Temporary Roof Repair Options Until Your Contractor Arrives

Your roofer is booked until next week. Rain is coming Wednesday. Here's how to protect your home in the gap between damage and permanent repair.

Option 1: Tarping (Best for Large Openings)

For holes, large missing shingle sections, or punctures, a properly installed tarp is the most effective temporary protection. Use a heavy-duty poly tarp (6 mil minimum) that extends at least 4 feet beyond the damage on all sides. Secure with 2x4 boards screwed through the tarp into the roof deck. See our complete tarping guide.

Best for: Tree punctures, large missing sections, any opening bigger than a dinner plate.

Option 2: Roofing Cement (Best for Small Cracks and Gaps)

Roofing cement (roof sealant) is a thick, tar-like compound available at any hardware store for $5 to $15 per tube. Apply it directly to small cracks, lifted shingle edges, and gaps around flashing using a caulk gun.

Clean the area first — remove loose debris and dry the surface as much as possible. Apply generously, pressing firmly into the crack or gap. Roofing cement adheres to wet surfaces but bonds best when dry.

Best for: Hairline cracks, small gaps at flashing, re-sealing lifted shingle edges, vent boot cracks.

Not for: Large holes, missing shingles, structural damage.

Option 3: Peel-and-Stick Patches (Best for Missing Shingles)

Self-adhesive roofing membrane (often called peel-and-stick ice and water shield) can temporarily cover areas where shingles are missing. Cut a piece larger than the exposed area, peel the backing, and press firmly onto the clean underlayment or decking.

Available at home improvement stores for $30 to $60 per roll. One roll covers a significant area and can be left in place until permanent repair.

Best for: Missing shingle areas up to about 10 square feet where the underlayment beneath is intact.

Option 4: Emergency Spray Sealant (Best for Active Pinhole Leaks)

Spray-on roof sealant products (like Flex Seal) can stop active pinhole leaks from the interior — spraying the underside of the decking where water is entering. This is a last-resort measure when exterior access isn't possible.

Best for: Emergency interior application when you can't get on the roof.

Not a permanent solution — the spray will need to be removed before permanent repair.

What NOT to Do

Don't use duct tape on the roof — it doesn't adhere in wet conditions and peels off in wind. Don't pile sandbags or heavy objects on a tarp as the sole fastening method. Don't attempt permanent repairs yourself — improper shingle installation creates bigger problems. Don't ignore the temporary fix after installing it — check after every rain.

Insurance Note

Temporary repair costs are covered under your insurance claim as emergency mitigation. Save receipts for all materials purchased. Photograph your temporary repairs — this demonstrates reasonable protective action.

Get a free assessment or call (260) 255-4551.