I hear you on the recycled aluminum—some of it really does feel like it’s made out of old soda cans. I’ve had a few repairs where I could literally bend the stuff with my fingers, which isn’t exactly reassuring when you’re trying to keep water out. The heavier gauge is definitely worth the extra bucks, especially in places that get hammered by freeze-thaw cycles. I’ve seen the thin stuff buckle and split after just one rough winter.
Copper’s gorgeous, but yeah, unless you’re working on a historic building or someone’s dream home, it’s usually out of budget. For most of my properties, I stick with .027 or .032 aluminum and just avoid the bargain-bin brands. It’s not bulletproof, but it holds up way better than the super thin stuff.
Quick fixes are tempting when you’re in a pinch, but if the flashing’s already crumpling, I’d lean toward replacing that section with something sturdier. Otherwise, you’ll probably be back up there next season doing it all over again... and nobody wants to spend their weekends on a ladder if they don’t have to.
Quick fixes are tempting when you’re in a pinch, but if the flashing’s already crumpling, I’d lean toward replacing that section with something sturdier.
That’s been my experience too—patching flimsy flashing just leads to callbacks. Have you ever tried stainless steel for smaller problem spots? It’s pricier than aluminum but not as wild as copper, and it actually holds its shape. Wondering if anyone’s seen it hold up long-term in tough climates.
Stainless steel’s actually what I used around my chimney after the third time patching aluminum. I’m in the Midwest, so we get freeze/thaw and some wild wind. Three years in, it still looks solid—no warping or leaks. It was a pain to cut, though. Have you noticed any corrosion or is it just me being paranoid?
Three years in, it still looks solid—no warping or leaks. It was a pain to cut, though. Have you noticed any corrosion or is it just me being paranoid?
Stainless holds up way better than aluminum, especially with Midwest weather swings. If you used 304 or 316 grade, you’re probably fine—corrosion’s rare unless there’s salt exposure or dissimilar metals touching. I’d just check seams for any rust stains a couple times a year, especially after winter. If you’re not seeing orange streaks or pitting, you’re good. Cutting it is brutal though... I’ve snapped more than one blade on that stuff.
I get where you’re coming from about stainless being more durable, but honestly, I’ve had aluminum flashing last just as long—sometimes longer—if it’s installed right and you keep up with the caulking. Midwest winters are rough, but unless you’ve got a lot of road salt or your gutters are steel (so you get that galvanic reaction), I wouldn’t write off aluminum so fast.
My last place had aluminum flashing for almost a decade before I noticed any issues, and even then it was mostly where water pooled because of ice dams. Stainless is a beast to cut, no argument there... but for most houses, aluminum’s easier to work with and way cheaper if you have to redo a section.
If you’re not seeing white powdery spots or actual holes, I’d say paranoia might be winning out over reality here. Just keep an eye on it after the thaw each spring. Sometimes “quick fix” really does hold up longer than we expect.
