How Do You Temporarily Stop a Roof Leak?

Puddles are all good and fun…when they are outside. A leaking roof causing puddles to form inside your home? Not so much.

If you find yourself face-to-face with a roof leak in Austin, you need to take immediate action to quell the damage. Sometimes a roofer cannot come to your home right away and you may need to perform triage in order to stay afloat until they do arrive. 

3 Ways to Temporarily Stop a Roof Leak

When confronted with a roof leak, you have to do something. The longer you go with a leaky roof, the more susceptible you are to further water damage. 

Here are a few temporary solutions you can use to tide you over until a professional arrives. And worth reminding, always be careful when accessing your roof, especially during storm situations. Being that high off the ground comes with risks, especially on steeply graded roofs. Get help if you need it, even if it’s just to apply a temporary fix.

Cover the roof leak with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheets 

The classic waterproof tarp is a multi-purpose wonder, and it performs reliably well at staving off roof leaks, provided it’s used correctly. 

When using a tarp to cover a leak, make sure it spans the entire leak area and that it is completely flat against your roof. Water is sneaky, and if there are any gaps, it will find its way through. You can nail down the edges of the plastic sheets or tarp, use duct tape to secure it, and weigh it down with heavy rocks or bricks if needed. Don’t be afraid to use extra layers.

Patch, plug or seal the leak 

There are numerous roofing products on the market that can be used to temporarily stop a leak, but the key again, is that they are temporary. Products from your hardware store, such as roofing cement, roofing tape or a rubber sealant, can help stop or slow a leak. Just be sure to read the product instructions. Some may only work in dry conditions; others can be applied in wet or dry conditions. 

Reattach loose shingles or use tar paper to cover the leak 

If shingles have come loose, reattach them or use a substitute to cover the area. Tar paper and roofing cement can also be used to cover a damaged area and protect your home. 

A roofing emergency requires swift action. If you can safely take steps to prevent further water damage while you wait for a professional, you should do so as soon as you can. For other questions about what you should do if you have a leaking roof, call our team at Storm Guard of SW Austin today.