A damaged roof is more than just an inconvenience for the average homeowner — it’s an emergency that needs immediate attention to prevent serious issues like leaks or structural damage. Whether it’s caused by severe weather, falling trees, or general wear and tear, quick action is essential. Luckily, there are options available that allow you to temporarily provide protection until permanent repairs can be made.
If you want to make the right decision when it comes to covering damage on your roof, read this blog post to learn about what you can use and protect your home as soon as possible!
Why Is It Important To Cover A Damaged Roof As Soon As Possible?
Covering a damaged roof right away is essential to prevent further damage and expensive repairs. When a roof is damaged, it can cause leaks, leading to water problems, mold growth, and structural issues. Taking quick action with a temporary cover helps protect your home from rain and debris until professional repairs can be made. Waiting too long to fix the roof only worsens the damage, increasing repair costs and creating safety risks for those inside.
How To Cover A Damaged Roof
Let’s go over some practical methods you can use to temporarily cover your damaged roof and prevent more harm:
#1. Roof Patching

A simple and cost-effective method, roof patching involves applying a repair material directly to the damaged area. Ideal for small leaks or holes, this can be done using materials like asphalt, roofing cement, or specialized patch kits. Roof patching is a quick solution that can extend the life of your roof until permanent repairs are needed.
- Cost-Effective: Requires minimal materials and labor
- Quick Application: Can be done in just a few hours
- Localized Repair: Only targets specific damaged areas, preserving the rest of the roof
- Versatile: Works with different roofing types
#2. Shrink Wrap Sheeting
For more comprehensive coverage, shrink wrap sheeting offers a durable, airtight solution. Made of plastic film, it’s heat-shrunk around the structure, providing airtight protection from moisture and debris. This method is perfect for irregularly shaped roofs or when extensive coverage is required during renovations or after storm damage.
- Airtight Protection: Keeps water and debris out while maintaining visibility
- Flexible and Lightweight: Easily adapts to various shapes and sizes
- Quick Installation: Can be applied by one or two people with minimal tools
#3. Emergency Roof Sealant

When dealing with small leaks or cracks, emergency roof sealant provides immediate waterproofing. Available in liquid form, these sealants can be applied with a brush or spray to form a quick, durable barrier against water intrusion, especially from rains and storms. They’re versatile and work well on a variety of roofing materials, giving you peace of mind until permanent repairs are made.
- Instant Protection: Waterproofs immediately upon application
- Easy to Apply: Requires no professional help
- Flexible Formula: Expands and contracts with temperature changes
#4. Roof Tarps

Using a tarp to cover a damaged roof is another simple and affordable solution for protecting a damaged roof. A favored option amongst homeowners, these heavy-duty waterproof covers can be quickly unrolled and secured over the affected area with ropes or bungee cords. They are particularly useful during severe weather, offering temporary protection until permanent repairs can be made.
- Affordable: An inexpensive option for urgent situations
- Quick to Deploy: Easy to install with minimal tools
- Durable: Withstands harsh weather, including wind and rain
- Multifunctional: It can also be used for outdoor purposes
#5. Plywood and OSB Boards
For larger openings or multiple areas in need of coverage, plywood or OSB boards can provide solid protection. These sheets are placed over the damaged areas, offering a sturdy shield against rain and debris while also allowing for air circulation. Plywood is easily customizable, making it an adaptable option for various roof sizes. This solution works well for larger openings and can be easily cut to fit specific dimensions.
- Strong Protection: Offers solid defense against wind and rain
- Readily Available: Commonly found at most hardware stores
- Customizable: Can be cut to fit specific dimensions
- Temporary: Easy to remove once permanent repairs are in place
What Should You Do Before Covering A Damaged Roof?
Before you get started with the process, let’s go over the key steps to ensure your roof covering is done safely and effectively:
1. Inspect the Damage
Check for missing roof shingles, cracks, or holes in order to assess the amount of damage there is. This will help you determine the right temporary cover and decide if you need a professional.
2. Take Photos
Photograph the damage for insurance claims. It provides a record of the roof’s condition before repairs begin.
3. Ensure Safety
Use a sturdy ladder, safety harness, and slip-resistant shoes. If the roof is too high or steep, hire a professional.
4. Check the Weather
Avoid carrying out repairs in rain or strong winds. Dry weather ensures better adhesion and effectiveness of materials.
5. Gather Materials
Prepare roof tarps, nails, and tools. Having everything ready speeds up the process.
6. Clear Debris
Remove leaves, branches, and dirt. This ensures a clean surface for the temporary covering.
7. Measure the Area
To prevent waste, measure the affected area to ensure that the tarp is the right size.
8. Add Tarp
Make sure the tarp covers the damaged area completely, extending past the edges. Then, fasten it firmly to keep it from flying in the wind with 2×4 boards as needed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Covering
Next, let’s discuss the factors you need to consider when picking the best temporary covering for your roof:
1. Weather Resistance
Choose a weatherproof material that can handle rain, wind, snow, and UV rays, protecting the structure and workers.
2. Material Weight
Pick a lightweight yet durable material that doesn’t slow down the project or add extra costs.
3. Installation and Removal Time
Consider how long it takes to install and remove, as this impacts the project timeline when making repairs or replacing the roof.
4. Price Range
Stay within budget — tarps work for smaller projects, while larger ones may need pricier, more durable options.
5. Versatility in Application
Always look for materials that fit various roof shapes, from pitched to flat, offering flexibility in use.
Does A Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Roof Damage?
Homeowner’s insurance usually covers severe roof damage from events like storms, hail, wind, fire, or vandalism. However, if the damage is due to neglect or normal wear, claims might be denied. Make sure to review your policy for details on coverage, deductibles, and limits, as they affect how much you can claim for repairs or replacement.
Protect Your Roof With Rеnova Roofing & Construction
Quickly covering a damaged roof can prevent more problems later on. Tarps, patching, and sealants offer temporary protection but they aren’t permanent fixes. For a lasting solution, contact a professional roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage.
Is your roof causing you stress? At Renova Roofing & Construction, we provide quick and dependable roof repair services. Whether you need a temporary cover to stop more damage or a full replacement, our team is here to help. From small roof shingle problems to big forms of storm damage, we can keep your home safe. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433 and let us get your roof back in great shape.