Trapped moisture is a real concern—once water gets in, it’s tough to dry out, and then you’re looking at corrosion or even rot if there’s wood nearby.
This gets overlooked way too often. I’ve torn into a few roofs where someone just kept globbing more sealant over the same spot every year, and by the time you actually pull things apart, the wood underneath is black or even crumbling. Aluminum flashing’s great for a while, but once it starts to pit or pull away, it’s more like a band-aid than a fix.
That said, I’ll admit I’ve patched small spots if it’s late in the season or the weather’s about to turn. Sometimes you just need to buy a little time. But if you’re “reaching for the tube twice in a season,” like you said, that’s a red flag. At that point, it’s usually cheaper in the long run to just pull it off and do the job right.
One thing I’d add—when you’re checking for water damage under the old flashing, don’t just look for soft spots. Use a screwdriver or awl and poke around a bit. I’ve seen decking that looked fine but was basically mulch underneath. And if you’re in a spot with freeze/thaw cycles, any trapped moisture is going to make things worse fast.
I’m a bit skeptical about eco-friendly sealants in some cases, though. Some of the low-VOC stuff just doesn’t hold up as well as the old formulas, especially in high UV areas. I’d rather use something I know will last, even if it means airing things out a little longer.
If you’re thinking about solar or a green roof down the line, you definitely want to get the flashing right now. Retrofitting later is a pain, and you’ll end up tearing everything back up anyway.
Anyway, just my two cents. Quick fixes are fine for emergencies, but once you start layering patches, you’re asking for hidden trouble.
Use a screwdriver or awl and poke around a bit. I’ve seen decking that looked fine but was basically mulch underneath.
That’s the truth. I learned that the hard way last spring—decking looked solid until I stepped on it and nearly went through. Ended up replacing a whole section because I trusted my eyes instead of poking around. Lesson learned.
I’m with you on the “patch it if you have to, but don’t make a habit of it” approach. I’ve slapped some goop on when rain was coming and I didn’t have time to do it right, but if you’re patching the same spot more than once, it’s time to just bite the bullet. The cost of new flashing and maybe a couple sheets of plywood is nothing compared to what water can do if you ignore it.
One thing I’d add—if you’re redoing flashing, check your attic after the next big rain. Sometimes leaks show up in weird places and you won’t see them from outside. I found a drip running down a rafter two weeks after I thought I’d fixed everything. Turns out water finds its own path... usually somewhere inconvenient.
I get the urge to just rip it all out and start fresh, but sometimes a patch can hold up longer than you’d think—especially if you’re dealing with a spot that’s not catching a ton of runoff. I’ve had some “temporary” fixes last a couple years, no joke. Not saying it’s ideal, but if you’re short on time or cash, it can buy you breathing room. Just gotta keep an eye on it and not let it slide into “out of sight, out of mind” territory.
I hear you on the patch jobs lasting longer than expected, but have you ever had one fail and cause a bigger headache down the line? I’ve seen “temporary” fixes turn into hidden rot, especially if there’s any chance water’s sneaking in. Sometimes ripping it out is just less risky in the long run, even if it stings up front.
Yeah, I’ve seen those “quick” patches turn into a mess, especially on low-slope roofs where water just sits. If there’s any sign of moisture getting under the flashing, I’d rather pull it and redo the section. It’s more work up front, but I’ve found it saves a lot of hassle later—less chance for mold or rot to sneak in. If you’re going green, using recycled aluminum or even copper can help with longevity, too. Just make sure to check the underlayment while you’re in there... sometimes that’s where the real trouble hides.
