When a storm hits and your commercial roof starts leaking, time is of the essence. But what if professional help can’t arrive for a few hours—or until the rain stops? While no DIY fix can take the place of trained roofing professionals, there are a few practical steps you can take to minimize damage while you wait.
Here’s what actually helps—and what to avoid—when facing a roofing emergency.
First, Stay Safe
If water is entering your building, especially near electrical systems or equipment, make safety your top priority. Don’t send anyone onto the roof during high winds or lightning, and avoid walking on wet roofing membranes, which may be slippery or unstable.
Temporary Fixes That Actually Work
These stopgap measures can buy you time and reduce the severity of the damage:
Plastic Sheeting:
Heavy-duty plastic (like painter’s drop cloths or 5–10 mil poly sheeting) is more waterproof than tarps and can be weighted down to protect affected areas.Kitty Litter or 911 Roofing Compound:
Yes, you read that right. Commercial roofers use a product called “911” that’s essentially a moisture-absorbing compound—similar to cat litter. It won’t stop the leak, but it can slow it down and help control water pooling.Concrete or Quickrete Bags:
If sections of the roof membrane are lifting, placing ballast like unopened concrete bags can help hold things down temporarily—especially during strong winds. Just be sure to remove them as soon as possible.Damming Water Flow:
If water is entering through a specific point, placing sandbags or other barriers around the area can help redirect the flow and limit interior damage.
What Not to Use
Some products seem like a quick fix—but they often do more harm than good:
Silicone Caulk or Sealant:
Silicone is commonly used on metal roofs, but it doesn’t flex with heat and cold. Worse, nothing else sticks to it—so once it’s down, future repairs are harder and more expensive.Flex Seal or Similar Products:
These consumer-grade coatings may stop a drip temporarily, but they’re not designed for commercial roofing systems and won’t adhere properly in wet conditions.Roofing Tar:
Tar creates major problems on membrane roofs (like TPO or EPDM) and can void warranties. It’s messy, ineffective long-term, and often needs to be cut out before professional repairs can be made.
Our Emergency Response Process
At Jewett Roofing, we understand that some situations can’t wait. Our emergency crews are trained to respond quickly—often within the same day—and come equipped to assess the damage and implement temporary or permanent fixes on the spot.
Whether it’s a torn membrane, blown-off flashing, or ponding water around critical equipment, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to protect your building until full repairs can be made.
Be Prepared Before the Storm Hits
When leaks happen, a quick response can prevent thousands of dollars in interior damage. Keep a roll of heavy plastic, some Quickrete bags, and a few sandbags on hand. And if your roof is overdue for an inspection, now’s the time to schedule it.
Need help fast?
Jewett Roofing offers emergency repair services across the Greater St. Louis and Greenville areas.
Contact us today—we’re here when you need us most.
