- Totally get this. My flashing looks like it survived a hailstorm and a toddler with a hammer, but it’s still doing its job.
- I keep thinking about replacing it, but then I remember my neighbor’s “brand new” stuff already has rust spots. Go figure.
- Is there any real benefit to swapping out old flashing if it’s still watertight? Or am I just paying for shiny metal at that point?
- Gotta say, I’d be a little cautious about the “if it’s watertight, leave it” approach.
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Is there any real benefit to swapping out old flashing if it’s still watertight? Or am I just paying for shiny metal at that point?
- Sometimes old flashing hides tiny pinholes or cracks that only show up after a big storm.
- I left mine alone for years—looked rough but no leaks. Then one winter, ice dam formed and water found its way in through a spot I never noticed. Ended up with drywall repair too.
- If you’re in a spot with heavy rain or snow, might be worth checking underneath or at least resealing joints.
- Shiny metal isn’t everything, but peace of mind counts for something too...
Is there any real benefit to swapping out old flashing if it’s still watertight? Or am I just paying for shiny metal at that point?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. If it’s not leaking, it feels wasteful to mess with it. But I’ve seen a lot of “watertight” flashing turn out to have hidden issues, especially after a rough winter or a big storm. Sometimes the damage is just not obvious until it’s too late. You’re not just paying for shiny metal—you’re buying some peace of mind, especially if you’re in a spot with heavy weather. Still, if everything looks solid and you keep an eye on it, I wouldn’t say replacement is always a must. Just don’t ignore those joints and edges... that’s where trouble usually starts.
I get the temptation to leave old flashing alone if it looks fine, but honestly, I’ve seen “watertight” flashing fail out of nowhere—especially on older roofs. Tiny cracks or corrosion can hide under sealant or paint, and by the time you spot a leak, you’re probably looking at bigger repairs. If you’re already up there for other work, I’d lean toward swapping it out. The cost of new flashing is pretty minor compared to fixing water damage later. Just my two cents, though—some folks roll the dice and get lucky for years.
Had a spot over my porch where the original aluminum flashing looked totally fine—no rust, no obvious gaps. Figured I’d leave it. Two years later, water started dripping through the ceiling after a heavy rain. Turns out, there was a hairline crack right where the flashing tucked under the shingles. Ended up replacing a chunk of drywall and insulation... wish I’d just swapped the flashing when I had the chance. Sometimes “if it ain’t broke” bites you later.
