How To Use A Tarp For A Temporary Roof Fix

These tarps are very tough and the grommet holes along the edge allow for tie downs to secure the tarp in place.

How to use a tarp for a temporary roof fix.

The trick is securing it in place. Remember never walk on the tarp as it can be easy to slip. In the aftermath of a hurricane tornado severe storm falling tree limbs or other cause of roof damage. There are a variety of materials you can use.

Next on the peak side attach the tarp to the 2 by 4 using cap nails. Here are the steps to installing a temporary tarp to patch up your roof. After this step you ll want to sandwich the tarp between another 2x4 and temporarily secure the bottom 2x4 to the roof with a nail. This is how we do a temporary repair to avoid further.

Temporarily screw the rolled end down to the roof with at least two or three screws. It s important to report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible and take plenty of pictures. But if your roof needs emergency repairs using a temporary tarp is your best bet. Secure the tarp to your roof.

It s still recommended that you hire the services of a professional roof leak repair contractor. Covering the roof is the short term goal. When tree branches fall and hit roofs they can sometimes puncture the roof deck and create roof leaks. Then fold the excess tarp under a few rotations for a tight clean fit.

Now let s get to the good stuff. The 2 by 4 should be about 2 feet longer than the tarp width. Screw the 2 by 4 directly into the roof to secure it. This step ensures the tarp stays taut and fully protective.

Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first. For temporary coverage our favorite is the ubiquitous blue tarp. Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor. Make sure you get one that is large enough to cover the entire affected area and one that is meant to be used outdoors.

To make sure it doesn t blow away in a light breeze you can use your tools boxes of screws strapping etc on the undamaged side wrap one end of the tarp around the 1 3 furring strip making sure the furring strip extends past each end by 1. One of the fastest and least expensive ways you can make a temporary emergency roof repair is to cover the involved area with a plastic tarp.