Funny, I used to think as long as the shingles looked good, I was in the clear. Turns out, flashing is where my last two leaks started—one at the chimney, one at a vent pipe. Both times it was just a tiny gap I missed on a quick look. Now I use a flashlight and check every seam after big storms, even if it feels overkill. It’s way less hassle than gutting drywall later. Still not convinced caulk alone is enough, though... anyone else layer up with flashing tape?
It’s wild how many folks miss flashing issues—honestly, I see more leaks from bad flashing than worn-out shingles. Using a flashlight after storms is smart, especially around chimneys and skylights. I’m with you on caulk not being enough long-term. I’ve seen people use flashing tape as an extra layer, but it really depends on how exposed that seam is and what kind of weather you get. Ever notice how some caulks just dry out and crack after a couple seasons? I lean toward metal flashing with a good overlap, then maybe tape if it’s a tricky spot. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those newer butyl tapes—seem stickier than the old stuff.
Flashing is the sneaky culprit, for sure. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out for a “roof leak” and it’s just a tiny gap in the step flashing or a cracked bit of caulk around a vent. Folks get so focused on shingles, but if water’s got a path under the metal, it’ll find its way inside no matter how new your roof is.
I’m in the Midwest, so we get those wild freeze-thaw cycles. That’s where caulk really lets you down—one winter and it’s brittle as chalk. I used to trust the old black roofing cement, but after seeing it peel up after two seasons, I switched to metal flashing with a solid overlap and stainless screws. For weird spots—like where an old satellite dish left holes—I’ve tried that newer butyl tape you mentioned. Honestly, it sticks like crazy compared to the old stuff. The trick is making sure everything’s bone dry before you put it down... learned that the hard way when one patch peeled up after a rain.
One thing I will say: flashing tape is great as backup, but I wouldn’t trust it as the main defense in high-wind areas. Had a neighbor who tried to “tape over” some bad chimney flashing instead of replacing it—last spring storm, water was pouring in behind his drywall. Ended up costing him way more than if he’d just done metal from the start.
I get why people want quick fixes (who wants to mess with prying up shingles?), but every time I’ve cut corners on flashing, I’ve regretted it later. If you’re already up there with a flashlight after storms, might as well check those seams and tuck in some fresh metal if anything looks sketchy.
And yeah, those new butyl tapes are miles ahead of what we had ten years ago... just don’t expect miracles if your base flashing is shot or installed wrong.
That’s a solid approach, honestly. I’ve seen way too many folks try to “seal” their way out of a flashing problem, and it just doesn’t hold up, especially with wild weather swings. You nailed it—metal flashing with a good overlap is way more reliable than any tape or caulk. I do wonder, though, if anyone’s tried recycled metal for flashing? I’m always curious about greener options, but sometimes the tried-and-true just works better. Either way, your method of checking after storms and not skipping the hard parts is spot on.
- Seen a few folks in my neighborhood try recycled aluminum flashing. Mixed results, honestly.
- The metal itself holds up about the same, but watch for thinner gauge stuff—some of the “green” batches dent easy in hail (ask me how I know... yeah, that was a fun spring).
- If you can get your hands on recycled copper, that’s a win, but it’s pricey and harder to find.
- Most of the time, the overlap and install matter way more than what kind of metal you’re using. My buddy did his whole shed with old road sign scraps—works fine, just looks like a traffic violation waiting to happen.
- I still lean toward whatever keeps stuff out of the landfill, but sometimes you gotta weigh that against doing the job twice.
- Regular checkups are clutch either way. I found a squirrel nest under my last flashing—little guy was living better than me for a while.
Anyone else notice recycled flashing seems to have more sharp edges? Or am I just clumsy?
