A leaking roof can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare — especially during a heavy rainstorm or in the middle of the night. While a professional roof repair is the only long-term solution, knowing how to temporarily fix a roof leak can save you from further water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step temporary roof leak fixes to hold you over until professional help arrives.
First Things First: Safety Comes First
Before you do anything, assess the situation safely. If water is leaking through your ceiling, do not climb onto the roof during a storm. It’s best to wait until the weather clears, or work from inside your home to contain the damage.
Step-by-Step Temporary Roof Leak Fixes
Step 1: Contain the Water Inside Your Home
Supplies you need:
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Bucket or large container
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Towels or plastic sheeting
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Tarp or waterproof drop cloth
Place buckets or containers directly under the leak to catch dripping water. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole to relieve pressure and let water drain in a controlled way. Lay towels or plastic sheeting around the area to protect furniture and flooring.
Step 2: Locate the Leak (As Best as You Can)
Try to trace the water to its entry point. Water can travel along beams and pipes, so the drip may not be directly below the actual leak.
Look for:
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Water stains on ceilings or walls
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Damp attic insulation
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Wet roof decking
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Visible holes, cracks, or missing shingles (if it’s safe to check)
Step 3: Use a Tarp as an Emergency Cover
If you can safely access the roof (only after the storm passes), use a heavy-duty waterproof tarp to cover the leaky area.
Here’s how:
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Unroll the tarp completely and make sure it covers the leak plus 3–4 feet beyond each side.
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Anchor the tarp with nails, sandbags, or bricks. Avoid putting weight only in the center — secure the edges to prevent it from blowing off.
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Make sure water flows off the tarp and doesn’t collect underneath.
Step 4: Apply Roofing Tape or Sealant
If the leak source is small and accessible, apply a roofing sealant or roofing tape as a temporary fix. These products are designed for emergency repairs and work best on:
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Cracked flashing
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Gaps around vents or chimneys
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Small holes in shingles or flat roofing material
Note: These are only short-term solutions — professional repair is still needed.
Step 5: Patch from the Inside (If Roof Access Isn’t Safe)
If climbing outside is risky, try to patch the roof from the attic or top floor.
What you can do:
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Use roofing tape or rubber sealant spray on the underside of the leak
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Staple a tarp or plastic sheeting to the underside of the roof deck
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Place a baking tray or plastic container under the leak in the attic
This won’t stop the leak entirely but can help contain it until pros arrive.
Bonus Tips to Minimize Water Damage
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Turn off electricity in the affected area to prevent electrical hazards.
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Use fans or dehumidifiers to start drying out wet areas.
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Remove soaked insulation and drywall (if you’re experienced), or leave it to professionals.
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Document the damage with photos for your insurance company.
When to Call a Professional Roof Repair Team
Temporary roof leak fixes are just that — temporary. A qualified roofing contractor can:
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Identify the root cause of the leak
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Repair or replace damaged shingles, flashing, or underlayment
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Inspect for mold, rot, or structural damage
If you’re in [City] and need emergency roof leak repair, our expert team is ready to help. We offer fast response times, thorough inspections, and long-lasting solutions to keep your home protected.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a leaking roof can be stressful, but a quick response can make all the difference. Use these temporary fixes to protect your home and minimize damage until a professional can make permanent repairs.
Need fast and reliable roof leak repair Calgary? Contact us today — we’re just a phone call away.
