When it is used
Faced with a roof leak, we cannot always make the permanent repair on the first visit. Here is what stops us.
- It is raining or snowing, and the surface must be dry for lasting work.
- It is too cold for some materials to bond properly.
- Your insurer wants to see the damage before the permanent work.
The forms it takes
A tarp. It covers a damaged area, for example after a windstorm or a falling branch. It is fastened securely so the next gust does not carry it off.
Sealant or roofing cement. Applied to a crack, around a vent or on an open seam, it plugs the gap for a while.
A patch. On a flat roof, we glue or torch-weld a piece of membrane over the damaged area. On a sloped roof, a shingle or a sheet of metal is slipped under the neighbouring rows.
What it allows and what it does not fix
A good temporary repair buys you time. It protects the inside while you do things in the right order.
You can let the materials dry, talk to your insurer, get more than one quote and choose your contractor without water dripping on you. You can also wait for a better season for work that will last.
A temporary repair does not fix the cause of the leak, though. The badly installed flashing, the worn membrane or the rotten wood underneath are still there.
A temporary fix does not age well either. Sealant dries and cracks in sun and frost. A tarp wears out in the wind. A patch glued in a hurry on a damp surface eventually lifts.
No single duration applies to every case. It depends on the type of repair, the exposure to wind and the season. Ask us how long the solution should hold, and under what conditions to have it checked again.
What to get in writing
A temporary repair is still billed work. It deserves a paper trail.
- A description of what was done and the exact location.
- Before and after photos.
- A clear statement that the repair is temporary.
- The probable cause of the leak, if known.
- The permanent work recommended and the suggested deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a temporary roof repair myself?
From inside, yes. You can put a bucket under the drip and cover the furniture with a sheet. On the roof, no. Climbing onto a wet or icy surface is dangerous, and badly applied sealant makes it harder to find the source afterwards.
Can sealant on the roof be a permanent fix?
Sealant is rarely a permanent fix. It plugs an opening without correcting what caused it. It cracks over time and the water comes back, often in the same spot. Think of it as a bandage.
What if the temporary repair fails?
Protect the inside again with a bucket and a sheet, and let us know. Note the conditions at the time, such as strong wind or a thaw. A temporary repair that fails is also a sign that the real work should not be put off any longer.