How to Put a Tarp on a Roof

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A tarp can be used temporarily to cover the roof of your house until you can afford to repair it, during times when it becomes damaged in a storm or it begins to leak. Knowing how to cover a roof with a tarp will prevent water from entering your house, and then growing mold, and or weakening your house leading to structural problems.

In this guide, we will take you through all you need to know like that of selecting the appropriate tarp and installing it securely. Whether it’s due to hurricane destruction in Florida or a storm in the midwest, this manual is customized to homeowners wanting a quick, do-it-yourself solution.

Why Use a Tarp on a Roof?

A roof tarp is a temporary cover that you place on damaged or leaking sections of your roof, in order to protect your home against rain, wind, and debris.

Tarps can come in handy after:

• Heavy storms or hurricanes
• Damage caused by fallen branches of trees or hail
• Claims are filed, waiting insurance inspection

By wrapping up the area that is affected, you minimize the chances of having to pay a lot of money for interior repair.

What You’ll Need

The right materials and safety gear are required before climbing up to your roof.

Tools and Supplies

• Waterproof, heavy-duty (at least 20 mil thick)
• Roofing nails or screws
• 2×4 wooden boards
• Hammer or cordless drill
• Utility knife or scissors
• Ladder (sturdy and preferably extendable)
• Measuring tape
• Safety harness (should be used on steep roofs)
• Working gloves and non-slip shoes

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The roof should be inspected to identify the damaged part before placing the tarp. Search for missing shingles, punctures, or soft spots. It is better to inspect while on the ground with the assistance of binoculars or a drone, when possible.

Safety Tip: Do not use the roof in the middle of rain, high winds, or lightning. Hire a professional if the roof is too steep or you are uncertain about it.

Step 2: Measure the Area

After you have determined the place to be covered:

• Measure the length and the width of the damaged part with measuring tape.
• Add an addition of 3 to 4 feet of the total length

Select a tarp that will cover the ridge (top peak) as much as possible. This will ensure that there is no seepage of water underneath the tarp.

Step 3: Prepare the Tarp and Boards

• Put the tarp on the ground, and cut it to size, as necessary
• Put 2 x 4 boards along the edges of the tarp (particularly on the top and bottom sides)
• Roll the ends of the tarp around the boards once or twice. This makes it heavier and it will enable you to fix the tarp without necessarily nailing it on the roof.

Safety Tip: Drill holes in the boards ahead of time to make the boards easier to install and to prevent splitting.

Step 4: Secure the Tarp to the Roof

Carefully climb the ladder with the assistance of another person to stabilize the ladder.

Option 1: Boarding with Nails

• Lay the tarp on the affected part ensuring that it covers the ridge where necessary
• Attach the wrapped boards in the roof decking or rafters, not only to the shingles; also secure them in place in case of wind.
• Beginning at the top, pull the tarp downwards, ensuring that it is not loose.
• Strap more 2 x 4s onto the sides to discourage flapping.

Option 2: Non-Invasive interventions with Sandbags or Weights

When you are not going to nail into the roof:

• Cover the damaged places with the tarp
• Use sandbags or heavy brick roof tarp anchors to anchor it
• Ensure that water can still run out of the roof; do not block gutters

Important: This technique is not as safe when there is a wind.

Step 5: Double-Check for Gaps and Water Flow

• Make sure that the tarp is a tight and smooth piece with no significant folds or air bubbles
• The lower portion of the tarp is not to be bent over the roof
• The tarp should allow the water to seep in gutters or away your foundation

Step 6: Monitor and Replace as Needed

• Tarps are not supposed to be permanent. Your tarp can last only a few days or several months, which is based on the quality of the material and the weather
• Inspect tarp following each of the major storms
• Check for evidence of wear such as loose boards or standing water
• Get another one immediately when it begins to move or wear out

Additional Tips for Success

Choose the Right Tarp

• A UV resistant tarp should be used when keeping it longer than a week
• Blue tarps are usual but the heavy-duty tarps that are made of silver or black provide more durability and protection against the sun

Use a Buddy System

Don’t work alone; it is necessary to have someone to hold the ladder, deliver the tools, or help in case of an emergency.

Contact Insurance

If the damage on your roof is storm-related, make pre- and post-tarping photos. Insurance companies will reimburse you most of the time on temporary actions taken to avoid further damage.

When to Call a Professional

Although it is possible to do it on your own with DIY tarping, it is necessary to hire a roofing expert if:

• The damage is either large-scale or structural
• It is too steep a roof to climb on
• You cannot be sure how to get the tarp tied
• You desire a more permanent alternative temporary solution

Most roofers will provide emergency tarping; they are able to install it in a more secure way without causing harm to your home.