Green roofs look cool on paper, but in reality, they’re a whole different animal compared to just swapping out flashing. I’ve seen a few folks go that route thinking it’d solve water issues, but honestly, unless you’re ready for the extra weight, drainage layers, and ongoing maintenance, it’s usually more trouble than it’s worth for a typical home. As for materials, copper or stainless steel flashing is definitely tougher than aluminum, but you’re also looking at a much higher price tag. For most residential jobs, good quality aluminum—properly installed and maintained—does the trick. If leaks keep coming back, it’s usually an installation or design issue rather than the material itself.
I get where you're coming from—green roofs aren’t a plug-and-play fix for leaks or flashing problems, and yeah, they do need more planning and upkeep than most folks expect. That said, I wouldn’t write them off entirely for homes. With the right structure and some upfront work, they can be a game changer for insulation and stormwater management. I’ve seen a neighbor’s place stay way cooler in the summer after they put one in, and their drainage setup actually helped with the old leak issues.
On the flashing side, totally agree that aluminum works fine if it’s installed right. I went copper once on a small porch roof just because I wanted zero maintenance, but it was definitely a splurge. For most spots, I stick with aluminum and just keep an eye out for corrosion or loose nails after storms.
If you’re dealing with repeat leaks, sometimes it’s worth stepping back and looking at the whole roof design—gutters, slope, all of it. Sometimes the “quick fix” is really just a band-aid.
I get the appeal of aluminum flashing for sure—cost and ease of installation are hard to beat. But honestly, I’ve seen a lot of callbacks where the issue wasn’t just corrosion or loose nails, but actual deformation from thermal movement or wind uplift. Sometimes, especially on older homes or spots with tricky angles, it’s worth considering a heavier gauge metal or even switching to a step flashing detail instead of continuous. Quick fixes can work for a while, but if you’re seeing the same leak pop up after every storm, it might be time to rethink the material or even the whole assembly. Just patching over the same spot doesn’t always cut it long-term...
Couldn’t agree more about the quick fixes not holding up, especially with aluminum. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen the same leak show up year after year because someone just slapped some caulk or a patch over it. Aluminum’s fine for some spots, but once it starts flexing from heat or wind, it never really sits right again. I’ve seen it actually pull away from the wall after a couple of freeze-thaw cycles—then you get water sneaking in behind the siding or into the roof deck.
I’m a big fan of step flashing, especially around chimneys or dormers where water likes to find its way in. It takes a bit more time to install, but I’ve seen it outlast continuous flashing by years, especially if you use a heavier gauge. Galvanized steel’s not that much pricier and holds up better in rough weather, at least around here (Midwest—lots of wind and snow). Sometimes folks just want the cheapest fix, but if you’re paying for repairs every spring, it adds up fast.
Totally get what you’re saying about step flashing—seen it hold up way better than the “just caulk it” approach. I’m curious, though, have you ever tried copper flashing? I know it’s pricey, but I’ve heard it can last decades if installed right. Wondering if it’s worth the investment in places with wild weather swings like we get here.
