Upper Midwest homeowner warned of long roof repair delay, but a $10 vent fix may solve it

"Is this just normal for roofers in the upper Midwest in fall, or are they just messing around?"

A homeowner in the upper Midwest who was told roof repairs could take six to eight weeks asked other homeowners whether a tarp would be enough to hold off a leak in the meantime.

Several commenters said the issue might call for a much smaller repair than a full roofing project.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, the original poster said a few companies could offer an earlier appointment, but only for an extra fee. The homeowner told the r/HomeMaintenance subreddit that water had started seeping in 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 said temporary coverage can work, but only if it is installed correctly.

"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

Commenters did not all assume the whole roof needed replacing. Some thought a repair around the vent itself might be enough.

The commenter who recommended the tarp pointed to a cracked pipe boot or failed flashing as possible causes. The thread did not determine which part was actually leaking.

One warning was that trapped moisture could lead to mold and rot. Several users urged checking the inside of the home for signs of water, including damp insulation and roof decking.

The extra charge for an earlier appointment also drew criticism.

"Welcome to fall roofing season, where they can name their price and still leave you hanging," one user quipped.

What can be done?

One commenter advised inspecting a temporary tarp after strong wind or storms and securing it with wood battens rather than depending only on nails through the material. They suggested using a heavy-duty tarp large enough to extend well beyond the leak and across the ridge.

To deal with water indoors, the same commenter recommended placing a bucket under the drip and checking the attic insulation below the affected spot for moisture. Another user cautioned against climbing 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," another commenter added.

If the original poster was not comfortable handling that themselves and wanted to avoid the wait and price of roofers, users suggested hiring through Thumbtack or calling a handyman.

"Most minor leaks are an easy patch job that will keep money in your pocket for 5-10 more years," a commenter said.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have also dealt with roof leaks, vents, and flashing issues.

• 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.