How To Use A Tarp For A Temporary Roof Fix

For temporary coverage our favorite is the ubiquitous blue tarp.

How to use a tarp for a temporary roof fix.

Covering the roof is the short term goal. It s important to report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible and take plenty of pictures. The 2 by 4 should be about 2 feet longer than the tarp width. Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first.

Now let s get to the good stuff. Next on the peak side attach the tarp to the 2 by 4 using cap nails. This is how we do a temporary repair to avoid further. 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.

The trick is securing it in place. These tarps are very tough and the grommet holes along the edge allow for tie downs to secure the tarp in place. Here are the steps to installing a temporary tarp to patch up your roof. Temporarily screw the rolled end down to the roof with at least two or three screws.

Danny lipford demonstrating how to secure a tarp to a storm damaged roof. The board must be 2 feet longer than the tarp s width and it should sit against the roof to avoid the collection of rainwater snow or debris. Make sure you get one that is large enough to cover the entire affected area and one that is meant to be used outdoors. Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor.

Remember never walk on the tarp as it can be easy to slip. Roll the tarp s edges using 2x4 s to secure the wood and nail it to the tarp using 3 inch nails. This step ensures the tarp stays taut and fully protective. Secure the tarp to your roof.

Screw the 2 by 4 directly into the roof to secure it. But if your roof needs emergency repairs using a temporary tarp is your best bet. Then fold the excess tarp under a few rotations for a tight clean fit. 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.

There are a variety of materials you can use. It s still recommended that you hire the services of a professional roof leak repair contractor.