Temporary roof leak patch from inside

Buy yourself 48 hours until a roofer can come.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

30–60 min $10–$50 CAD pricing

Safety first. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Smell gas? Leave the house and call your utility's emergency line — do not flip switches.

Inside the attic

Find the active drip. Drive a small nail or push a finishing nail up through the underside at the wettest spot to create a single drain point. Place a bucket under it.

Catch the water

Line the bucket with a small tarp that drapes over the joists, funnel-style.

Outside (only in safe, dry conditions)

A tarp staked above the leak with 2x4s along the edges is the standard temporary fix. Do not go on a wet, icy, or steep roof — call a roofer instead.

After

Document with photos and call a roofer within 48–72 hours. Mould can start in 24–48 hours in soaked drywall.

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Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.