A homeowner in the upper Midwest facing a six- to eight-week wait for roof repairs turned to fellow homeowners for advice on whether a tarp could keep the leak at bay.
Commenters suggested the problem might need a much smaller fix than a major roofing job.
Here's what to know
The original poster reported in the Reddit post that an earlier appointment was an option with a couple of companies, but only for an additional charge. The homeowner explained to the r/HomeMaintenance subreddit that water had begun leaking around a roof vent during heavy rain.
They asked: "Is this just what fall is like for roofers in the upper Midwest or are they playing games? And is a tarp fine for two months, or am I risking real damage by waiting?"
One commenter stressed that temporary protection depends on proper installation.
"A properly secured tarp can hold for a couple of months, but how you install it matters more than the tarp itself," they wrote.
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More background
A replacement roof was not the only possibility raised in the comments. Some users thought a repair limited to the vent area might be enough.
The commenter who suggested the tarp identified a cracked pipe boot or failed flashing as possible causes. The thread did not, however, establish which component was leaking.
Mold and rot could develop if moisture remained trapped, one commenter warned. Several urged checking inside the house for water, pointing to potentially wet insulation and roof decking.
The additional charges for earlier appointments also drew frustration.
"Welcome to fall roofing season, where they can name their price and still leave you hanging," a user quipped.
What can be done?
One commenter suggested checking a temporary tarp after major wind or storms and fastening it with wood battens instead of relying solely on nails through the material. They recommended a heavy-duty tarp large enough to extend substantially beyond the leak and reach across the ridge.
To manage water indoors, the same commenter suggested catching drips in a bucket and checking the attic insulation beneath the affected area for dampness. Another warned about the risks of getting onto the roof.
"Just be careful on the roof, very easy to have a big accident," they wrote.
"If it's the vent stack - go buy a proper rubber repair collar for $10 and slip it on," a commenter added.
If the original poster didn't feel comfortable doing that themselves and wanted to avoid roofers' wait and prices, users suggested the Thumbtack app or a handyman to do the job.
"Most minor leaks are an easy patch job that will keep money in your pocket for 5-10 more years," a commenter opined.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have run into trouble with roof leaks, vents, and flashing, too.
• A Texas homeowner counted 14 white caulk marks after a sixth roof leak.
• A New York roof leak worsened after a $1,600 repair, with a $4,800 redo.
• A Texas homeowner paid $31,000 for roofing before inspectors discovered flashing was never replaced.
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