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.
- Hit that 20-year mark myself last fall—patches everywhere, but it’s just slowing things down at this point.
- Metal edging helped me for a couple winters, but those ice dams still found a way in. Had to chip away at them more than once.
- I get the urge to stretch things out, but after chasing leaks through two spring thaws, I finally bit the bullet and replaced a section.
- Props for getting up there in winter. I slipped off my ladder once—never again when there’s snow on the roof.
- Sometimes I wonder if all the patching is worth it, or if it’s just better to plan for a full redo before things get ugly.
Hitting that 20-year mark really does seem to be the tipping point. I’ve seen so many folks try to squeeze a few more seasons out with patches and sealant, but after a while, it’s just chasing your tail. Metal edging can help a bit with ice dams, but if your insulation or ventilation isn’t up to par, those dams just keep coming back. I’m with you on the winter ladder thing—one slip was enough for me, too. Sometimes it’s just safer (and cheaper in the long run) to plan for a full replacement before things get out of hand.
Metal edging can help a bit with ice dams, but if your insulation or ventilation isn’t up to par, those dams just keep coming back.
That’s the part a lot of folks miss—metal edging is only a band-aid if the attic’s not sorted out. I had a similar situation after 18 years with my old asphalt roof. Tried patching, sealing, even added heat cables... but the ice dams kept winning until I beefed up the insulation and added a ridge vent. Curious—did you look into any green roofing options when you were planning the replacement? Sometimes the up-front cost is higher, but I’ve found it pays off in energy savings and fewer headaches down the line.
