That’s the truth—sometimes you just gotta slap some plywood and caulk on it and call it a day, especially if it’s just the raccoons judging. I’ve definitely had to do some “creative” patch jobs on my shed roof with leftover metal flashing and a tarp. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using green roofing materials for these quick fixes? I keep wondering if something like recycled rubber or even sedum mats would hold up better long-term, or if it’s just overkill for spots nobody sees.
Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using green roofing materials for these quick fixes? I keep wondering if something like recycled rubber or even sedum mats would hold up better long-term, or if it’s just overkill for spots nobody sees.
I’ve wondered the same thing, honestly. My shed is basically a Frankenstein’s monster at this point—bits of old fence panel, random shingles, and a tarp that’s seen better days. The raccoons don’t seem to mind, but every time it rains sideways I get a little nervous.
I did try one of those “eco” rubber mats once (the kind made from old tires). It was super easy to cut and slap over a leaky patch, but it got weirdly brittle after two summers in the Texas sun. Maybe I just got a cheap brand? Haven’t tried sedum mats yet—seems fancy for a shed roof, but I guess if you’re into that living-roof look, why not? I’d be worried about the weight though. My shed is not exactly built to code.
Honestly, for spots nobody sees, I’m more in the “whatever keeps the water out and doesn’t cost much” camp. But then again, I’ve seen some folks go all-in on backyard projects just for the fun of it. If you’re already patching with metal flashing and tarps, I feel like anything goes.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those peel-and-stick rolls they sell at the big box stores? They claim to be “green” sometimes (low VOCs or recycled content), but I always wonder if they actually last longer than just slapping down another layer of shingles. Or maybe there’s some magic material out there we’re all missing?
Also—anyone else ever have their “creative” patch job actually outlast the original roof? My neighbor swears his blue tarp is going on year five...
I’ve had to patch a lot of outbuildings and garages over the years, and honestly, the “green” stuff is hit or miss for these quick fixes. Tried the peel-and-stick rolls with recycled content on a couple of rental sheds—easy to apply, but in our Midwest winters they started curling at the edges after about two years. Not terrible, but not what I’d call long-term either. The rubber mats (from tires) held up okay on a north-facing wall, but on a south-facing section they got brittle and cracked just like you described. Sun exposure really seems to be the killer for most of these recycled materials.
Sedum mats are interesting but way too heavy for most sheds unless you’re reinforcing the structure first. I looked into it once for a carport roof and the weight calculations alone made me bail. For spots nobody sees, I usually end up using whatever’s on hand—roofing cement and scrap shingles mostly. Had one patch job with leftover torch-down membrane that’s still solid after six years, outlasting the original rolled roofing by a mile.
Blue tarps? I’ve seen them last ages, but once they go, they go fast. Wouldn’t trust them for anything important...
I hear you on the torch-down—had a patch with that on my dad’s old workshop and it’s still holding up, even after a couple hailstorms. Those “eco” mats always seem to get brittle in direct sun, no matter what the label promises. Ever try the cold-applied roll roofing? I’ve had mixed results, but it’s less of a hassle than full tear-off when you’re just patching.
Cold-applied roll roofing’s been a bit hit-or-miss for me too. Tried it on my uncle’s shed last summer—went down easy, but after the first freeze-thaw cycle, some seams started curling. Way less mess than torch-down, though. I guess it’s all about what you’re patching and how much sun it gets.