How to Temporarily Fix a Leaking Roof (5 Emergency Steps)

1. Cover the Damaged Area with a Tarp

Best for: Large damaged areas, missing shingles, storm damage

A heavy-duty tarp is the most reliable emergency roof fix. It works on any roof type — shingle, metal, flat — and covers large damaged areas that other methods cannot.

How to Do It

1. Choose a tarp at least 6 mil thick. Blue poly tarps from any hardware store work. Get one large enough to extend 4 feet past the damaged area on all sides.
2. Unfold the tarp over the damaged section, starting from the ridge (top) of the roof and extending past the eaves (bottom edge).
3. Secure the top edge by wrapping it around a 2x4 board and placing the board just over the ridge. The weight of the board holds the top in place.
4. Anchor the sides and bottom with additional 2x4s, sandbags, or roofing nails through the tarp into the roof deck (only if you plan to have the area repaired anyway).

Cost: $20 to $50 for materials. A professional tarp installation in Myrtle Beach runs $300 to $600.

How long it lasts: 30 to 90 days in typical conditions. In coastal South Carolina, UV exposure and wind degrade tarps faster — check monthly and replace if torn.

2. Apply Roofing Cement to Cracks and Gaps

Best for: Cracked flashing, small gaps around vents and chimneys

Roofing cement (also called roof sealant or mastic) is a thick, tar-like compound that seals cracks and gaps. It bonds to shingles, metal flashing, and most roof materials.

How to Do It

1. Clean the area. Remove loose debris, dirt, and old sealant with a wire brush. The surface needs to be dry for the cement to bond.
2. Apply roofing cement with a caulk gun or putty knife. Spread it at least 2 inches past the crack on all sides. Layer it thick — a thin application will fail.
3. For lifted shingles, apply cement under the shingle, press it down, then apply more cement on top of the nail line to seal it.
4. Let it cure for 24 hours before rain exposure if possible.

Cost: $5 to $15 per tube at any hardware store.

How long it lasts: 3 to 12 months depending on sun exposure and application quality. Roofing cement gets brittle in coastal heat — it is not a permanent solution.

3. Use Self-Adhesive Roofing Tape Over Small Holes

Best for: Small punctures, nail holes, minor tears in flat roofing

Self-adhesive roofing tape (sometimes called flashing tape or butyl tape) is a peel-and-stick waterproof barrier. It is the fastest fix for small holes and works on shingles, metal, rubber membranes, and PVC roofing.

How to Do It

1. Clean the area around the hole thoroughly. Tape will not stick to wet, dirty, or dusty surfaces.
2. Cut a piece of tape at least 4 inches larger than the hole on all sides.
3. Peel the backing and press firmly onto the roof surface. Start from the center and work outward to eliminate air bubbles.
4. Roll over the tape with a hand roller or the flat of your hand to ensure full adhesion.

Cost: $10 to $30 per roll.

How long it lasts: 6 to 18 months when applied to a clean, dry surface. Higher-quality butyl tapes last longer than basic foil tapes.

4. Apply Rubber Patch Material to Flat Roof Sections

Best for: Flat or low-slope roofs, EPDM and TPO membrane repairs

Rubber patch kits are specifically designed for flat and low-slope roofs. If your Myrtle Beach home has a flat section over a porch, addition, or commercial area, this is the right method.

How to Do It

1. Clean the damaged area with a solvent recommended by the patch kit manufacturer. Let it dry completely.
2. Cut the rubber patch piece at least 3 inches larger than the damaged area on all sides. Round the corners to prevent peeling.
3. Apply the primer or adhesive included in the kit to both the roof surface and the back of the patch.
4. Press the patch firmly into place. Roll it with a seam roller to create a watertight bond. Apply sealant around the edges.

Cost: $20 to $50 for a patch kit.

How long it lasts: 1 to 5 years for a properly applied EPDM patch. This is the most durable temporary fix on this list.

5. Use Plastic Sheeting from Inside (Last Resort)

Best for: Active rain, unsafe conditions, nighttime emergencies

When you cannot get on the roof — during a storm, at night, or on a steep pitch — you can redirect water from inside the attic. This does not fix anything, but it prevents water from soaking through your ceiling into living spaces.

How to Do It

1. Go into the attic with a flashlight and locate where water is entering. Follow the wet trail up to the source.
2. Attach a piece of plastic sheeting (or even a trash bag) to the underside of the roof decking above the leak point using staples or roofing nails.
3. Angle the plastic so water runs down into a bucket or container rather than spreading across the decking.
4. Place buckets or containers to catch the redirected water. Check every few hours and empty them.

Cost: Under $10 for plastic sheeting and a bucket.

How long it lasts: Hours to days. This is purely damage control until you can get an exterior repair done.

Frequently Asked Questions