Ran into something similar when I installed my attic fan. Thought I'd save a few bucks using leftover window flashing from another project—big mistake. It seemed solid at first, but after a few months, leaks started popping up. Ended up redoing it with proper roofing sealant and it's been solid since. Curious, anyone tried silicone-based stuff? Heard mixed things about longevity on asphalt shingles...
I've been wondering about silicone sealant too. My neighbor swears by it for smaller roof repairs, but I've seen mixed reviews online about how it holds up under intense sun exposure. Maybe it depends on climate or brand quality? I'm still new to all this home maintenance stuff, so I'm pretty cautious about experimenting... Has anyone noticed differences between brands or types of silicone when used specifically on asphalt shingles?
Silicone sealants can be a bit hit-or-miss on asphalt shingles, especially under harsh sun exposure. I've inspected roofs where cheaper silicone brands started cracking or peeling after just a year or two, while higher-quality, UV-resistant types held up noticeably better. Climate definitely plays a role too—hotter regions tend to degrade sealants faster. You're right to be cautious; roof repairs aren't something you want to redo every season. I'd suggest checking product specs carefully and maybe testing a small area first... better safe than sorry.
Couldn't agree more about silicone being unpredictable on shingles. I've had to deal with a similar issue after installing attic vents—went with a mid-range sealant thinking it'd be fine, but within two summers it was already cracking. Ended up redoing it with a pricier, UV-resistant option and haven't had issues since. Also noticed that applying it in cooler weather (not scorching heat) seemed to help it cure better and last longer... something to keep in mind if your climate allows it.
Yeah, silicone can be tricky stuff—especially on shingles. Did you notice if humidity played a role too? I've found that even the pricier sealants sometimes struggle if it's super humid during application. Cooler weather definitely helps, but I've had decent luck applying in early morning before the heat kicks in. Glad you got it sorted though, nothing worse than having to redo a job you thought was finished...
