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

Peel-and-stick membranes actually worked better than I expected, at least for a short-term patch. I used one last fall when a branch punched through a couple shingles - just cleaned the area, slapped it on, and it held up through a few heavy rains. Didn’t solve everything, but it definitely slowed the leak until I could get a roofer out. The trick is making sure the surface is as dry as possible before sticking it down... which isn’t always easy if you’re in the middle of a storm.

I’ve tried those rubber anchors too. They’re less damaging than nails, but I still had some water sneak under the tarp when the wind picked up. Honestly, nothing’s perfect unless you can get a real repair done, but for quick fixes, peel-and-stick felt less hassle than wrestling with tarps every time it got windy. Just my two cents - your mileage may vary depending on your roof pitch and how bad the damage is.

Tried both tarps and peel-and-stick patches after a hailstorm last spring. I’ll admit, the membrane was less of a headache than fighting with a tarp in high winds, but it’s still just a band-aid. One thing I learned: if you don’t get every bit of debris off and the surface bone dry, that patch will start peeling up fast - especially on older asphalt shingles. For anyone thinking about it, I’d also watch out for how hot your roof gets. Some of those membranes can get gummy and slide around if you’re in a sunny spot. Not perfect, but better than nothing when you’re waiting weeks for a roofer.

if you don’t get every bit of debris off and the surface bone dry, that patch will start peeling up fast - especially on older asphalt shingles.

That’s spot on. I see so many folks slap a tarp or membrane down after a storm and think it’s set, but even a little grit or dampness under there can ruin the seal. Tarps are honestly a pain - wind gets under them, and before you know it, you’re chasing blue plastic across your yard. The peel-and-stick stuff is easier in calm weather, but yeah, on a hot day it can turn into a mess if you’re not careful. Still, for short-term fixes while waiting for pros, it’s hard to beat if you prep the surface right. Just don’t expect miracles if your shingles are already curling or brittle.

I’ve had mixed results with tarps, honestly. On my old three-tab shingles, even with everything cleaned up and dry, the tarp only held for a couple weeks before wind started pulling at the edges. I tried using those wood strips to secure it, but water still found its way in during a heavy rain. The peel-and-stick patches worked better for me, but like you said, if the shingles are already curling or brittle, nothing really sticks well. I guess for a quick fix while waiting on a roofer, it’s better than nothing... just don’t expect it to last through more than a storm or two.

I guess for a quick fix while waiting on a roofer, it’s better than nothing... just don’t expect it to last through more than a storm or two.

Yeah, I’ve seen the same thing. Tarps are like putting a band-aid on a busted pipe - might slow the leak, but you’re still getting wet eventually. Especially with old three-tabs, once they start curling, it’s game over for anything trying to stick. I tried screwing down furring strips and even doubled up the tarp once, but the wind just laughed at me. Honestly, tarps are just holding you over till you can do the real fix.