You’re spot on about those membranes—they’re a decent stopgap, but on anything pushing 20 years, it’s just buying time. I’ve seen folks get another season or two with careful prep, but Midwest winters are relentless. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and do a bigger fix. Still, props for tackling it yourself. That’s not an easy job up there.
Membranes are like duct tape for roofs—good in a pinch, but you’re right, they’re not magic. Once you hit that 20-year mark, especially around here with the freeze-thaw circus every winter, it’s just delaying the inevitable. I’ve seen people stretch things out with some creative patchwork, but at some point, you’re just chasing leaks. Kudos for getting up there yourself though... most folks won’t even touch a ladder once the snow flies. Just watch out for those surprise ice dams—they’re sneaky little troublemakers.
