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 2 by 4 should be about 2 feet longer than the tarp width. Covering the roof is the short term goal. For temporary coverage our favorite is the ubiquitous blue tarp. Here are the steps to installing a temporary tarp to patch up your roof.

Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first. Next on the peak side attach the tarp to the 2 by 4 using cap nails. Screw the 2 by 4 directly into the roof to secure it. Secure the tarp to your roof.

Then fold the excess tarp under a few rotations for a tight clean fit. There are a variety of materials you can use. 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.

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

It s still recommended that you hire the services of a professional roof leak repair contractor. 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. 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. Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor.

Now let s get to the good stuff. In the aftermath of a hurricane tornado severe storm falling tree limbs or other cause of roof damage. This is how we do a temporary repair to avoid further. Make sure you get one that is large enough to cover the entire affected area and one that is meant to be used outdoors.

When tree branches fall and hit roofs they can sometimes puncture the roof deck and create roof leaks. But if your roof needs emergency repairs using a temporary tarp is your best bet.