When we tackled our attic fan install, flashing was definitely trickier than anticipated. Initially, I went with a generic roofing sealant, thinking it'd be sufficient. Big mistake—after just a few months, minor leaks popped up again during heavy rain. After some digging into roofing forums and product reviews, I ended up switching to a specialized polyurethane-based sealant (I think it was Loctite PL Roof and Flashing). It adhered way better, stayed flexible through temperature swings, and hasn't leaked yet after almost two years.
From what I've gathered, polyurethane-based products tend to outperform regular silicone or asphalt-based sealants for long-term durability and weather resistance. They're a bit pricier upfront but seem worth it if you want to avoid repeat headaches down the line.
Has anyone else had similar experiences with polyurethane sealants or found something even more effective? I'm still relatively new to home maintenance stuff, so I'm always curious about other people's go-to solutions...
Totally agree with polyurethane sealants holding up better over time, especially when you're dealing with temperature swings and harsh weather. I've also had good luck with Geocel Pro Flex RV—originally meant for RV roofs, but it's super flexible and UV-resistant, so it works great for residential flashing too. I know it's a bit unconventional, but has anyone else tried RV-specific products on home roofing projects? Seems like there's some untapped potential there...
"I know it's a bit unconventional, but has anyone else tried RV-specific products on home roofing projects?"
I've seen folks use RV sealants before, and yeah, they can work surprisingly well. But one thing I'd caution about is warranty coverage—some manufacturers get picky if you stray from their recommended products. Had a client once who used an RV sealant on flashing around a skylight; it held up fine, but when storm damage hit later, the insurance adjuster gave them grief over it. Just something to keep in mind...
I've seen RV sealants used on residential roofs a few times, and while they can do the job temporarily, I'd be cautious about relying on them long-term. The main issue isn't necessarily their sealing capability—some RV products are surprisingly robust—but rather compatibility with standard roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, for example, expand and contract differently than RV roofs, which can lead to premature cracking or separation over time.
"Had a client once who used an RV sealant on flashing around a skylight; it held up fine, but when storm damage hit later, the insurance adjuster gave them grief over it."
Exactly this. Insurance companies and manufacturers can get pretty particular about product usage. If you're dealing with something like a solar attic fan install, I'd stick to roofing-specific sealants or flashing tapes designed explicitly for residential applications. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it'll save you headaches down the road if you ever need to file a claim or warranty issue...
Had a similar issue last year—client used RV sealant around a vent, seemed fine at first but cracked badly after winter. Like you said:
"compatibility with standard roofing materials"
is key. Roofing-specific stuff just holds up better long-term.
