Tarping the affected area
A properly secured tarpaulin, correctly weighted and fixed rather than just draped over the damage, is the standard way to make an area weathertight until permanent repairs can be carried out.
Temporary flashing and sealants
Where flashing has failed, a temporary seal can hold the junction watertight for days or weeks while the proper lead repair is scheduled.
Boarding exposed sections
Where a section of roof covering is missing entirely, boarding it over provides protection against further water ingress and debris.
Why DIY temporary fixes often make things worse
Well-intentioned DIY tarping, especially without proper fixing, can blow loose in the next wind and cause more damage than it prevents, or trap moisture against timber rather than keeping it out.
Our emergency team carries out proper temporary protection as standard on every emergency callout, then returns to complete the permanent repair.