Why Tarping a Roof Is Essential After Damage
When your roof sustains damage from a storm, fallen tree, or any other unexpected event, the clock starts ticking on potential water damage to your home's interior. Rain, snow, and moisture can quickly penetrate the compromised roofing material and cause extensive damage to insulation, drywall, electrical systems, and personal belongings. Tarping a roof is a critical emergency measure that provides temporary protection until permanent repairs can be made.
A properly installed roof tarp can protect your home for weeks or even months, depending on the quality of the tarp and the installation method. Insurance companies typically expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after an incident, and tarping the roof is one of the most important mitigating actions you can take. Failing to tarp a damaged roof promptly could potentially affect your insurance claim.
Safety First: Preparing for Roof Work
Working on a roof is inherently dangerous, and safety should be your absolute top priority. Falls from roofs are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in home maintenance and construction. Before you climb onto your roof, carefully assess the situation and determine whether the work can be done safely by a homeowner or if professional help is needed.
Never attempt to tarp a roof during active severe weather, including high winds, lightning, heavy rain, or icy conditions. Wait until conditions are calm and the roof surface is dry enough to provide adequate traction. Always work with at least one other person who can hold the ladder, pass up materials, and call for help if an accident occurs.
Essential safety equipment includes a sturdy extension ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the roof edge, rubber-soled shoes with good traction, a safety harness and rope anchored to a secure point on the opposite side of the roof, heavy-duty work gloves, and safety glasses. If the roof pitch is steep (greater than 6/12), strongly consider hiring a professional, as the risk of falls increases dramatically on steep slopes.
Choosing the Right Tarp Material
Not all tarps are created equal, and choosing the right one for roof protection is crucial for effective coverage. The most common types include polyethylene tarps (poly tarps), canvas tarps, and vinyl tarps, each with different characteristics and price points.
Heavy-duty polyethylene tarps are the most popular choice for roof tarping due to their combination of durability, water resistance, and affordability. Look for tarps that are at least 10 mil thick with reinforced grommets and UV-resistant coating. Blue poly tarps are the most common, but silver or white tarps reflect more sunlight and tend to last longer under UV exposure.
For the size, your tarp should be large enough to cover the damaged area plus at least 4 feet of overlap on all sides. This extra coverage ensures that wind-driven rain cannot reach the damaged area. It is always better to have a tarp that is too large than one that is too small. Standard tarp sizes like 20 by 30 feet or 30 by 40 feet work well for most residential applications.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before heading up to the roof, gather all necessary materials and have them ready. You will need a heavy-duty tarp (appropriately sized), 2-by-4 lumber cut to the length of the tarp edges, a staple gun with heavy-duty staples, roofing nails or screws, a cordless drill or hammer, a utility knife, paracord or strong rope, a caulk gun with roofing sealant, and sandbags or heavy objects for additional weight if needed.
Having all materials prepared and staged near the ladder before climbing up minimizes the number of trips you need to make and reduces the time spent on the roof, both of which contribute to a safer operation.
Step 1: Assess the Damage from the Ground
Before climbing onto the roof, conduct a thorough visual assessment from the ground using binoculars if necessary. Identify the extent of the damage, noting any missing shingles, holes, broken rafters, or areas where the roof deck may be compromised. This assessment helps you determine the size of the tarp needed and identify any areas of the roof that may be structurally unsound and should be avoided.
Look for signs of structural damage such as sagging roof lines, broken trusses visible through holes, or areas where the roof appears to be collapsing. If you see any signs of significant structural damage, do not go onto the roof. Instead, call a professional roofing contractor or structural engineer to assess the situation.
Step 2: Clear Debris from the Damaged Area
Once you are safely on the roof, carefully remove any loose debris from the damaged area. This includes broken shingles, tree branches, nails, and any other objects that could puncture the tarp or create uneven surfaces underneath it. Use a broom or your hands (with gloves) to sweep the area clean.
Be cautious when walking near the damaged area, as the roof deck may be weakened. Test each step before putting your full weight down. If the roof feels spongy or unstable underfoot, back away and reassess from a safer position.
Step 3: Position and Unroll the Tarp
With the help of your assistant on the ground or on the roof with you, unroll the tarp and position it over the damaged area. The tarp should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damage on all sides and ideally reach over the ridge (peak) of the roof on the upper edge. This prevents water from flowing under the tarp from above.
If the tarp cannot reach the ridge, extend it as high as possible and create a water-shedding fold at the upper edge. To do this, fold the upper edge of the tarp over a 2-by-4 board and roll the board up in the tarp material two or three times. This creates a dam that diverts water around the tarp rather than under it.
Step 4: Secure the Tarp
Securing the tarp properly is the most critical step in the entire process. A poorly secured tarp will blow off in the first moderate wind, leaving your roof exposed again. There are several effective methods for securing a roof tarp, and using a combination of these methods provides the best results.
The most reliable method involves wrapping the edges of the tarp around 2-by-4 lumber and screwing the lumber through the tarp into the roof deck. Start with the upper edge (closest to the ridge) and work your way down. Place the 2-by-4 on top of the tarp, fold the tarp edge over the board, and then screw through the board, tarp, and into the roof deck using 3-inch wood screws spaced every 12 inches.
For the sides, repeat the same process with 2-by-4 boards. For the lower edge, extend the tarp past the eave and wrap it around a 2-by-4 on the underside. Secure this board to the fascia board using screws. Apply roofing sealant over all screw heads and along the upper edge of the tarp where it meets the undamaged roofing material.
Step 5: Check and Maintain the Tarp
After installation, step back and visually inspect the entire tarp from the ground. Look for any areas that appear loose, gaps where water could enter, or sections that might catch the wind. Make any necessary adjustments immediately.
Check the tarp regularly, especially after wind events or heavy rain. Look for signs of wear, tears, or loosening fasteners. Address any issues promptly, as even small gaps can allow significant water intrusion over time. A well-maintained tarp can protect your roof for several months while you arrange for permanent repairs.
When to Call a Professional
While tarping a roof is a task that many homeowners can handle, there are situations where calling a professional is the wisest choice. If the roof pitch is steep, if there is significant structural damage, if you are uncomfortable working at heights, or if the damaged area is very large, a professional roofing contractor can install a tarp quickly and safely.
Many roofing companies offer emergency tarping services and can respond within hours of your call. The cost of professional tarping is typically covered by homeowner's insurance as part of the emergency mitigation expenses. Keep all receipts and documentation for your insurance claim.
Conclusion
Tarping a damaged roof is an essential emergency response that can save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. By following the proper safety precautions, using quality materials, and securing the tarp thoroughly, you can effectively protect your home until permanent repairs are completed. Always prioritize safety, and do not hesitate to call a professional if the situation exceeds your comfort level or capabilities.
