How to Tarp a Roof After a Storm: A Practical Guide
After a severe storm, protecting an exposed roof from further water intrusion is crucial. Tarping a roof helps prevent structural damage, mold growth, and interior weather exposure while arranging permanent repairs. This guide outlines practical, safe steps to tarp a roof, what supplies to gather, and best practices for securing tarps on American homes. By following these steps, homeowners can mitigate damage and expedite the restoration process.
Assess The Situation And Plan Before You Work
Begin with a cautious assessment from the ground. Look for visibly exposed rafters, broken shingles, missing flashing, and punctures in the roofing. If there is active leaking into the attic or walls, prioritize tarping those areas first. Do not climb on a damaged roof during rain, high winds, or icy conditions. If you feel unsure about your safety, contact a licensed roofer or emergency response service for temporary protection.
Gather The Right Supplies
Prepare a sturdy, weather-resistant tarp with reinforced edges and grommets. Common sizes range from 12×18 feet to 20×24 feet, depending on roof spread and access. Collect these essentials:
- Ground crew tools: ladder stabilizers, ropes or ratchet straps, utility knife, scissors, sharpie for marking
- Fasteners: roofing nails, galvanized staples, or heavy-duty zip ties; durable rope for secondary security
- Protection equipment: work gloves, eye protection, non-slip footwear
- Weatherproof tape or sealant for initial edge sealing
- Plywood or plywood sheets for temporary reinforcement, if accessible
Having the right supplies on hand prevents multiple trips to the hardware store and speeds up the tarping process. If the roof has multiple angles or skylights, plan tarping sections accordingly.
Safety First: Protect People And Property
Safety considerations should guide every step. Avoid walking on a damaged roof; use a sturdy ladder with a spotter and wear fall protection if you must access the roof edge. Work with a partner to manage tarps and tools, and keep children and pets away from the work area. If there is standing water, downed power lines, or electrical hazards, stay away and contact professionals immediately. Secure the work area below to prevent debris from injuring occupants or neighbors.
How To Lay The Tarp On A Roof
Tarpping methods vary with roof shape, but these steps apply to most residential roofs. Start from the highest point and work downward toward protected areas.
- Position the tarp: Unfold the tarp above the leak area, allowing extra material overhang on all sides. Align grommets with anchor points or ridges on the roof if possible.
- Cover the leak zone: Drape the tarp so the heaviest portion lies over the leak, with at least 1–2 feet of overhang beyond the edge to ensure water runoff away from the fascia.
- Secure the edges: Use temporary fasteners or heavy-duty rope to hold the tarp in place along eaves and hips. Avoid penetrating the roof with nails unless you have a safe, accessible location; consider alternate securing methods such as bungee cords or ratchet straps through the tarp grommets into solid anchors off the roof edge.
- Seal gaps: Use weatherproof tape or a flexible roof sealant to seal along the edge where the tarp meets the roof surface. This reduces wind lift and water ingress.
- Build a secondary barrier: If wind is a concern, create a “sail” effect by adding a second tarp on top of the first, secured at the edges, to increase wind resistance and water diversion.
For vaulted or steep roofs, consider temporary, shorter tarps or professional assistance to minimize risk. The goal is to create a watertight barrier that directs rain away from the interior and into a controlled drainage path.
Securing The Tarp For Long-Term Protection
Proper securing is essential to withstand wind and weather. Use multiple securing methods to prevent tarps from becoming airborne.
- Rope and knots: Tie off corners and edges with strong knots, ensuring tension without tearing the tarp material.
- Ratcheting: Use ratchet straps across the tarp width to pull it tight against the roof surface. Do not over-tighten to avoid tearing.
- Weights: Place weighted boards or bricks along the lower edge to weigh the tarp down, ensuring they do not press against the roof surface or gutters.
- Edge protection: Place plywood or thick boards under the tarp edges where it contacts the roof to prevent edge wear and damage.
Check the tarps after strong winds or heavy rain. Re-secure any loose sections promptly to maintain protection.
Dealing With Roof Valleys, Chimneys, And Skylights
Contracting leaks around complex features requires careful tarp placement to avoid creating new leaks. For valleys and ridges, cover these areas with a larger tarp piece, ensuring water runs off toward the eaves. Around chimneys and skylights, seal the edges with tape and ensure the tarp clears these structures without resting on sharp edges. Where skylights exist, consider removing excess moisture from interior spaces by placing towels or buckets under leaks while tarping.
Ventilation And Interior Protection
Containment matters as tarping may trap heat and moisture in attic spaces. If accessible, ventilate indirectly by keeping gable vents or soffit openings clear of tarp contact. Move furniture and valuables away from affected walls and protect floors with plastic sheeting. Place buckets near any interior leaks to manage water and minimize secondary damage.
Post-Tarp Inspection And Temporary Repairs
After tarping, document the damage for insurance and plan permanent repairs. Conduct a professional roof inspection when conditions permit. Temporary repairs to consider include fixing obvious structural damage, replacing missing shingles, resealing flashing, and reinforcing damaged fascia boards. Schedule a professional assessment to determine needed materials, warranties, and timelines for full restoration.
Tips For Effective Tarping And Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Tip: Use tarps with reinforced edges and quick-release ties for easier re-adjustment after weather changes.
- Avoid: Do not place tarps over live electrical lines or wet surfaces without proper clearance and safety measures.
- Tip: Work with a partner to manage tarps and tools, reducing the risk of falls or dropped materials.
- Avoid: Rushing the setup in high winds; take time to secure anchors and check for slack that could lead to wind uplift.
When To Call The Pros
Storm damage can be unpredictable, and tarping is a temporary measure. Contact a licensed roofer if the roof is steep, heavily damaged, or there are electrical hazards, gas lines, or structural concerns. If interior water intrusion worsens, seek immediate professional assistance to prevent further damage and ensure safe containment.