How to Tarp a Roof (Until the Contractors Can Fix or Replace It)

Picture this: The storm is rolling through and your roof is leaking. We’re talking big, messy, squishy drops. You have to put together an emergency tarp—something you’ve never done before. The tarp has to hold until the contractors arrive...but that is going to be some time from now. Do you know how to secure a tarp to a roof properly? 

Of course, a tarp is not a long-term solution. It’s just a temporary roof leak fix—a “band-aid,” if you will—to prevent further damage until proper repairs can be done. Tarping the roof properly will help:

• Minimize structural damage (and save you money in the long term)
• Reduce mold growth that can be hazardous to your home and your health
• Keep your insulation intact so it can continue to cut heating and cooling costs

That said, the tarp will do its job only if you know how to properly tarp a roof to begin with. This means measuring the space, checking for holes, and taking steps to properly secure the tarp to your roof.

Step 1: Assess the Damage Before You Tarp a Roof 

Before you do anything, figure out how much damage your roof has sustained. If you’ve got a big hole in the roof, you know the damage is serious. Maybe you just have a small, annoying leak. If the damage is worsened by having an older roof, there are several signs to check:

• Damaged, warped, curling, or missing shingles visible on the roof or on the ground
• Sagging
• Roofing materials such as asphalt, which indicates an older roof
• Green streaks from algae or moss, vegetation that takes a while to develop on a roof
• Look for signs of leakage like stains and wet areas inside the house

Fifteen to 20 years is the usual lifespan of an older, asphalt shingle roof. Having an older roof will make your roof more susceptible to all kinds of damage, including, wind, rain, hail, mold, and insects. If you already have one hole or several in the roof, it’s time to install a secure, temporary tarp until the roofing contractor arrives. 

Step 2: Measure the Area that Needs to be Tarped

Next, you will want to get a rough idea of how large your tarp needs to be. Chances are that you do not need to tarp your entire roof, but you will need to tarp an area larger than the damaged area to ensure that rain and wind do not get underneath it and find a way into your home. As a rule of thumb, plan for your tarp to extend about three feet past the edge of the damaged area.

(Also, it should go without saying that you shouldn’t get on the roof if you don’t feel capable of securing the tarp, or if the roof is compromised.)

Step 3: Purchase and Prepare the Tarp(s)

Adequate tarps can be purchased from most home improvement stores, or camping supply stores. You might also want to buy some 2 x 4s to hold down the edges of the tarp(s).

That said, you or a neighbor might have some tarps and/or wood in storage. That works too! Just be sure to unfold the tarp and examine it for any holes or other damage. If a tarp has holes, it defeats the purpose of keeping out rain and wind!

Step 4: Installing the Tarp

After you’ve assessed the damage, measured the roof, and purchased or borrowed your tarp(s), do the following.

1. Hoist the tarp up to the roof and lay it out while carefully avoiding obstructions like a chimney, any unsound areas, or anything that might block the flow of water. 
2. Secure the highest edge of the tarp by wrapping around a 2 x 4 piece of wood once. Then use wood screws to secure the 2 x 4 to the roof.
3. Stretch out the tarp as best you can, and then repeat step #2 on each side.
4. You can also weigh the tarp down with sandbags or wooden planks to keep the tarp securely in place.
5. Ensure there are no sags, especially where there are holes in the roof. A sag in the tarp can collect water, and that water will push the tarp farther in, eventually dislodging the tarp (and possibly soaking anything underneath it!). If you find a spot where the tarp is sagging, pull on the nearby edges until it is taut and then weigh it down again.

Once installed, your tarp should be able to stay in place from a few days to almost three months. 

Staying Safe If You Have to Secure a Tarp to a Roof

Remember: There is always an element of risk involved in going onto your roof. This goes double if your roof has sustained damage. Follow the advice here ONLY if you are sure you can do so safely. If you are not sure your roof is structurally sound to support you, contact a contractor who is bonded and insured, and who has the proper experience, to help you.

Even assuming that the risk is menial, safety should be your #1 priority as you take steps to tarp a roof. Don’t take any unnecessary chances! For example:

• Don’t climb on the roof if it’s wet, or in extremely windy conditions. 
• Avoid any exposed wires, both inside and outside your home. 
• Shut down the central breaker. If you don’t know how to do this, ask a neighbor or even the fire department to come out and assist you. 
• If the house is structurally unsound, you may have to evacuate. Find a safe space, then  call a certified roofing company.

Once the Tarp is Secure, Start Your Insurance Claim

If your roof gets damaged by a storm, don’t forget to contact your insurance company to submit a home insurance claim. If multiple homes in the area have been damaged, the earlier you submit your claim, the better. If you successfully added a tarp to your own roof, pat yourself on the back! There could be delays, so don’t forget to pack your patience while waiting for the contractor to arrive. 

Honest Abe Roofing has been in business since 2007, working with customers just like you. After you’ve installed your temporary roof leak fix, Honest Abe Roofing is on the way to repair your roof and work with your insurance company. Find out how Honest Abe Roofing can restore more than your roof after a storm. They can bring back your peace of mind. Contact Honest Abe Roofing for all your roofing repair needs today.