EPDM and sealant—now there’s a combo I’ve seen save more than a few headaches (and wallets) in the Midwest. Those freeze-thaw cycles are no joke; one day it’s a balmy 50, next thing you know you’re scraping ice off your gutters. I’ve crawled through more attics than I care to admit, and you’re right—improper sealing around the patch edges can definitely trap moisture. That’s when you start seeing those telltale water stains or, worse, a little indoor rainstorm.
On low-slope roofs, especially, I’ve noticed condensation issues crop up if there’s not enough ventilation or if the patch isn’t tight. Once had a client use a quick fix that held up great for rain, but come January, they were dealing with a mini skating rink in their eaves. Sometimes it’s a tradeoff—stop the leaks now, but keep an eye out for hidden damage later.
If you made it through two winters without peeling paint or suspicious ceiling spots, I’d say your patch job did its duty. Just don’t trust it forever… those Midwest winters have a way of finding every weak spot eventually.
- Agree on EPDM and sealant—solid combo, but only as good as the prep work.
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—see this all the time. Folks rush the job, skip primer, or don’t feather the edges. That’s when you get those hidden leaks.“improper sealing around the patch edges can definitely trap moisture”
- Low-slope roofs are always tricky. If attic ventilation’s off, you’re basically asking for condensation and mold.
- Two winters without issues is decent, but I’d still check every spring. Midwest weather will find any weak spot, sooner or later.
- Quick fixes are fine in a pinch, but I’ve seen too many “temporary” patches turn into full-on ceiling repairs.
Couldn’t agree more about the prep—seen too many folks slap on sealant and call it a day, then wonder why there’s a drip in the hallway three months later. Midwest freeze-thaw cycles are brutal. I always tell people: check those patches before the snow melts, not after.
That’s a good point about timing—catching issues before the thaw seems way smarter than waiting for leaks to show up. I’ve noticed some folks use different patch materials, like cold-applied vs. hot-applied, but I’m not sure which really holds up better through all the freezing and thawing. Has anyone actually compared how those sealants perform after a rough winter? I’ve only seen a couple of jobs up close, and sometimes the “quick fix” stuff doesn’t even last a season. Wondering if it’s more about the prep or the product itself...
I’ve seen both cold- and hot-applied patches fail, honestly, but the prep work makes a massive difference. If there’s any moisture or debris left, even the best product won’t last through a freeze-thaw cycle. Around here (Midwest), hot-applied seems to hold up better, but it’s a pain for small fixes. Curious—has anyone tried those newer hybrid sealants? I’m skeptical they’re much better than the old stuff, but maybe I’m missing something...
