QUICK FIX FOR ROOF LEAKS: DOES A TARP REALLY HOLD UP?

Ended up using peel-and-stick ice shield as a temporary patch.

I get the appeal of peel-and-stick ice shield for a quick patch, but I’ve seen it trap moisture if the roof deck’s already damp. Sometimes that leads to rot or mold by spring. For short-term fixes, I usually recommend a heavy-duty tarp with wood strips screwed down at the edges - less risk of water sneaking under, especially if you’re waiting out a few storms. Not perfect, but easier to remove and less mess later.

Tarp with wood strips has worked for me too, especially on my old asphalt roof. I’m always wary of peel-and-stick stuff - once moisture’s in, it’s tough to dry out. Tarps aren’t pretty, but at least you can check underneath if things get sketchy.

Tarps aren’t pretty, but at least you can check underneath if things get sketchy.

That’s a fair point, but I always wonder - how do you keep the tarp from shifting in high winds? I’ve seen folks use wood strips, bricks, even sandbags, but sometimes after a storm, the whole setup’s halfway off the roof. Anyone had luck with a method that actually stays put for more than a week or two? Also, does anyone worry about water pooling under the tarp and making things worse? I’ve had that happen on a low-slope roof and it was a mess.

I’ve wrestled with tarps on my old ranch house more times than I care to admit. High winds are always a pain - bricks and sandbags just roll or slide unless you get them wedged right, and even then, a big gust will move everything around. What’s worked best for me is screwing 1x2 furring strips through the tarp edges into the roof (right over the rafters if you can find them). Not ideal, since you’re putting holes in the roof, but at least it keeps the tarp from flapping off every time there’s a storm.

Pooling water is a real headache on low-slope roofs. If you don’t get the tarp tight enough or prop up the middle somehow, it’ll sag and collect water fast. I’ve tried tossing an old broomstick or some scrap lumber under the tarp to give it a bit of pitch - kind of janky, but better than nothing. Still, after a couple weeks, things always start shifting again. Honestly, tarps buy you time, but they’re not much more than a stopgap... especially if you’re dealing with heavy rain or wind.

Yeah, tarps are a pain - never had one last more than a month on my old shed, especially once the wind picked up. Ever thought about just skipping the tarp and going straight to a green roof patch, like a living roof mat or sedum blanket? I tried one as a temp fix on my garage, and it actually held up better than the blue plastic. Curious if anyone’s managed to get something like that to work long-term on a low slope.