Hello everyone. I have a leak in my ceiling. I live on the 2nd floor apartment which has a flat roof. It just started a week ago. I was told that a temporary patch would not work. I would need to replace the whole roof. Can I use a temporary patch until April or May? Or do I have to replace the whole roof?

Certainly a flat roof can be patched. Weather that patch will be temporary or permanent depends on a lot of things. You replace a roof when patching becomes to frequent and costly.

Don't understand you post. You say you live in a 2nd story or upper apartment and are asking about doing roof repairs. That implies that you own the apartment. That also implies that someone else owns the apartment below. Where are you located? Generally this would be called a condiminium where the structal elements are owned in common by more than one owner.

That's my question also, who is responsible for the roof maintenance? Who told you a patch wouldn't work? If I were responsible, a second or third opinion would be needed, as well as estimates for patching, and a full repair.

The issue of patch, or repair, generally rests with the costs of both. Gather facts is the best way to make a good decision.

Here in Chicago it's called a two unit apartment building. 1st floor and 2nd floor. Condominiums are similar. I own the building now and had a roofer tell me that I would need a whole new roof. Well I ended up replacing the whole roof instead of patching here and there. Might as well get it out the way now. Cost me 6300.00 dollars. So I should be set for another 15 years or so. Haven't had time to update.
Been very busy at home and at work.
I would like to thank you guys for your comments and your help. Like I said before
This website is very very helpful. I think every homeowner should be a member.
Thanks again guys. You guys are the best. Wish everyone best of health. Good bye for now. :)

Anyhting over $1000, espcially here in Chitown, deserves 3 bids

I agree, but it is done now, and 15 years on a flat roof? I guess it depends on how they did it, did they tear off the old roof, replace any of the underlying boards that may have went bad?

But yes flat roofs can be patched and patches can last several years depending on where the leakage is coming from