Do not nail or staple the tarp directly to the roof materials as this can create further leaks.
How to temporarily cover a leaking spot in roof.
If the distance from the roof to the ground is 20ft then you would need to use 40ft.
If up slope is a peak placing the barrier over the peak of the roof will ensure that water does not get under it.
The most popular item used to cover a roof is a tarp.
Stretch the tarp out over the roof so that it covers the leaking area until it s taut.
If available select a rope that will withstand various weather and is strong for securing your roof cover.
Partially unroll your tarp to cover the damaged area from the roof s eaves to peak.
When placing a tarp over your roof to temporarily cover a leak make sure to do so gently and without putting too much pressure in any one spot on your roof.
Drive nails into the edges to hold it tightly in place.
Create an anchor board by rolling the tarp s peak end with a 2 x 4 inch board and nailing the tarp to your board with your 3 inch nails.
There should be an additional 4 feet of tarp on every side.
Just putting something over the spot where you think the leak is probably won t stop the leak.
The key is to get to a point up slope from the leak where water can t get under your barrier.
If you have roof cement apply a small drop to the tops of each nail head to prevent new leaks from forming.