How To Use A Tarp For A Temporary Roof Fix

This is how we do a temporary repair to avoid further.

How to use a tarp for a temporary roof fix.

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. In the aftermath of a hurricane tornado severe storm falling tree limbs or other cause of roof damage. Secure the tarp to your roof. There are a variety of materials you can use.

Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first. When tree branches fall and hit roofs they can sometimes puncture the roof deck and create roof leaks. Covering the roof is the short term goal. Remember never walk on the tarp as it can be easy to slip.

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. Screw the 2 by 4 directly into the roof to secure it. Here are the steps to installing a temporary tarp to patch up your roof. Next on the peak side attach the tarp to the 2 by 4 using cap nails.

Temporarily screw the rolled end down to the roof with at least two or three screws. Roll the tarp s edges using 2x4 s to secure the wood and nail it to the tarp using 3 inch nails. Then fold the excess tarp under a few rotations for a tight clean fit. Make sure you get one that is large enough to cover the entire affected area and one that is meant to be used outdoors.

It s important to report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible and take plenty of pictures. This step ensures the tarp stays taut and fully protective. 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.

Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor. 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 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. Now let s get to the good stuff.

The 2 by 4 should be about 2 feet longer than the tarp width. It s still recommended that you hire the services of a professional roof leak repair contractor.