Yeah, tarps are the go-to after a storm, but I’ve seen more of them flapping in the wind than actually keeping water out. Folks underestimate how much wind can get under even a small wrinkle. I’ve patched up plenty of roofs where the “temporary fix” just made things worse—water gets under a loose tarp and you end up with soggy insulation or worse, mold.
One thing I’ll add: if you’ve got a steep roof, don’t mess around up there unless you’re comfortable. I’ve watched more than one neighbor try to play hero and nearly slide off. For low slopes, I’ve had some luck with that peel-and-stick roof patch tape—doesn’t look pretty, but it’ll buy you a few days if you press it down tight and cover it with a tarp.
And yeah, it’s ugly. But I’d rather see a blue tarp than a ceiling caving in. Just don’t expect it to last more than a week or two, especially if the weather stays rough.
That’s a solid point about tarps—they’re not foolproof, especially if they aren’t secured at every edge. I’ve seen folks use bricks or random boards to hold them down, but wind just gets under and lifts the whole thing. Those peel-and-stick patches can help in a pinch, but like you said, they’re really just a stopgap. I always tell people: if you’re not sure-footed up there, it’s not worth the risk. Sometimes waiting for a pro is the safest call, even if it means a little more water inside for a day or two.
- Agree with you on tarps—seen too many folks toss one up and think it’s set, then a gust of wind turns their “fix” into a sail.
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Couldn’t say it better. Even experienced folks can get caught off guard, especially on steep or wet roofs.“I always tell people: if you’re not sure-footed up there, it’s not worth the risk.”
- For quick fixes, here’s what I’ve seen actually help (at least for a night or two):
- If you have to tarp, use 2x4s screwed down along the edges—not just bricks or rocks. Weight alone doesn’t cut it.
- Those peel-and-stick patches? They’ll slow a drip but won’t hold up to real rain or wind. Good for a window of time while you wait for help.
- Sometimes, plastic sheeting stapled under the attic rafters will channel water into buckets and keep ceilings from collapsing—messy but better than nothing if you can’t get outside.
- Had a customer last year who tried duct tape on cracked shingles... It held for about an hour, then made the leak worse because water pooled under the tape. Not worth trying unless you’re desperate.
- Waiting for a pro is frustrating when water’s coming in, but honestly, rushing up there in bad weather is how people get hurt. I’ve patched more botched DIY jobs than actual storm damage some weeks.
- If you’re in an area with lots of storms (I’m in the Midwest), keeping some heavy-duty tarps and screws handy is smart. But yeah—nothing beats getting it fixed right once things calm down.
- One last thing: insurance companies sometimes want to see photos of “mitigation efforts,” so snap pics of whatever quick fix you try. Helps your claim later.
Hang in there—leaks are stressful but fixable. Most important thing is staying safe and dry as best you can till help arrives.
I’ve seen folks try everything from buckets to baking sheets in the attic, but nothing beats a properly secured tarp—totally agree about using 2x4s instead of just tossing something heavy on top. I’m always surprised how many people underestimate wind. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those spray-on leak sealers? I’ve patched a few spots with them for emergencies, but they never seem to last more than a day or two before the water finds its way back in. Maybe it’s just our Midwest weather chewing through quick fixes faster than they can dry...
I get where you’re coming from about tarps and 2x4s, but honestly, I think folks put way too much faith in tarps for anything longer than a day or two. Maybe it’s just the pitch on my roof (pretty steep, asphalt shingles, midwest like you), but every time I’ve tried to tarp, the wind finds a way to either shift it or drive water right underneath. Even with the boards screwed down tight, I always end up with a soggy attic.
About those spray-on leak sealers—funny enough, I’ve actually had better luck with them than with tarps in short bursts. Not saying they’re a miracle cure, but for those tiny nail holes or cracks around flashing, that stuff has bought me a week or more while I waited for a roofer. The trick seems to be getting the surface bone dry first, which is almost impossible if there’s already a drip going. If there’s moisture trapped under the sealant, it peels right off after the next freeze-thaw cycle. Midwest weather is brutal for that—one day it’s 60°, next day it snows.
I will say, though, nothing really beats actually replacing damaged shingles or flashing. All these quick fixes just feel like putting duct tape on a leaky pipe—fine for an emergency but you’re living on borrowed time. Had a neighbor who swore by Flex Seal until half his ceiling caved in during a thunderstorm... Not something I want to risk.
If you’re dealing with recurring leaks in the same spot, might be worth checking your attic ventilation and insulation too. Sometimes ice dams are the real culprit and no amount of tarps or sprays will help until you fix the airflow up there.
I’m not knocking tarps or sealers—they have their place—but I wouldn’t trust either one as anything more than a stopgap. If you can swing it, patching with actual roofing material (or at least proper roofing cement) seems to hold up best for me between storms.
