The temporary roof leak fixes that work best are a tarp run over the ridge and held with wood strips, roof cement or sealant on a small dry spot, and a piece of metal flashing slid under a damaged shingle. Inside, catch the water, drain any bulging ceiling and put a bucket in the attic. These buy days or weeks, not years.
Inside the house, right now
- Buckets and towels under the drip, with plastic on the floor.
- A bucket in the attic under the drip, on a board across the joists.
- A small hole in a bulging ceiling over a bucket to drain it.
- Shut off power to lights or fans near the water.
See what to do when your roof starts leaking.
Temporary fixes on the roof
| Fix | Good for | Lasts about |
|---|---|---|
| Tarp over the ridge with wood strips | Storm damage, large areas | A few weeks to a few months |
| Roof cement or sealant | Small cracks, nail holes | Months to a couple of years |
| Flashing slid under a shingle | A cracked or missing shingle | Until the shingle is replaced |
| Rubber pipe collar over a cracked boot | Leaking vent pipe | A season or two |
| Roof repair tape | Small tears, metal seams | Months |
How to tarp correctly
Size it
The tarp should cover the damage with several feet to spare and go over the ridge.
Anchor the top
Roll the top edge around a 2×4 on the far side of the ridge and fasten it.
Anchor the edges
Fasten wood strips along the sides and bottom.
Keep it tight
Loose tarps flap and tear in Arkansas wind.
Only do this on a dry, low roof you can reach safely. See emergency roof tarping.
A shingle patch with flashing
For a single cracked or missing shingle, a piece of aluminum or galvanized flashing slid up under the shingle above, covering the damaged area, can shed water until a matching shingle is in. Add a dab of sealant under the upper edge.
What does not work
- Duct tape, which peels off in rain and sun
- Plastic sheeting laid on the roof without anchoring
- Sandbags alone to hold a tarp
- Sealant on a wet surface
- Spraying from the inside of the roof deck
How long can I rely on a temporary fix?
Plan for weeks, not months. Pine Bluff storms come often in spring, and each one tests the patch. A temporary fix also does not dry out wet wood underneath. See how long a tarp can stay on a roof and does roofing tar stop leaks.
What to tell your roofer about the patch
Tell them what you used and where, and send a photo. Some products need to be scraped off before a proper repair, which takes a little more time. Knowing ahead helps us plan the job and give an accurate price.
When to skip the DIY patch
If the roof is steep, two stories, wet or windy, skip it and call. A same-day tarp from us costs less than an injury. See emergency roof leak repair.
What can I put on my roof to stop a leak temporarily?
A properly anchored tarp, roof cement or sealant on a dry spot, or flashing under a damaged shingle.
Does duct tape work on a roof leak?
No. It peels off quickly in rain and sun.
Can I fix a roof leak from the inside?
Only temporarily, by catching water. The real fix is on the roof.
Is roof repair tape any good?
It can seal small tears and seams for months on a clean, dry surface.