Tarps have definitely saved me a few times, even if they look rough from the street. I’ve found that using 2x4s to anchor the edges helps keep them from flapping or blowing off in those Midwest wind gusts. The self-adhesive patches never lasted through a full freeze-thaw cycle for me either—always ended up with more leaks by spring. Honestly, once water gets under the shingles, it’s just a matter of time before you’re dealing with rot or mold. Quick fixes are fine for emergencies, but I’ve learned not to trust them for more than a season.
Quick fixes are fine for emergencies, but I’ve learned not to trust them for more than a season.
That lines up with what I’ve seen—tarps and patches just don’t hold up long-term, especially once winter hits. I’m curious if anyone’s had better luck with those liquid rubber coatings? I tried one on a flat section last fall, but it started peeling after a couple months. Maybe it’s just not suited for freeze-thaw cycles, or maybe prep is more important than the product itself... Has anyone managed to get a full winter out of those?
I’ve used those liquid rubber coatings on a low-slope section, and honestly, prep made all the difference. The first time, I rushed it and it peeled by January. Second go, I cleaned and primed like crazy—lasted through a rough winter. Still, wouldn’t trust it for more than a year or two. Freeze-thaw cycles are brutal up here in Minnesota.
Still, wouldn’t trust it for more than a year or two. Freeze-thaw cycles are brutal up here in Minnesota.
Yeah, those freeze-thaw cycles are no joke. I tried a similar liquid rubber thing on my garage roof in Duluth—prepped like I was painting the Mona Lisa, but by the second winter, it started bubbling near the seams. Short-term, it’s a lifesaver, but I’ve found green roofs (even just a sedum mat) buffer temp swings way better. Not a quick fix, obviously, but my little patch has held up for five years now. Still, for emergencies, nothing beats a can of that goopy black patch stuff and a prayer...
Still, for emergencies, nothing beats a can of that goopy black patch stuff and a prayer...
That black patch goop has saved my bacon more than once, but it’s really just a band-aid. I’ve seen folks use it and forget about the real problem, then call me in spring when it’s a full-on mess. Green roofs are cool, but not everyone’s ready for that kind of commitment (or budget). If you’re dealing with old asphalt shingles, sometimes a roll of flashing tape and a tarp is your best friend until the weather lets you do it right.
