That’s honestly reassuring to hear, in a weird way—I thought I’d messed up using a patch kit when mine started leaking again after the first rain. I’m with you on the blue tarp method, even if it looks ridiculous from the street. At least it actually keeps things dry until you can get someone out. Patch kits just feel like wishful thinking if your roof’s already in rough shape.
Honestly, I’m not convinced patch kits are worth much if your roof’s already seen better days. I’ve managed a handful of properties with older shingle roofs, and every time we’ve tried the “quick fix” route with those stick-on patches or liquid sealants, it’s been a temporary band-aid at best. Maybe you get a dry spot for a week or two, but the next big rain just finds a new way in. Especially if the decking underneath is already soft or warped—then it’s just a matter of time.
The blue tarp method isn’t pretty, but it’s the only thing I’ve seen actually keep interiors dry until a roofer can get there. We had one place last winter where the patch kit lasted less than 24 hours before water started seeping through again. Threw a tarp over it, sandbags on the corners, and that held for almost a month while we waited for materials. Looks awful from the street, yeah, but tenants were a lot happier with dry ceilings than with “curb appeal.”
One thing I’d add: if you’re using a tarp, make sure it’s stretched tight and goes well past the leak—water loves to sneak in at the edges. We had a guy once who just covered the immediate hole, and water still found its way under. Also, don’t nail through the tarp if you can help it... that just creates more holes to leak later.
If you’re dealing with repeated leaks, it’s probably time to bite the bullet and get a pro up there for a real fix. Patching just keeps you in this cycle of anxiety every time there’s rain in the forecast. I get why people try to DIY it—roofers are expensive and hard to schedule—but sometimes you’re just throwing money at temporary solutions.
Has anyone had any luck with those spray-on rubber coatings? I’ve seen them advertised but haven’t tried them myself. Curious if they’re any better than the usual patch kits, or just more wishful thinking.
Tried the spray-on rubber stuff (Flex Seal and a generic brand) on a 15-year-old asphalt shingle roof last fall. I’ll say this: it’s marginally better than the typical patch kit, but only if you’re dealing with a tiny crack or nail hole, and the weather’s dry when you apply it. Once water gets underneath, or if the shingles are curling up, it doesn’t really bond well. I noticed it peeled off after a couple weeks of freeze/thaw cycles.
For bigger leaks or soft decking, it’s just not enough. I get the appeal—easy to use, looks like it seals everything up—but it’s not a substitute for actual repair. Like you said, tarps are ugly but do the job if you need to buy time. I’d be wary of relying on any “miracle” spray for more than a few days, especially in wet climates. If the roof’s at the end of its life, these fixes are just delaying the inevitable... Learned that the hard way after chasing leaks for two winters.
- Been there with the miracle sprays—looked great for about a week, then the next rainstorm laughed at me.
- For quick fixes, I’ve had the best luck with a heavy-duty tarp and some bricks. Not pretty, but it keeps the living room dry.
- If you’re desperate, roof cement under a shingle can buy you a little time, but it’s messy and only works if things are still mostly intact.
- Once the decking’s soft or shingles are curling, nothing really sticks. At that point, I just start budgeting for a new roof... and maybe a bucket collection.
- Tarp and bricks definitely saved me during a surprise spring storm last year. Not pretty, but it kept the water out until I could get someone up there.
- I’ve tried those “miracle” sprays too—honestly, they just made a mess and didn’t hold up in the rain. Maybe they work better in dry climates, but here (Pacific Northwest), no chance.
- Roof cement under a shingle is a decent stopgap if you catch it early. Once the wood underneath gets soft, though, nothing really sticks for long.
- If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, I’ve had some luck with recycled rubber patch kits. They’re not a forever fix, but they seem to flex better with temperature swings and don’t crack as fast as the old tar stuff.
- Long-term, I started budgeting for a metal roof with solar panels. Pricey up front, but less waste and fewer repairs down the line. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but worth considering if you’re tired of patch jobs every year.
Honestly, once the leaks start coming through in buckets... time to think bigger picture. Temporary fixes are just that—temporary.