What it is for
When a roof is open, every rain adds to the damage, with soaked insulation, stained ceilings and swelling wood. In a roof emergency, the tarp is often the first step. It goes on fast and covers a large area.
A tarp is also useful when the roof is not holed but stripped. Shingles blown off by the wind or a torn membrane leave an underlayment exposed that does not stand up to rain for long.
How we put it on
Putting on a tarp is not a do-it-yourself job. Here is how we go about it. A tarp that is simply spread out does not hold. Wind gets under it, inflates it and carries it off. Installing one takes a method.
On a sloped roof, the sheet must extend well past the damaged area. Ideally it goes over the ridge, so water running down the slope does not slip underneath. The edges are rolled around wood strips, and the strips are fastened to the roof. Fasteners are placed to limit new holes in the sound roofing.
On a flat roof, piercing the membrane is avoided. The tarp is held down by spread-out weights instead, and laid out so it does not block the water's path to the drain. A tarp that forms a pool creates a new problem.
Why you should not go up yourself
- The surface. A wet roof is slippery, and a wet tarp is even more so. People fall walking on it.
- The structure. After a tree falls or after a long leak, the decking can give way under your weight.
- The equipment. Roofers work tied off, with a harness and anchors. A ladder leaning on the gutter is not safety equipment.
How long it holds
Ask us how long the tarp can hold. It depends on the quality of the sheet, the strength of the fasteners and above all the wind.
Take a look from the ground after every windstorm. If a corner is flapping or the sheet has slipped, let us know before the next rain.
What to ask
Before the work, ask us how the installation will be billed and whether removing the tarp is included. Also ask for the damaged area to be photographed before it is covered. Once the tarp is in place, nobody sees the damage anymore, neither you nor your insurer's adjuster.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tarp damage the roof?
The fasteners leave a few holes on a sloped roof. As much as possible, they go in an area that will be redone and are sealed when removed. Ask us where they will go. It is an acceptable trade-off compared to a roof open to the rain.
Does insurance pay for an emergency roof tarp?
Payment for a tarp installation depends on your insurance policy. Notify your insurer as soon as possible, ask what emergency measures to take and keep the invoice and the photos.
Is a tarp enough if the rain stops coming in?
No, a tarp is not enough. It hides the damage without repairing it. The wet wood and insulation underneath must dry, and the roofing must be redone. Set a date for the work while the tarp is still in good shape.