Those L-shaped and hipped roofs are a real test, especially when you’re trying to get the flashing to sit tight around all those weird angles. I’ve noticed that even with high-end sealant, if the underlayment isn’t tucked right, water finds a way. Factory gaskets always seem like a shortcut until the first real rain hits... I’d rather spend an extra hour getting the overlap perfect than deal with ceiling stains later.
Couldn’t agree more about taking the extra time. I’ve seen way too many “quick” installs turn into long-term headaches, especially on those tricky roof shapes. Honestly, I’d rather have a slightly messy-looking overlap than risk water sneaking in. The factory gaskets are fine for a while, but after a couple of freeze-thaw cycles up here, they just don’t hold up. Learned that the hard way on a duplex last winter—one weird angle and suddenly I’m fielding calls about leaks.
Yeah, those “quick” installs always seem to come back and bite folks, especially once winter rolls around. I’ve seen more than a few attic fans where the gasket looked fine in August, but by February? Not so much. I’ll take a little extra caulk and some ugly flashing over a callback any day. Roofs up here just don’t forgive shortcuts.
I hear you on the shortcuts—learned that the hard way a few years back. Thought I’d save myself an afternoon and just “trust” the factory gasket on my attic fan. Looked perfect in September, but by late January, I had a lovely little drip right onto the insulation. Ended up crawling up there with a tube of caulk in freezing weather, cursing myself the whole time. Ugly flashing might not win any beauty contests, but at least it keeps the snow melt out.
That’s the thing—factory gaskets always look solid until you get a real winter. I’ve managed a few properties where folks tried to skip the extra flashing or sealant, and it’s always the same story: first big thaw, and suddenly there’s water spots on the ceiling. I get wanting a clean look, but honestly, I’ll take ugly flashing over water damage any day. It’s just not worth the gamble, especially up here where freeze-thaw cycles are brutal.
