How do you stop a roof from leaking?
Short answer. To stop an active leak, contain the water inside, then cover the damaged area outside with a heavy tarp run over the ridge and secured with wood battens once it is safe to be on the roof. That buys time; the leak stops for good only when the failed part, whether a boot, flashing or shingle, is repaired or the roof is replaced.
Inside, right now
- Put buckets under drips and move furniture and electronics.
- If water is near a light fixture, turn off that circuit at the breaker.
- If a ceiling bulges with water, puncture the low point with a screwdriver over a bucket so it drains instead of collapsing.
- If you can get into the attic safely, lay plastic to steer water into a container.
Outside, after the storm passes
Never climb onto a roof in lightning, wind or rain. Once it is dry and safe, a proper temporary cover looks like this:
- Use a heavy-duty tarp large enough to cover the damage and run over the ridge, so water cannot get under its top edge.
- Roll the edges around 2x4 battens and screw the battens down, or weigh them if you want to avoid new holes.
- Secure the bottom edge so wind cannot get underneath.
A well-installed tarp lasts weeks. Georgia sun and wind shred cheap tarps faster than people expect, so do not let a temporary cover become the plan.
Then make it permanent
Have the source found and fixed, dry the attic and ceiling within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold, and keep receipts and photos if a storm caused it. Robust Roofing's leak emergency guide walks through the first hour. See also common leak causes and what to expect at an inspection.