You already know how important your roof is. It keeps you and your belongings dry and protected from rainfall, hail, snow, wind, and other conditions. It also protects your home from expensive property damage. However, your roof isn’t invincible, and you may need roofing repairs from time to time.
Some repairs can wait a few days, and some can’t. For example, a leak needs to be addressed as soon as possible, but if your roofing company isn’t available 24/7, you might be on your own for several hours or even days. Here is how you can deal with a leak while you wait for roofing repairs:
- Catch the water with a bucket- This classic method can be very helpful when you’re waiting for professional help, especially because most people have a bucket or at least a large bowl on hand. Before setting down the bucket, clean up any standing water in the area to prevent damage. Having a second bucket nearby is also a big help if the first one gets full too quickly.
- Cover the leaking area with a tarp. A waterproof tarp can help you minimize damage and keep out water. You can keep the tarp in place by tying it down or using wooden boards to weigh it down. However, you should never attempt to place a tarp on top of your roof while the roof is still wet or while it is raining. It’s better to find another solution than it is to deal with a potential injury.
- Apply roofing tape. Another simple way to deal with a leak while you wait for roofing repairs is to use roofing tape. You can often find roofing tape in many of the most popular stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, or even Walmart. All you need to do is apply it to the leak, but it is only a temporary solution, and it may be a good idea to place a bucket underneath the area just in case the tape fails.