Yeah, totally agree—sealants and tapes are usually just kicking the can down the road. I've inspected plenty of homes where someone tried to patch flashing issues with silicone or roofing tape, and it almost always ends up being a temporary fix at best. Aluminum flashing expands and contracts quite a bit with temperature changes, so adhesives and sealants eventually lose their grip or crack.
One thing I've noticed is that proper installation makes a huge difference. If the flashing isn't overlapped correctly or doesn't have enough slope to shed water, you're basically fighting a losing battle from day one. Sometimes it's worth biting the bullet and redoing it properly—especially if you're seeing signs of water intrusion or corrosion underneath.
But hey, we've all been there... wrestling with stubborn flashing on a weekend afternoon isn't exactly my idea of fun either, lol. Hang in there, it'll pay off in the long run.
Yeah, patching it up is tempting when you're on a tight budget—I get it. But honestly, I've learned the hard way that quick fixes usually cost more down the line. Better to redo it right once and save yourself future headaches (and wallet aches...).
"quick fixes usually cost more down the line"
Yeah, learned that lesson managing properties over the years. Had a tenant once who patched aluminum flashing with duct tape—looked decent for about a week, then came the rain... let's just say it wasn't pretty. A proper redo doesn't have to break the bank either; shop around, get multiple quotes, and you'll probably find a reasonable option. Better than dealing with leaks and unhappy tenants later.
Yeah, duct tape never ends well with flashing... but honestly, who hasn't tried it at least once? Did you end up replacing the whole section or just patching it properly afterward? Sometimes you can get away with targeted repairs if the damage isn't widespread. Either way, totally agree that a little extra effort upfront saves a lot of headaches later.
"Yeah, duct tape never ends well with flashing... but honestly, who hasn't tried it at least once?"
Haha guilty as charged—I definitely gave duct tape a shot when I first moved in. Learned pretty quickly that aluminum flashing and tape aren't exactly best friends. Ended up patching it properly later on, and it's held up surprisingly well so far... fingers crossed!
