How to Temporarily Stop Roof Leakage

Determine which section of the roof is leaking. For example, if the leak is near the back door, it is safe to assume the leak is located on the section of roof above the back door.

Place the end of a roll of plastic across a wood board and either staple or tack it in place. Place another board on top of the first board so that the plastic is between them. Screw, tape or nail the two boards together. If no boards are available, you can use any heavy item to weigh the plastic down, such as split firewood pieces or a pipe.

Unfold a ladder and place it near the part of the roof that is leaking. Have a helper hold the ladder while you climb up it and onto your roof. Have your helper hand you the roll of plastic with the attached weights.

Place the weighted plastic over the nearest roof ridge so that it overhangs onto the opposite of the roof. Set the plastic onto the roof and allow it to roll over the section where the leak is located and off of the roof's edge.

Climb off the roof via the ladder. Grasp the plastic that is hanging off the roof and tug it gently to make sure it is flat. Either weigh the plastic down by attaching another more weights, or tie a rope through the plastic, then stake the rope into the ground so that the plastic is snug. Trim the plastic roll under the attached weights or rope and store it in a dry location for future use.