Expert: Brad Zacharia - 11/29/2006

Question
I have a flat, tarred roof over my garage which just started leaking.

Considering it's only my concrete, cinder-block garage below, I'm simply looking for a cheap way to keep it from leaking down onto my cars and garage items, even if I have to re-do it every couple years.  From below the garage ceiling is plywood.

I live in the upper midwest, so the fix will have to be applied when it is cold out (20-40F degrees).  

What are some cheap, do-it-yourself options that could be done by one (preferably) or two people?

Thanks!

Answer
If it's just cracks, you can seal them with roofing cement and fabric. If it's completely rotted then you'll have to do a whole roof and the only thing a homeowner can do is rolls of 90 lb material, nail the seams and then seal with cement and fabric. Not a good roof but all you can do.

Brad