Quote Originally Posted by Ryllharu View Post
Applying the correct pressure and moving at the correct speed is a skill that can be learned only through exhaustive experience.

Two tips I learned that I will pass along.
#1: Always cut the tube at an angle, and make damn sure the longer part of the tip is away from the direction you're moving (i.e. it is going over where you've already applied). This allows you to control the flow better.
#2: Go slow. Harder than it sounds.

#1 will help with #2, because when you have the angle correct, you put down less wasted product, and don't feel a need to move as fast.

Hope you have better luck with it in the future.
Speed was definitely my enemy here, plus the work environment I was in. I installed an attic fan on a fairly steep roof, so between the balancing act and trying to get tools to stop sliding down the roof, it was a lot more trouble than expected. While the project wasn't difficult, it was messy and frustrating because of the caulk gun-dispensed roofing tar getting everywhere. I'm actually pretty skilled with a caulk gun, though I can never get it to not drip caulk as you move from application site to site. Cleaning up excess caulk isn't hard, but cleaning up roof tar is painful.

Quote Originally Posted by Sapphire View Post
Wow, do ALL of you guys have construction experience? *salivates*
Owning a home opens you up to all sorts of new skills/experiences. A lot of it is frustrating and expensive, but the learning experience and a well done completed project are character-building. You could also volunteer at a place like Habitat for Humanity and get some construction experience.