How to Tarp a Roof: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine waking up to the sound of rain, only to realize it’s raining inside your house. A damaged roof can quickly turn into a homeowner’s nightmare, leading to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Whether it’s from a fallen tree branch, severe weather, or just old age, a compromised roof leaves your home vulnerable to the elements. A properly installed tarp can provide a critical temporary barrier, minimizing further damage and buying you valuable time to arrange for professional repairs.

Knowing how to effectively tarp your roof isn’t just a useful skill; it’s a form of proactive home protection. In emergency situations, being able to swiftly and correctly secure a tarp can prevent extensive water damage to your belongings and the structural integrity of your home. The steps are fairly straightforward, but the details are important to ensure it lasts. It’s a skill every homeowner should know, even if they hope to never need it.

What Kind of Tarp, and How Do I Even Start?

What size tarp do I need for my roof?

The size of tarp you need depends entirely on the size and location of the damage on your roof. As a general rule, you should aim for a tarp that extends at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides to ensure complete coverage and secure anchoring. Measure the length and width of the affected area, add 8 feet to each dimension, and choose the next larger standard tarp size available.

Determining the necessary tarp size involves a bit of estimation and foresight. Consider not only the immediate damage but also any potential weak spots nearby that might be vulnerable to further weather exposure. A larger tarp provides more leeway for securing it properly and preventing water from seeping underneath. It is always better to have a tarp that is too large than one that is too small. Excess material can be folded and secured, while insufficient coverage leaves your roof susceptible to leaks. Remember to account for the pitch of your roof. Steeper roofs require larger tarps to achieve the necessary overhang. Also factor in the available anchoring points. You’ll need enough tarp material to reach secure points beyond the damaged area, such as undamaged shingles, roof decking, or even nearby structures. If the damage is extensive or complex, consider consulting with a roofing professional to determine the optimal tarp size and installation method.

How do I properly secure the tarp to prevent it from blowing away?

Securing a tarp effectively against wind requires a multi-pronged approach: Use appropriately sized and heavy-duty tarps, ensure ample overlap beyond the damaged area, and anchor the tarp using a combination of nailing or screwing it down through furring strips, and tying it down with strong rope or bungee cords to secure anchor points away from the immediate roof damage. Prioritize creating a tight, drum-like surface to minimize wind catching under the tarp.

Nailing or screwing furring strips (typically 1x2 or 1x4 lumber) along the edges of the tarp is a critical step. The tarp material is sandwiched between the furring strip and the roof decking. This provides a solid, distributed hold that’s far superior to simply nailing through the tarp itself, which can tear easily. Space the nails or screws every 6-12 inches along the furring strip. When working on higher pitched roofs, the furring strip method becomes even more important to prevent slippage.

In addition to furring strips, utilize rope or bungee cords tied to secure anchor points. These anchor points can be anything sturdy, such as trees, fence posts, or even weights placed on the ground. Run the rope or bungee cord through grommets or around reinforced edges of the tarp, pulling it taut and securing it to the anchor point. This provides additional resistance against uplift from the wind. When choosing ropes, opt for durable, weather-resistant options like nylon or polypropylene. Inspect the entire setup regularly, especially after periods of high wind, and make adjustments as needed to maintain a secure hold.

What is the best way to avoid damaging the shingles when tarping?

The best way to avoid damaging shingles when tarping a roof is to minimize direct contact and friction by using padding between the tarp and the shingles, distributing weight evenly, and avoiding walking directly on the tarp whenever possible.

Before placing the tarp, inspect the roof for any loose nails or debris that could puncture or tear the tarp from underneath, exacerbating the damage. Remove or flatten these hazards to create a smoother surface. Lay down a protective layer such as old blankets, towels, or foam padding specifically designed for roofing, especially around sharp edges or areas with significant shingle damage. This will act as a buffer, preventing the tarp from directly rubbing against the shingles and causing further abrasion or dislodgement.

When securing the tarp, avoid pulling it too tightly, as this can create unnecessary stress on the surrounding shingles. Use sandbags or weighted objects to hold the tarp in place instead of relying solely on nails or staples driven directly into the roof. If nailing is necessary, do so sparingly and into the sheathing underneath the shingles, aiming for areas that will be covered by new shingles during repair. Finally, remember that safety comes first. If you are uncomfortable working on a roof, hire a professional roofing contractor to handle the tarping process.

Can I tarp a roof myself, or should I hire a professional?

Whether you can tarp a roof yourself depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your comfort level with heights, and your physical capabilities. Minor leaks or small areas of damage might be manageable for a confident DIYer. However, significant damage, steep roofs, or any situation where you feel unsafe warrants hiring a professional roofing contractor.

While tarping a roof might seem straightforward, it involves inherent risks. Working at heights can be dangerous, and improperly secured tarps can worsen the problem by trapping moisture or detaching in high winds, causing further damage. Professionals have the necessary safety equipment, experience, and knowledge to properly secure the tarp, ensuring it effectively protects your home from the elements until permanent repairs can be made. They also understand how to avoid causing additional damage to the roof during the tarping process. Consider your limitations realistically. Are you comfortable climbing a ladder and navigating a roof? Do you have the necessary tools and materials, such as heavy-duty tarps, roofing nails, and lumber for securing the edges? If you hesitate at any of these questions, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call a professional. A botched DIY tarp job can lead to more costly repairs down the line, not to mention potential injuries. Prioritize safety and protect your investment by seeking professional assistance when in doubt.

How long can a roof be tarped before needing permanent repairs?

A properly installed roof tarp should ideally only serve as a temporary fix, lasting no more than 30-90 days before permanent repairs are made. While a tarp can potentially last longer with meticulous installation and favorable weather conditions, prolonged use significantly increases the risk of further damage from moisture intrusion, wind uplift, and UV degradation.

Prolonged tarp use leads to several problems. The tarp itself degrades over time, becoming brittle and prone to tearing, especially under direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Water can still seep underneath the tarp through loose edges or failed seams, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage to the underlying roof deck and interior of the building. Wind can also get under the tarp, causing it to flap violently and potentially dislodge it entirely, exposing the damaged area again. Insurance companies generally expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after an incident. Delaying permanent repairs beyond a reasonable timeframe, even with a tarp in place, could potentially affect your claim settlement. Furthermore, relying on a tarp for an extended period can mask underlying issues that worsen unseen, leading to more extensive and costly repairs down the road. It’s crucial to contact a qualified roofing contractor promptly for a comprehensive assessment and permanent repair solution. How to properly tarp a roof (brief overview): * Clear debris from the damaged area. * Overlap the damaged area by at least 4 feet on all sides. * Secure the tarp with furring strips nailed to the roof decking (avoid nailing directly into the tarp). * Use heavy-duty, waterproof tape to seal the seams and edges of the tarp. * Weigh down the edges with sandbags or old tires if necessary.

What’s the proper overlap needed when using multiple tarps?

When using multiple tarps to cover a roof, a minimum overlap of 6-12 inches is crucial to ensure adequate protection against rain and wind. This overlap creates a shingle-like effect, preventing water from seeping through the seams and providing a more secure barrier against the elements.

Proper overlap is essential for preventing leaks. Wind-driven rain can easily find its way into even small gaps. The greater the overlap, the more resistant the tarp setup will be to water penetration. Consider increasing the overlap to 18-24 inches in areas prone to heavy rainfall or high winds. Secure the overlapping sections well using tarp clips, duct tape (applied carefully to avoid damaging roofing materials), or by weighing them down with sandbags or similar objects. Remember to position the upper tarp so that it overlaps the lower tarp, allowing water to flow downwards and off the roof. This “shingling” technique is critical. Failure to properly overlap and orient the tarps can render the entire setup ineffective, leading to water damage despite your efforts. Continuously monitor the tarps, especially after rain or wind events, and adjust the overlap or securing methods as needed to maintain a watertight seal.

What’s the best technique for tarping a steep roof safely?

The safest and most effective technique for tarping a steep roof involves minimizing the time spent directly on the roof by utilizing a combination of ground-based preparation and securing methods. This includes pre-measuring and cutting the tarp, attaching ropes and weights for controlled deployment from the ground, and using ladder-based attachment points whenever possible. Always prioritize fall protection gear like a harness and lifeline secured to a sound anchor point if roof access is absolutely necessary.

When dealing with a steep roof, the inherent dangers of slipping and falling are significantly amplified. Therefore, the less time spent walking on the roof surface, the better. Before even considering going on the roof, carefully assess the situation from the ground. Identify stable anchor points for ladders and, if necessary, a safety harness. Measure the damaged area accurately to determine the required tarp size, adding extra length on all sides for securing. Fold and prepare the tarp on the ground, attaching ropes to each corner and potentially adding weighted objects (like sandbags) to the ends of the ropes to facilitate controlled deployment. If you must go on the roof, utilize a sturdy ladder positioned securely and consider using ladder hooks to further secure it. When on the roof, move slowly and deliberately, testing each step for stability before committing your weight. If possible, avoid walking directly on damaged or weakened areas. The goal is to anchor the tarp using as much ground-based work as possible. Throw the weighted ropes over the roof and secure them on the opposite side, pulling the tarp into position. Avoid overly stretching the tarp, as this can create additional stress points. Finally, secure the tarp along all edges. If possible, use furring strips nailed or screwed through the tarp into the roof structure along the eaves and gable ends. On a steep roof, ensure these strips are very securely attached. Alternatively, if nails or screws aren’t feasible or desirable, consider using specialized tarp clips or adhesive tapes designed for roofing materials. Regularly inspect the tarp and its securing points, especially after periods of high wind or heavy rain, and make any necessary adjustments promptly. Remember, this is a temporary fix, and professional repairs should be scheduled as soon as possible.

Alright, there you have it! Hopefully, you’re now feeling confident and ready to tackle that roof tarping project. Remember to stay safe, take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask a friend for help if needed. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!