Agreed, skylights are tricky—seen way too many "quick fixes" turn into bigger headaches. Curious though, has anyone tried a flexible flashing tape like Eternabond instead of aluminum tape? Heard decent things about longevity, but haven't tested it myself yet...
I've heard Eternabond mentioned a few times too, but honestly, I'm still a bit skeptical about tapes in general. I mean, it sounds great in theory—flexible, easy to apply, and supposedly durable—but I've seen so many "miracle fixes" fail after a season or two. Maybe I'm just overly cautious because it's my first house and all, but I'd hate to slap something on there and then find myself climbing back up on the roof next year.
Has anyone actually had Eternabond hold up long-term, like through multiple winters and summers? Or is it more of a temporary fix until you can get around to a proper redo? I'm open-minded, just wary of anything that seems too good to be true...
"Has anyone actually had Eternabond hold up long-term, like through multiple winters and summers?"
I've used Eternabond on a few properties over the years, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. I totally get your skepticism though—there's a lot of flashy products out there promising miracles. But in my experience, Eternabond isn't just another gimmicky tape. I've got one spot on aluminum flashing that's been sealed with it for about five years now, and it's still going strong through harsh winters, heavy rains, and scorching summers.
That said, proper prep is key. You can't just slap it onto a dirty or wet surface and expect miracles. Clean thoroughly, dry completely, and press firmly to ensure good adhesion. If you're meticulous about application, you'll probably be impressed by its durability.
Still, if the damage is extensive or structural integrity is compromised, tape alone won't cut it—you might need a proper redo eventually. But for minor leaks or sealing seams on flashing? Eternabond has definitely earned my trust as more than just a temporary fix.
I've had mixed results with Eternabond myself. Sure, it can hold up pretty well if you prep right, but I've also seen it peel at the edges after a couple years, especially in spots exposed to direct sun all day. Honestly, for aluminum flashing, I'd rather just bite the bullet and replace the damaged section properly. Might take a bit more effort upfront, but saves headaches down the road...
"Honestly, for aluminum flashing, I'd rather just bite the bullet and replace the damaged section properly."
I get your point about Eternabond and its limitations, especially under constant UV exposure. Still, replacing sections of aluminum flashing isn't always practical or necessary in every scenario. Have you considered a high-quality polyurethane sealant like Sikaflex or Tremco? I've seen these hold up impressively well over time, even on sun-exposed roofs. Proper application is key though—clean surfaces, correct thickness, and allowing full cure time... makes a huge difference in durability.