How To Use A Tarp For A Temporary Roof Fix

Roll the tarp s edges using 2x4 s to secure the wood and nail it to the tarp using 3 inch nails.

How to use a tarp for a temporary roof fix.

It s still recommended that you hire the services of a professional roof leak repair contractor. Secure the tarp to your roof. Screw the 2 by 4 directly into the roof to secure it. In the aftermath of a hurricane tornado severe storm falling tree limbs or other cause of roof damage.

The trick is securing it in place. Temporarily screw the rolled end down to the roof with at least two or three screws. Covering the roof is the short term goal. Now let s get to the good stuff.

Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first. This is how we do a temporary repair to avoid further. Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor. But if your roof needs emergency repairs using a temporary tarp is your best bet.

For temporary coverage our favorite is the ubiquitous blue tarp. This step ensures the tarp stays taut and fully protective. Remember never walk on the tarp as it can be easy to slip. There are a variety of materials you can use.

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. Make sure you get one that is large enough to cover the entire affected area and one that is meant to be used outdoors. 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. When tree branches fall and hit roofs they can sometimes puncture the roof deck and create roof leaks.

The 2 by 4 should be about 2 feet longer than the tarp width. Then fold the excess tarp under a few rotations for a tight clean fit. 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. 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.

Danny lipford demonstrating how to secure a tarp to a storm damaged roof. These tarps are very tough and the grommet holes along the edge allow for tie downs to secure the tarp in place.