Peel-and-stick under new flashing can buy you a little time, but in Gulf Coast humidity, it’s really just a band-aid. Once the OSB’s gone soft, moisture finds its way back in no matter what. I’ve tried patching, but ended up redoing the whole section anyway.
Once the OSB’s gone soft, moisture finds its way back in no matter what. I’ve tried patching, but ended up redoing the whole section anyway.
Yeah, I’ve been down that road. Tried a quick patch with peel-and-stick after a storm last year—bought me maybe a month before the damp spots crept back in. The humidity here just eats away at anything less than a full fix. Ended up pulling off the siding and replacing the OSB too. It’s a pain, but honestly, I sleep better now when it rains. Sometimes those “band-aids” just don’t cut it in this climate...
That’s been my experience too—once the OSB gets compromised, it’s just a matter of time before moisture finds its way back in. I’ve tried patching with various products, but nothing really held up long-term. Full replacement is a hassle, but it’s the only thing that’s given me peace of mind during heavy rains. It’s frustrating, but you’re definitely not alone dealing with this stuff...
I’ve run into the same headache with aluminum flashing, especially on older buildings where patch jobs just don’t seem to last. Have you ever tried using peel-and-stick flashing tape as a temporary fix? I’ve had mixed results—sometimes it buys a season or two, but if the OSB underneath is already soft, it’s kind of a lost cause. Curious if anyone’s found a patch that actually holds up through a wet winter... or is full replacement just always the way to go?
Had a similar situation last fall on a 1950s bungalow—aluminum flashing around the chimney was looking rough, and water started sneaking in after a couple heavy rains. I tried the peel-and-stick stuff as a stopgap, since winter was coming and I didn’t have time (or budget) for a full replacement. It stuck okay at first, but honestly, by March it was curling up at the corners and water had found its way underneath. The OSB was already a bit punky in spots, which probably didn’t help.
What surprised me was how fast things went downhill once moisture got in. I figured I’d bought myself a year, but it was more like four months before I was back up there with a tarp and a lot of regret. Ended up doing a proper tear-out in the spring—new OSB, ice & water shield, and step flashing. Not cheap, but I haven’t had a drip since.
I get why people want to patch, especially when money or weather’s tight. Sometimes you just need to buy time. But if the wood underneath is soft, those quick fixes just don’t seem to hold up. Maybe if you catch it early and everything’s still solid, tape or some high-quality sealant can stretch things out for a season. Once rot sets in though, it’s like playing whack-a-mole with leaks.
Funny thing is, my neighbor swears by this heavy-duty butyl tape he gets from a marine supply shop—says it’s lasted two winters for him. I’m skeptical, but maybe it’s better than the big box stuff? Either way, I’m convinced now that if you see any softness in the sheathing, it’s time to bite the bullet and do it right. Otherwise you’re just inviting more headaches down the road.
