That’s funny, I had a tarp fly off during a storm and land in my driveway—didn’t realize til the morning. I’ve wondered about those patch tapes too, but the price kinda put me off. Has anyone tried just using roofing cement in a pinch? I heard it’s messy but maybe better than nothing...
Has anyone tried just using roofing cement in a pinch? I heard it’s messy but maybe better than nothing...
Roofing cement definitely works if you’re desperate, but yeah, it’s super messy and not the most eco-friendly option. I used it once on an old asphalt shingle roof—kept the rain out for a bit, but cleanup was a pain. If you’re worried about price, sometimes you can find smaller cans at hardware stores, which helps. Just don’t expect it to look pretty or last forever.
Roofing cement definitely works if you’re desperate, but yeah, it’s super messy and not the most eco-friendly option.
I’ve had to use roofing cement during a heavy rainstorm when a tenant called about water dripping in their kitchen. It sealed things up fast, but I agree—it’s not a long-term fix and it’s tough to clean up if you get it anywhere you don’t want it. For flat roofs, I’ve also tried those peel-and-stick patches, which are a bit neater but don’t always stick well if the surface is damp. Sometimes you just have to go with whatever keeps the water out until you can get a proper repair done.
You did the right thing jumping in with roofing cement during a storm—sometimes you just have to stop the water, no matter how messy it gets. I’ve been there more times than I can count, crawling around on a wet roof with a bucket of cement and a trowel, just hoping it’ll hold until the weather clears up. It’s not pretty, but it usually buys you enough time.
Those peel-and-stick patches are hit or miss, especially if you can’t get the surface dry. I’ve found that if you can at least towel off the area and warm it up a bit (even just with your hands), they stick a little better, but yeah... not always reliable in a downpour.
Honestly, quick fixes are just that—temporary. The main thing is keeping things safe and minimizing damage until you can do a proper repair. Don’t beat yourself up about using whatever works in the moment. Sometimes, it’s all about survival mode when the rain’s coming in sideways.
I’ve definitely been in that spot, scrambling to patch things up mid-storm. For me, the cheapest “fix” that’s actually worked in a pinch is just a plastic tarp and some bricks or 2x4s to weigh it down. Not pretty, but it kept the water out until I could get proper repairs done. I’m curious—has anyone tried those spray-on leak sealers? I see them at the hardware store, but I’m skeptical about how well they work when everything’s soaked.
