When your roof becomes damaged, water can start seeping into your home immediately. If you are not able to make the repairs right away, you risk more damage occurring which can result in a larger repair bill. A properly installed tarp can make all the difference in the meantime. Tarping a roof protects the interior of the home from exposure to the elements and can reduce the chance of further damage occurring. When installed properly by a professional, a tarped roof can give homeowners up to 90 days or more to schedule roof repair services. Find out how to tarp a roof below!
Steps to Tarping a Roof
Follow the following steps to the letter and you’ll have a perfectly tarped roof in no time!
1. Assess The Roof For Damage
The first step in the roof tarping process is to carefully assess the roof for damage. This can help you determine if you can afford to simply tarp it and wait for a professional inspection, or if you need emergency roof repair. Use a ladder to gain access to the top of your roof and look closely to see where the damage is. Inspect the surface of the roof for gaps, curling, or broken materials that could allow water or air to leak through. There may be more than one area of the roof that is damaged and needs tarping. Climbing onto your roof can be a hazardous job, therefore, it is best to hire a roofing contractor to perform the inspection for you.
2. Determine The Size Of The Tarp
The next step is to measure the size of the damage to determine the size tarp you need. A tape measure can be used to measure the length and width of the damage. If the damage extends over a large amount of the roof, several tarps may be needed to cover all points of damage. Also, take a few moments to snap some photos of the damage. Having photo evidence may come in handy when you make a claim to your insurance company. You can also refer back to the photos when you are buying the materials for the job.
3. Purchase Needed Supplies
Next, you’ll need to go to your local hardware store to purchase the supplies you will need to complete the job. Of course, you will need a tarp. The tarp should cover the entirety of the damage with some extra space on each side. You may be able to find a tarp that covers the entire roof which will minimize the chance of water seeping around the edges. Also, purchase the necessary safety equipment you will need. Tarping a roof can be a dangerous task. Be sure that you have a secure ladder, sturdy boots, protective glasses, thick gloves, a helmet, and if possible, a high visibility vest.
4. Tarp Your Roof
Once you have the supplies you need, you can start tarping the roof. However, you do not want to do it alone. If you plan on tarping without a professional, you will want to have friends or family to help . Having at least one other person is also crucial in case of an emergency. After finding help, get onto the roof and clear away any debris, such as leaves, twigs, and branches. You do not want to have these things trapped under the tarp.
From there, bring the tarp up onto the roof and carefully roll it out from the corners. It is best to tarp your roof on a day that it is not windy as this can make the work much more difficult. Lay the tarp completely flat over the damaged area of the roof. At least 4 feet of the tarp should lie on the sloped part of the roof on each side. Also, the rest of the tarp should hang off the lower border that overhangs the wall. Once the tarp is down, always walk around it, never on it as you could slip and fall or slide off the roof.
5. Secure Your Tarp
You’ll know need to secure your tarp to the roof to prevent it from falling off. This is by far the most complex of steps, and also the most important. Start by drilling a 2×4 board to each edge of the tarp. Then place a 2×4 under each end with at least 2 feet sticking out to the side. Secure the tarp and 2×4 by placing cap nails through the tarp and into the 2×4 board. Repeat this on all four edges. Next, wrap the tarp around the boards so that the 2×4 is covered on all sides. Repeat with each of the boards before laying the tarp down flat again.
With the tarp and boards laid flat, screw through the tarp and the boards directly into the roof using 2-inch screws. There should be at least six screws spaced out across each board. This ensures that the boards are secured to the roof and the tarp is able to withstand wind and other harsh weather conditions. Next, you will want to lay down four more perpendicular boards and secure them with screws. These new boards should lay over the tarp and be perpendicular to the old boards. Place 2-inch screws across the new boards to secure them.
Attach two more 2×4 boards under the overhang of the tarp. Bring the overhang on the roof and place a 2×4 under each side while also keeping 2 feet of board on each side. Use cap nails to attach the tarp to the boards. Secure the overhang under the eave and screw it in. Be sure to wrap the tarp around the 2×4 boards before screwing the board tight against the eave. You may find the need to add additional 2×4 boards to the tarp if there is a large amount of damage or if you have a large roof.
Expert Roof Tarping Services
Your roof can succumb to damage at any time and without warning. From a fallen tree to a pest infestation, you may find signs of damage on your roof that you didn’t know existed. If not repaired promptly, your home could suffer more damage leading to a more substantial repair bill. If you must wait to repair your roof, tarping can be a great way to prevent further damage. However, due to the hazards of roof tarping and the skill needed to do the job right, it is always best to trust a professional. To inquire about professional roof tarping services, contact the roofing contractors at Beyond Exteriors.