Quick fix or redo: dealing with damaged aluminum flashing

"Better to bite the bullet now and redo it properly - saves you from climbing back up there every few months."

I get where you're coming from, especially with aluminum being sneaky about corrosion. But do you think galvanized steel is always the best alternative? I've seen situations where galvanized steel starts rusting quicker than you'd expect, especially in coastal areas or places with heavy rainfall. Sure, aluminum can corrode quietly, but steel isn't immune either - it's just more obvious when it happens.

Have you ever considered copper flashing instead? Yeah, it's pricier upfront, but it lasts forever and develops a protective patina over time. I had a customer who switched to copper after multiple headaches with aluminum and steel, and they've been super happy since. Just something else to think about before committing fully to galvanized steel...

Good points about copper - I've seen it hold up impressively well, especially in older homes. But one thing to keep in mind is compatibility with existing materials. Copper can react negatively with aluminum or galvanized steel if they're touching directly, causing galvanic corrosion. You'd definitely want to use some kind of barrier or separation material. Just something to consider before making the switch...

Totally agree on the galvanic corrosion point - learned that the hard way when I first moved in and thought I'd DIY some flashing repairs. Thought copper would be a classy upgrade until someone mentioned the whole "metal drama" thing. Ended up using a rubberized asphalt barrier tape between the copper and aluminum, worked pretty well so far. Just something to keep in mind if you're set on copper. Plus, it gave me an excuse to buy more tools...which is always a win.

Good call on the barrier tape - I had a similar experience a couple years back. Thought I'd save some cash and just patch up the aluminum flashing with whatever was handy...ended up mixing metals without realizing it. A few months later, corrosion city. Lesson learned, now I always double-check compatibility. Rubberized asphalt tape is a lifesaver, though - easy to apply and holds up surprisingly well. Plus, fewer headaches down the road.

Glad you mentioned the rubberized asphalt tape - I've heard good things but haven't tried it myself yet. Does it hold up well in extreme weather, like heavy snow or intense summer heat? I've been burned before by products that promise durability but then peel off halfway through winter... Also, is it easy enough for someone who's not exactly a DIY pro? I'm decent with basic fixes, but if it requires surgical precision, I might be in trouble, haha.

"Does it hold up well in extreme weather, like heavy snow or intense summer heat? I've been burned before by products that promise durability but then peel off halfway through winter..."

I've inspected quite a few homes where rubberized asphalt tape was used on flashing repairs, and here's my quick take:

- **Weather Durability:** Generally holds up pretty well. I've seen it survive harsh winters with heavy snow and ice dams, as well as scorching summers. However, the key is proper surface prep - cleaning and drying thoroughly before application. If moisture or dirt remains underneath, it'll start peeling prematurely.

- **Ease of Application:** Good news for you - it's pretty forgiving for DIYers. You don't need surgical precision; just patience. The tape is flexible and adheres easily if you take your time smoothing it down. Just make sure to press firmly along edges and corners to avoid gaps.

- **Longevity:** Realistically, it's more of a solid temporary-to-medium-term fix rather than permanent. If your aluminum flashing is severely damaged or corroded, eventually you'll want to replace it properly. But if you're dealing with minor damage or leaks, this stuff can buy you a decent chunk of time (think 2-4 years typically).

Quick tip: Don't apply it when temperatures are below recommended guidelines on the packaging - it won't bond as effectively and could shorten its lifespan significantly.

Bottom line: For minor issues or temporary fixes, it's reliable enough and DIY-friendly. But if you're seeing major deterioration, bite the bullet and redo the flashing properly... it'll save headaches down the road.

I've had similar experiences with the rubberized asphalt tape stuff. It's definitely a decent short-term fix, but the key really is in the prep work, like you mentioned:

"If moisture or dirt remains underneath, it'll start peeling prematurely."

Couldn't agree more. Last winter I patched up some flashing around my chimney thinking I had cleaned it enough - turns out I rushed it a bit. After a couple of heavy snowfalls and freeze-thaw cycles, the edges started peeling back, and water found its way under the tape... ended up having to redo the whole thing in spring.

That being said, when I've taken my time and really cleaned the surface thoroughly - scrubbing off dirt, grime, and oxidation - it's held up surprisingly well. Even through some nasty summer heat waves and heavy winter snow loads. But yeah, it's not a permanent solution by any means. If your flashing is seriously corroded or damaged, you're just kicking the can down the road.

I'm actually curious about something related: Has anyone tried using primer or adhesion promoter underneath these tapes? I've read mixed opinions online - some say it helps significantly with longevity in harsh climates; others think it's an unnecessary step. Wondering if anyone here has personal experience with that route...

I've tried primer under the tape a couple times, and honestly... I'm still on the fence about it. On one hand, the spots I primed did seem to hold up better through winter ice dams and heavy rains. But was it enough of a difference to justify the extra cost and hassle? Hard to say. If you're already meticulous about surface prep, primer might be overkill. But if you're patching something tricky or expecting harsh conditions, probably worth giving it a shot at least once.

I get what you're saying about primer maybe being overkill, but honestly, as someone who just bought their first house and is still figuring things out, I'd rather err on the side of caution. Last fall I skipped primer when patching some flashing around my chimney because it seemed like a hassle... big mistake. First heavy rainstorm and I had water sneaking in again. Maybe it was just beginner's bad luck, but now I'm thinking primer might've saved me from redoing the whole thing twice.

Yeah, primer can seem like an extra step, but aluminum flashing is notoriously tricky for adhesion. I've seen plenty of quick patches fail without proper prep. Better to spend a little extra time upfront than chase leaks later... learned that one the hard way myself.

Couldn't agree more - primer's definitely worth the extra effort. Aluminum flashing oxidizes pretty fast, and without proper prep, even high-quality sealants struggle to bond long-term. I've seen patches peel off within months because someone skipped primer or didn't clean thoroughly enough. A quick wipe-down with acetone or rubbing alcohol before priming can make a huge difference in adhesion. Learned early on that shortcuts usually mean double work later...

You're spot on about shortcuts coming back to bite you later. Reminds me of a job I did years ago after a pretty nasty storm. Homeowner had tried patching up some flashing himself - no primer, just slapped on some sealant straight from the tube. Looked okay at first glance, but within a few months, water started seeping in again. When I got up there, the sealant peeled right off like old tape. Ended up having to redo the whole thing properly, cleaning it down and priming thoroughly. Felt bad for the guy because he genuinely thought he'd saved himself some trouble.

It's always tempting to skip steps when you're pressed for time or resources, but aluminum flashing is unforgiving that way. Spending those extra few minutes prepping is worth every second, especially when it saves you from climbing back up there in bad weather later on. Glad you pointed it out - it's something everyone learns sooner or later...usually the hard way.

Yeah, totally agree - prep work is key. Another thing people overlook is checking the flashing's condition itself. If it's corroded or bent, even the best sealant won't hold up. Learned that one the hard way myself...

"If it's corroded or bent, even the best sealant won't hold up."

True, but I'd argue that even minor corrosion doesn't always mean replacement is mandatory. I've successfully rehabilitated slightly corroded aluminum flashing by carefully sanding down the affected areas, applying a zinc-rich primer, and then sealing it properly. Of course, if it's severely compromised or structurally bent, replacement is unavoidable - but sometimes a thorough restoration can be just as effective and more sustainable in the long run.

I've done something similar - sanded down some minor corrosion spots and sealed it up. Held fine for years. But yeah, once it's bent or really eaten away, you're better off just biting the bullet and replacing it.

Yeah, sanding and sealing minor corrosion spots can definitely buy you some extra time. I've done that myself on aluminum flashing around my chimney, and it held up surprisingly well for several seasons. One thing I'd add is that the type of sealant you use matters quite a bit - I've had better luck with polyurethane-based sealants rather than silicone, as they seem to adhere better and stay flexible longer.

But you're right, once the flashing gets seriously compromised or bent out of shape, patching it up becomes more trouble than it's worth. At that point, water intrusion risks go way up, and you're just delaying the inevitable. Plus, replacing damaged flashing isn't usually too expensive or complicated if you're comfortable working on roofs. If not, hiring someone to do it properly can save headaches down the road... learned that one the hard way myself after a quick fix turned into a bigger leak later on.

I've patched flashing with polyurethane sealants too, and yeah, they do hold up better. But honestly, after chasing leaks around my roof one rainy weekend, I'd say bite the bullet and replace sooner rather than later... your future self will thank you.

Yeah, patching can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Last storm season, I thought I'd saved myself some cash with a quick fix... ended up spending the weekend scrambling buckets around the attic. Ever had a patch job actually last long-term?

"Ever had a patch job actually last long-term?"

Honestly, patching aluminum flashing is usually just kicking the can down the road. Sure, you might get lucky and buy yourself a season or two, but eventually you're back up there again. I switched to a green roof setup a few years back - no flashing headaches since. Plus, it handles storms way better than I expected. Might seem like overkill at first, but beats playing bucket roulette in the attic every year...

- Had a similar issue last year - patched it up thinking it'd hold, but nope, back up there after the first big storm.
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"Might seem like overkill at first, but beats playing bucket roulette in the attic every year..."