As a first-time homeowner, I recently tried patching some flashing with sealant thinking it'd hold up... but after reading this, I'm second-guessing myself. How quickly does water damage usually become noticeable? Now I'm wondering if I should've just replaced it outright.
"How quickly does water damage usually become noticeable?"
That's always a tricky question because water damage can be sneaky—it might show up right after a heavy rainstorm or quietly accumulate over months before you notice it. Honestly, sealant can be a decent quick fix if applied properly, but in my experience, it's rarely a long-term solution. I've seen small leaks turn into bigger headaches down the road. Did you notice any signs of rust or corrosion on the flashing before patching it? Sometimes that's a good indicator of whether you're better off replacing it altogether...
"Honestly, sealant can be a decent quick fix if applied properly, but in my experience, it's rarely a long-term solution."
True, but I've had sealant hold up surprisingly well for a couple years now. Maybe it depends on climate or application? Replacement's ideal, but sometimes budget dictates the quick fix...
Agreed, sealant can sometimes surprise you, especially if you're meticulous about prep and application. But from a contractor's perspective, aluminum flashing is intended to channel water away from vulnerable areas, and relying solely on sealant can be risky. Even the best sealants eventually degrade due to UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and moisture intrusion.
I've seen situations where homeowners applied a high-quality polyurethane or silicone-based sealant that lasted several seasons without issue. But I've also had calls where sealant failed prematurely because the flashing underneath was corroded or improperly installed in the first place. Climate definitely plays a role—extreme heat or freezing cycles can accelerate deterioration.
If budget constraints are tight, I'd suggest at least inspecting the underlying flashing carefully before sealing. If it's structurally sound and corrosion-free, a properly applied sealant might buy you some time. But if there's visible damage or corrosion already setting in... honestly, replacement sooner rather than later could save headaches down the road.
Interesting points here. Last summer, I noticed some minor leaks around my chimney flashing and decided to patch it up with a silicone-based sealant. I was pretty thorough—cleaned the area, applied carefully, the whole nine yards. It held up fine through fall, but come winter, with all the freeze-thaw cycles, the leaks returned. Turns out the flashing underneath had already started corroding. Lesson learned: sealant can help temporarily, but it's no substitute for solid flashing underneath...
