A Quick Fix and Great Waterproofing Product to Patch a Roof

We had some wind and storm damage a couple of weeks ago and lost part of our roof. I did a screen shot of the weather app on my phone. . .beware of the orange cell of the storm and take cover from flying debris and sheets of roofing!

Our steel roofing is known for its durability and designed to withstands 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.

One 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 my Potting Shed.

We think the culprit was our 48 x 60 inch irrigation cover that went airborne and hit the roof. This wind with this line of showers came out of nowhere which was so surprising. Damaging winds associated with storms are much more likely here in June and July rather than January.

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.

He used the metal roof screws from panels that were torn off to fasten and attach the loose roof panels.

 He attached the tarp just prior to our surprise accumulation and blanket of snow.

For the holes in the roof that the tarp didn’t cover, FLEX TAPE® was a perfect solution and a quick and easy fix!

Are you familiar with FLEX TAPE®? It’s 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. While we don’t have plans to saw our boat in half and use FLEX TAPE® to put it back together like in the commercial, ;) we’ll definitely use it again, just hopefully not on our roof!

For our use it didn’t matter, but the tape comes with directions to test an inconspicuous place before using since it may damage the surface if you attempt to remove it.

 I found our 4 inches wide by 5 foot rolls for $12.99 in the paint department at Lowe’s. It’s also available in 8 inch and 12 inch widths and available in white or black.

The tape 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.

We used it all along the edge where the roof was pulled away from the flashing and to cover the screw holes and gaps.

You can read find the FAQs, usages and more info on FLEX TAPE® here. It works as advertised and we highly recommend it! No compensation for this post and review,  just an easy, waterproof solution and a product that has many uses and applications.

Our insurance adjuster was out yesterday so hopefully we can get our contractor lined up and roof replaced soon. I’ll leave you with a couple of early sunrise photos with cloud reflections on the water and steam fog rising off the lake.

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  34 comments for “A Quick Fix and Great Waterproofing Product to Patch a Roof

  1. Susie
    January 25, 2018 at 7:24 am

    OK, I am in LOVE with Flex Seal products!! My first experience was with a beautiful copper pot I wanted to use as an outdoor planter. I drilled 2 drain holes in the bottom and sprayed Flex Seal on the interior and the bottom–works perfectly!! It’s 100% waterproof and can be washed down to store pots in the winter. Prevents all types of rust and corrosion. I use it for all manner of repairs. So sorry for your roof damage, but I’m so glad you found this easy fix.

  2. January 25, 2018 at 7:47 am

    Mary, we are both blessed to have handy husbands. Hopefully you will be able to have a permanent fix soon. I love the reflection of the clouds in the water! Happy Thursday

  3. Nancy
    January 25, 2018 at 7:49 am

    We had some roof damage also, but over the lanai. Ace has sale this week on these products. I like the idea of rust prevention as stated in Susie’s remarks also. Thanks for your review.

  4. January 25, 2018 at 7:50 am

    Since I have been through two tornadoes, I’m always sympathetic to those that are damaged by weather. Wind is, for me, the scariest because it’s so uncontrollable. Hope all goes well with your repairs..one thing we learned was not to be in a hurry to get it finished and be thorough…there is usually underlying damage that may not appear until much later and, I know you are, but grateful no one was injured..after living through two of those monsters, I have the greatest respect for Mother Nature and we pay close attention to our weatherman..Good luck! 🌪💨🌪💨

    P.S. Tornadoes really do sound like freight trains…😧

  5. Robyn
    January 25, 2018 at 8:18 am

    Sorry about your roof, but glad to hear it will be repaired soon! We have had some crazy weather in NC this winter and I think we’re in for some more! Your sunrise pics are gorgeous! Have a wonderful day!

  6. Norma Rolader
    January 25, 2018 at 8:27 am

    Prayers all will be taken care of soon for you both and thank you for sharing the beautiful water and pink skies

  7. January 25, 2018 at 8:32 am

    Love your early morning pics. Took my breath away! Beautiful!
    Glad things are progressing on your roof. Good to learn about Flex tape.

    • Cynthia
      January 29, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      The photos of the skies and water are just breathtaking! Thank you.

  8. prairie sunrise
    January 25, 2018 at 8:48 am

    Would you consider putting Tablescapes in the choice bar under your header? You are the top tablescaper in the country without a doubt. I can search in the archives, but it’s not as obvious a choice for us when we look at your page. JW

    • January 25, 2018 at 9:06 am

      Thank you JW, I’ll work on that this coming week!

  9. January 25, 2018 at 9:00 am

    Wow that was unfortunate your roof got damaged like that. Looking at the picture showing your table set below it’s lucky that didn’t get hit by anything. I’ll have to remember that flex tape- not sure if Dan has ever used it before. Smart to get after it as fast as you did since water goes through the tiniest areas and travels so easily.

  10. Cyndi Raines
    January 25, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Will remember this product for future use, thanks Mary! Hopefully the full repair will be soon. Love the morning water pics. The sweet bird /Cardinal (?) Eating her breakfast is lovely in the early morning pink hue.

  11. January 25, 2018 at 9:21 am

    God has blessed you with a truly wonderful husband! A very special couple you make!

    • January 25, 2018 at 10:27 am

      Yes he has, thank you Lynette ❤️

  12. Granny Gay
    January 25, 2018 at 9:29 am

    You are the ultimate optimist, Mary…so cheery even after this catastrophe. Looks as if y’all have things under control. Very sorry for this damage to your home. Thanks for the tip on the tape. Love the early morning pictures…thank you…

  13. Patti
    January 25, 2018 at 10:04 am

    I’ve wondered about the Flex Tape, and glad to hear it works so well! And thanks for the beautiful sunrise pictures ~ just gorgeous!

  14. January 25, 2018 at 10:35 am

    omg Mary, HH and I laugh every time we see that crazy flex tape commercial, and have been dying to find out if it works! Sold! Wow, you are so lucky you were able to get a good temporary fix! Hope it’s all back to normal soon!
    Jenna

    • January 25, 2018 at 10:38 am

      I know Jenna isn’t it hilarious?! I’m ready to buy a case of that tape after using it, just not for our boat! 🛥😀

  15. January 25, 2018 at 11:35 am

    Good grief, Mary! I’m glad you were able to repair the roof to keep out the rain & snow but what a scary job…Yikes!
    Thanks for the review of that tape. I hope I never have to use it!

  16. Debbie
    January 25, 2018 at 11:40 am

    So glad the Flex tape worked for you. I have tried the spray as well and it worked pretty well and have been curious about the tape. Thanks for the info. so sorry you had to find out the way you did. Mother Nature is definitely a force to be dealt with. Take care and good luck with the repairs.

  17. Catherine LUXEREAU
    January 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    Bonsoir,

    Vous n’avez pas de chance avec le mauvais temps…Vivement que le printemps revienne. Oh pauvre Mary..

    Bon courage pour les travaux.
    Catherine

  18. January 25, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    I would also like to see a tablescape heading. It would be alot easier to look up your beautiful Tablescapes! Also thanks for the info on Flex tape. I will get some soon.

  19. franki
    January 25, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    Thanks for passing on this endorsement for that flex tape…you never know…!! franki

  20. Rita C.
    January 25, 2018 at 3:05 pm

    Mr. P. is not handy at all, but I will certainly remember this and recommend it to family and friends based on your experience! Once the roofers do come, let us know if they have anything to say about whether removing the bolts underneath where you’ve put the tape was difficult (where the roof tore away). We need to get our sunroom porch recaulked with all those huge windows, and Pella no longer services them. We had our city’s best commercial roofer suggest a Peel & Seal self-stick aluminum roll roofing for all the window seams. I wonder if it’s the same sort of product…gonna look into it – thanks for sharing.
    Great pictures on the water.

  21. January 25, 2018 at 3:12 pm

    That flex tape is amazing stuff. I used Flex Seal tonseal a plant container to make a water garden. It worked perfectly!

  22. Virginia
    January 25, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    Mary thanks so much for the beautiful sunrise photos they are just gorgeous and thank you for the thumbs up on Flex tape. It is great to know it’s advantages and especially from such a good source. We too have a metal roof on our house installed sometime in the late 30’s or early 40’s over the original roof of cypress shakes. Our location is northeastern North Carolina is prone to nasty weather from hurricanes and nor’easters. When strong winds blow across our roof it rattles and rumbles. A few times I have certainly expected to see it flying across the yard but so far it has held tight. Thanks for the recommendation.

  23. January 25, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    Glad to hear the Flex Tape worked Mary! I’m always a little skeptical about those as seen on tv ads:@)

  24. January 25, 2018 at 7:20 pm

    So good to know that the Flex tape works! We need to patch a small place over our porch until we get a new roof put on. I’ve been holding out for a metal roof! Your early morning photos are stunning!

  25. January 25, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    Sounds too good to be true
    Can this product be shipped to u.k?
    Would appreciate supply contact details

  26. January 26, 2018 at 9:28 am

    You and your hubby are great partners, Mary! I haven’t heard of flex tape, but thank you for your for your reviews of it and recommendation. The photos with the pink clouds and their reflections in the lake, made me say…ahhhhhh!!!
    Happy weekend! xx

  27. Eddi Reid
    January 28, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Loved the lake pictures, thank you.
    I have a feeling that my husband used Flextape successfully – to my surprise as I too was sceptical.

  28. December 4, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    I used Flex Seal tonseal a plant container to make a water garden. It worked perfectly!

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