How to Tarp a Roof (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to put a tarp on a roof? ›

The easiest way to secure a tarp is to use sand bags to weight it down and keep it from blowing away. This is best used as a temporary measure. For a more secure and longer-lasting fix, create an anchor board by rolling a 2 x 4-inch board into the tarp's peak end. Nail the tarp to the board.

You can stretch your tarp out, overlapping it over the ridge—make it nice and flat. Then use the one-by-twos with some eight-penny nails, like these, to hold it down in place. And you'll want to nail it about every sixteen inches. Also, occasionally, you'll want to put maybe a few of these.

How to Tarp a Roof Without Nails. Most roofers will use screws when attaching the tarp's anchor boards to the roof. However, if you want to avoid making additional punctures in the roof, you can use an adhesive roof tarp. These have a glue-like material built in to stick to the shingles.

Tarps are made of polymeric materials that are resistant to water, ice, and air. Tarps typically last up to 90 days on the roof, while those constructed of more robust materials can last up to two years. Roofing contractors recommend not keeping it for more than three months, which can lead to further issues.

Polyethylene and vinyl are two of the more durable materials on the market and are waterproof. When choosing a Roofing Tarp, be sure to consider what the material it is made from.

Does It Matter Which Side of a Light Deprivation Tarp Faces Out? The simple answer is yes. Light Deprivation Covers are available in several different options, however, the one thing they have in common is a white side and a black side.

As for thickness, the thicker the tarp the better. For fierce weather conditions, you'll want a tarp that is thick enough to hold up and protect your roof. Standard roof tarps are around 5 millimeters thick. However, you can aim for a heavy-duty tarp with at least 12 millimeters of thickness.

A shrink wrap roof is just as it sounds. It consists of a large plastic membrane that shrinks tightly to the contours of your roof using heat. Seams are heat-welded to create a water-tight seal over the entire roof. It is a superior alternative to blue roof tarps.

Simply smooth the tarp over the entire area that's leaking, creating a taunt surface. Nail down the edges (or alternatively, you could tie down tarp or use duct tape) so it's secure and won't be blown off by a strong gust of wind or storm.

Tarps can be secured in several ways – with Ropes, Pegs, Bolts, Weights or having the Heavy-Duty Tarp (stockpile Cover) dug into the ground and backfilled. By ensuring that the Tarp is secured this will ensure that the contents under the tarp is protected, it also ensures that the Tarp itself does not get damaged.

How do I temporarily cover my roof? ›

Place the Tarp

Unfold or unroll your tarp, to cover the damaged area over the roof's peaks and eaves, making sure to cover the damaged area and leave at least a foot of tarp on each side. If it's windy out, be careful because the tarp may try to blow away.

So, while the short-term solution is tempting, you'll spend more on repairs because the Flex Seal ate away at the surrounding areas as well as the original leak. If you still want to do the DIY work, you're better off using a roofing-specific sealant as both a short and long-term solution.

A TARP does not constitute a roof for insurance claim purposes in California.

Tarping a roof can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,300, but most homeowners pay around $650 or less. The range is so broad due to the many different factors that affect the cost, including the roof's size, the tarp quality and type and whether you need emergency services.

You can staple or nail the tarp to the boards, but be sure to use nails that are not so long that they will go through your roof. These steps will help you prevent further damage to your home until a professional roofing contractor can arrive.

You want at least 3 feet of excess on each side of the compromised area. You'll also need a supply of 2-by-4s. Unfold the tarp over the damaged area, and cover the peak by at least 4 feet. If you don't account for the bare ridge line of the roof, water can easily drain down and get under the tarp.

Heavy-duty tarpaulin

The heavier the tarpaulin, the better durability. This has been a known rule amongst those in the industry for many years. As a result, it is highly recommended to use heavy-duty tarpaulin if it can be applied. Especially if the roof needs covering for an extended period of time.

Tie a ridgeline at waist height between two trees. Drape the tarp over the ridgeline lengthwise so that two-thirds hang on one side. Match opposite corners on the side of the ridgeline where one-third of the tarp hangs and stake them out. On the opposite side, stake out grommets to create a taut triangle with a floor.

Tarps can be secured in several ways – with Ropes, Pegs, Bolts, Weights or having the Heavy-Duty Tarp (stockpile Cover) dug into the ground and backfilled.