When severe weather strikes in Asheville, learn how to perform temporary emergency repairs on shingle, metal, and flat roofs until professional help arrives. Lane Roofing offers permanent solutions backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty.
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Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Emergency Roof Patch: Temporary Repairs in Asheville

When severe weather strikes Western North Carolina, roof damage can happen without warning. While waiting for professional help, knowing how to perform temporary emergency repairs can prevent further water damage to your home. At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we understand that sometimes you need quick solutions before our team can arrive. Here’s our guide to temporary roof repairs that can buy you valuable time during an emergency.

Why You Might Need Emergency Roof Repairs in Asheville

Asheville’s mountain climate brings unique challenges to homeowners. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and occasional severe storms can damage your roof when you least expect it. Common emergency situations include:

Missing or damaged shingles after high winds

Leaks during heavy rainstorms

Tree limb damage to roofing materials

Ice dam formation in winter months

These situations require immediate attention to prevent water from entering your home and causing costly interior damage. While temporary fixes can help in the short term, remember that they’re not substitutes for professional repairs.

Safety First: Before You Begin Any Temporary Roof Repair

Essential Safety Precautions

Before attempting any DIY roof repair, safety must be your priority:

Never attempt repairs during storms or high winds

Use a sturdy, properly secured ladder with a helper to spot you

Wear non-slip footwear with good traction

Use safety equipment including gloves and eye protection

Avoid working in wet conditions when surfaces are slippery

If you’re uncomfortable with heights or the repair seems too complex, wait for professional help. Your safety is worth more than preventing minor water damage.

Temporary Repairs for Shingle Roofs

For Missing or Damaged Shingles

When shingles are missing or damaged, you need a quick solution to keep water out:

Gather materials: roofing cement, replacement shingles (if available), roofing nails, hammer, and a pry bar

Remove damaged shingles by lifting the edges of surrounding shingles and removing nails

Apply roofing cement to the exposed area

If you have replacement shingles, secure them with roofing nails and apply cement around the edges

If no replacement shingles are available, cut a piece of heavy plastic or tarp slightly larger than the damaged area

Secure the plastic with roofing cement, ensuring all edges are sealed

For Patching Small Holes

Small punctures or holes can be temporarily patched with roofing cement:

Clean the damaged area thoroughly, removing debris

Apply a generous amount of roofing cement directly to the hole

Spread it evenly with a putty knife, extending at least 1-2 inches beyond the damaged area

For added protection, embed a piece of fiberglass mesh in the cement and apply a second layer over it

Emergency Repairs for Metal Roofing

Addressing Seam Failures and Small Holes

Metal roofs commonly develop leaks at seams or from small punctures:

Clean the affected area completely, removing rust, dirt, or loose material

For small holes, apply a liberal amount of silicone caulk or roof cement designed for metal roofing

For seam failures, clean along the entire seam and apply roof cement or special metal roof tape

Press firmly to ensure proper adhesion and create a watertight seal

Allow the repair material to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions

Fixing Larger Tears or Damage

For more substantial damage to metal roofing:

Cut a metal patch from similar material or use a piece of heavy aluminum flashing

Make the patch at least 2 inches larger than the damaged area on all sides

Apply roofing cement around the edges of the damaged area

Press the patch firmly into place

Secure the edges with more roofing cement, ensuring complete coverage around all sides

Temporary Repairs for Flat Roofs

Addressing Common Flat Roof Leaks

Flat roofs present unique challenges during emergencies:

Locate the leak by looking for bubbles, cracks, or separations in the roofing material

Clean the area thoroughly and allow it to dry if possible

Apply roofing cement generously over the damaged area, extending several inches beyond the damage

For better protection, embed reinforcing fabric in the first layer of cement, then apply a second layer over it

Smooth the repair with a trowel or putty knife, tapering the edges for better water shedding

Using Tarps for Larger Damaged Areas

Proper Tarp Installation

For extensive damage that can’t be patched easily:

Select a tarp that extends at least 3 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides

Position the tarp so it extends from the peak of the roof down past the damaged area

Secure the top edge under shingles if possible

Use 2×4 lumber to secure the tarp edges – wrap the tarp around the boards and nail them to the roof or fascia (never put nails through the exposed tarp)

Ensure the tarp is tight with no sagging areas that could collect water

When to Call Lane Roofing for Permanent Solutions

While temporary repairs can help in an emergency, they’re just that – temporary. Our team at Lane Roofing and Restoration can provide permanent, professional repairs backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.

Contact us immediately when:

You’ve made a temporary repair but need a permanent solution

The damage is too extensive for DIY methods

You’re unable to safely access your roof

You suspect structural damage may have occurred

Your temporary repair isn’t holding up

Our Emergency Response Promise

At Lane Roofing, we understand that roof emergencies can’t wait. That’s why we respond quickly to emergency calls, typically beginning repairs within 24-48 hours. As your neighbors in Western North Carolina, we’re committed to protecting your home with quality workmanship and materials.

Insurance Assistance for Storm Damage

If your roof damage resulted from a storm, we can help navigate the insurance claims process. Our experienced team works directly with insurance companies to ensure you receive the coverage you’re entitled to for proper repairs or replacement.