Yeah, I’d echo that—those adhesive patches are really just a short-term band-aid. If you’re in a pinch, I’ve found that cleaning the area really well and using a patch plus a tarp gives you a bit more peace of mind. For what it’s worth, I’ve had better luck with those reusable rubberized mats you can weigh down—they’re ugly but seem to keep water out until you can get real repairs done. If you’re looking for a greener fix, sometimes a layer of moss or sedum mat can help slow leaks on low-slope roofs, though that’s definitely not for everyone or every climate.
I’ve seen a lot of folks try those adhesive patches and, yeah, they’re really just a stopgap. If you want to buy yourself a little more time, here’s what I usually recommend: first, dry the area as much as possible—water under the patch is just going to keep things soggy. Then, slap on the patch and cover it with a heavy tarp, making sure to secure the edges with boards or bricks so wind doesn’t lift it. Those rubber mats work in a pinch, but I’ve noticed they can trap moisture underneath if left too long. As for moss or sedum, it’s creative but honestly, I’d only go that route if you’re desperate and have a flat roof—otherwise, you might end up with more problems down the line.
I get the tarp thing, but honestly, I’ve had better luck just using a big roll of plastic sheeting and some duct tape. Tarps always seem to blow off in the wind for me, no matter how many bricks I pile on. Maybe it’s just my luck or the slope of my roof, but I’d rather risk a little water than chase a tarp down the street at 2am.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape actually worked better for me too, at least for a quick patch. I’ve got a low-pitch roof and tarps just slide right off, even with sandbags. Is there some trick to getting them to stay put? I always wonder if it’s worth investing in those fancy tarp clips or if that’s just throwing money away. Also, does the plastic hold up in heavy rain, or do you end up with leaks around the tape? I’m always worried about water sneaking in at the seams.
On low-pitch roofs, tarps are basically just big, slippery sails—doesn’t matter how many bricks or sandbags you throw at them, the wind will find a way to mess with you. I’ve tried those “miracle” tarp clips too, and honestly, they’re a bit hit-or-miss. If your roof surface is smooth or wet, the clips can slide off just like the tarps themselves. They’re not total junk, but I wouldn’t bank on them in a real downpour. Sometimes, old-fashioned wood strips and screws work better to anchor the tarp edges, but that means putting a few holes in the roof (which I get isn’t ideal).
Plastic sheeting and duct tape can be a lifesaver in a pinch, but you’re right to worry about leaks at the seams. Duct tape never sticks as well as you want once things get wet or cold. I’ve had some luck layering the plastic so seams overlap like shingles, then running a bead of roofing cement or even caulk under the overlap before taping it down. Not pretty, but it’ll keep most of the rain out for a week or two if you’re waiting on a real fix.
Heavy rain’s always going to find the weak spot though, especially if water pools on your roof. If you get pooling, nothing temporary is gonna hold up for long—gravity always wins. I’ve learned to shove a broom handle or something underneath the plastic from inside the attic to make a little tent shape, just to help water run off instead of sitting there.
If you’re dealing with regular leaks, I’d say skip the fancy clips and invest in some wider rolls of plastic (6 mil or thicker) and a couple tubes of roofing cement. It’s messy, but you can patch up most surprises until the pros show up. Just don’t expect miracles... and keep a bucket handy, just in case.
