This Season
 

How to Patch a Roof in an Emergency

The weather outside is frightful - and it's coming in through the roof. Here's what you need to do.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderately challenging

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Plywood Scraps
    • Sheet Metal
    • Measuring Tapes
    • Plastic Sheeting
    • Tacks
    • Caulking Guns
    • Caulks
    • Flashing
    • Hammers
    • Nail And Staple Guns
    • Tin Snips
      • 1

        Cut a piece of sheet metal or roof flashing 6 inches larger than the hole or leaking area.

      • 2

        Slip the edge of the sheet metal under the shingles above the leak.

      • 3

        Hammer the temporary patch into place with a piece of scrap wood held against the edge.

      • 4

        Make a larger patch if necessary: Fold a sheet of plastic in half, and use a staple gun to fasten the plastic to the roof over the leak. Run a bead of silicone caulk around the edges.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Hammer tack strips over the edges of the plastic patch if wind is likely to be a problem.

    • Wear a tool belt to make it easier to reach what you need.

    • Take great care when climbing on your roof, especially if you have to go up in a storm.

    Related Searches

    Read Next:

    Comments

    You May Also Like

    • How to Patch a Flat or Low-Pitched Roof

      Flat-roof patches are temporary fixes. You should plan to replace them with a permanent repair as soon as is practical, unless you'll...

    • How to Emergency Repair a Roof With a Tarp

      Emergency roof repair with a tarp is a temporary measure. The tarp, when properly held in place, can aid in reducing excessive...

    • How to Patch a Shingled Roof

      If you have a relatively low-pitched shingled roof, you can fix or replace loose or damaged shingles yourself. If your roof has...

    • Temporary Fix for a Leaky Roof

      A leaky roof can be much more than an inconvenience for a homeowner---it can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Although the...

    • How to Patch Membrane Roofing

      Patching a flat roof may not seem like much fun and you may be tempted to call in the experts. There are...

    • How to Patch a Flat Roof

      This article will show you how to patch a leaking flat roof. A flat roof includes all roll-roofs with little slope. Follow...

    • How to Patch a Leak in a Roof

      If not properly patched, a roof leak can quickly grow and cause extensive damage to the structure of your home. A leak...

    • How to Patch a Roof Leak Economically

      If you have a leak in your roof and it needs to be addressed right away, sometimes a quick and inexpensive temporary...

    • How to Repair and Patch a Roof

      If your roof has sprung a leak, you might consider patching the leak yourself if you have a roof that's not dangerously...

    • How to Temporarily Fix a Hole in a Roof

      Most people remain clueless as to the damage on their rooftop until a nasty storm hits. During these rainy conditions, it is...

    • How to Control Roof Leaks

      Treat a leaking roof as an emergency, because it can wreak havoc in your house in a very short time. Attend to...

    • How to Patch a Mobile Home Roof

      Temperature fluctuations, harsh weather conditions and aging cause leaks in mobile home roofs. Brown stains on mobile home ceilings and walls often...

    • Creative Ways to Fix a Roof Leak

      Creative Ways to Fix a Roof Leak. A leaking roof is both an annoyance and a threat to the integrity of your...

    • Gravel Roof Repair Tips

      Gravel Roof Repair Tips. Gravel roofs, also called built-up roofs or BUTs, use roofing felt or asphalt paper, tar and gravel to...

    • Leaky Roof Repair

      Got a leaky roof? Water can do massive damage to a building's structural integrity, wiring and habitability. You can repair a leaking...

    • How to Shingle the Roof of a Shed

      If you're building a new shed, or refurbishing an old one, you need to pay careful attention to the roof. A well-clad...

    • How to Patch a Rubber Roof

      Rubber roofing is a common material used for flat roofs. Called EPDM by construction professionals, it has a warranty of 30 to...

    • About Shingle Patching

      Shingle patching is something most homeowners can do, as long as they keep safety in mind. Patching damaged shingles will save a...

    • How do I Repair Patch Roof Shingles?

      Roofing shingles are constantly exposed to wear and tear from rain, wind, falling objects, and damaging, ultraviolet (UV) light. Over time this...

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads