A Quick Fix and Waterproofing Product to Patch a Roof

1 Material
$40
1 Hour
Easy
We had some wind damage from a storm a couple of weeks ago and lost some metal panels on our roof. Between the delay from our insurance adjuster and getting quotes from contractors, we needed a way to patch the roof and a waterproof fix to tide us over until our roof could be replaced.
Our steel roofing is known for its durability and designed to withstand severe weather including high winds and fire. The roofers that have come out to give us an estimate determined that the roof was properly installed and were surprised by our damage.
I had a ‘heavy precipitation in your area’ alert from my weather app on my phone but no warning or indication of high winds associated with the rain. It’s not uncommon for us to have high winds off the lake or lake wind advisories, but this took us by surprise.
One roofer estimated we must have had 100+ mph winds to cause the metal panels to rip from the roof and sail about 100 yards to the field next to our house, along with our 48" x 60" irrigation cover.
We were lucky that the area of the roof that was damaged was relatively flat, making it easy for my husband to secure a tarp and do some minor repairs until the roofing can be replaced.
We were also lucky that we could access part of the roof easily from a window. My husband used the metal roof screws from panels that were torn off to fasten and reattach the loose roof panels.
He attached a tarp using the roof panel screws using the grommet holes of the tarp.
For the holes in the roof that the tarp didn’t cover, Flex Tape was a perfect solution and a quick and easy fix!
Flex Tape is a strong rubberized waterproof tape. We’ve used Flex Seal spray before but this was our first experience using the tape which was so much easier for our roof repair, with no need for multiple coats like the spray would require. I found our 4 inch wide x 5 foot rolls for $12.99 in the paint department at Lowe’s. It’s also available online and in 8 inch and 12 inch widths in white or black.
The tape can be cut to your desired length and comes with a backing that you peel away before applying. As you might guess, it’s super sticky. Rather than trying to cut through it, I found it easier to cut it like wrapping paper, letting the open blades of the scissors slide through the tape.
Once you peel the backing off, press the tape firmly to remove any air pockets or bubbles. Once bonded, it can’t be re-positioned and adhesion will strengthen over time.
In addition to the holes punched through the metal, we used it all along the edge where the roof was pulled away from the flashing and to cover the screw holes and gaps.
I'm often skeptical of "as seen on TV" products but Flex Tape worked as advertised and was a quick waterproof solution and patch our roof until it can be replaced. We highly recommend it!
Suggested materials:
  • Flex Tape, (3) 4 inch x 5 foot rolls   (Lowe's)
Mary @ Home is Where the Boat Is
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Jessie Jessie on Jan 30, 2018

    Hmm, might this work on roof shingles as well?

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  • William William on Jan 27, 2018

    I'm also skeptical about "As Seen On TV". I have some gutter repairs I need to do in the spring. Will have to get some Flex Tape and see how it works out. Tried the Flex Seal spray but still got leaks a few weeks later.

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