, but I haven’t tested them in real-world conditions yet.
- Tapes can work short-term, but I’ve seen a lot of failures after a couple freeze-thaw cycles, especially on north-facing slopes.
- Prep definitely matters, but even with good cleaning, adhesion drops off over time—UV and temp swings are rough on most tapes.
- I’ve checked out a few UV-resistant types on inspections, but after two years, some were already peeling at the edges.
- For anything structural or where leaks could cause hidden damage, I still lean toward a proper flashing replacement, even if it’s a pain.
- Quick fixes are tempting, but they can mask bigger issues down the line... seen it too many times.
I’ve noticed the same thing with tape—looks fine at first, then a couple of seasons later it’s curling or just gone. We did a patch job on my uncle’s garage last year with one of those “extreme weather” tapes, but after a brutal winter, it was already letting water in. I get the appeal of a quick fix, especially when you’re short on time or budget, but it’s tough to trust it for anything long-term.
Has anyone tried a hybrid approach, like using tape as a temporary seal until you can replace the flashing properly? Wondering if that actually buys you any real time, or if it just adds another layer to remove later.
