The short answer
Assess the Immediate Dangers First
Before you consider climbing up, check for immediate hazards. Look for downed power lines near your home, and stay far away from them. Inspect the roof from the ground with binoculars for major structural issues, like sagging or large holes. If the damage looks extensive, entering your home may not even be safe until a professional can assess it.
Your personal safety is the most important factor. Wet roofing materials are incredibly slippery, and storm damage often creates unstable surfaces. A steep pitch or a multi-story home greatly increases the risk of a severe fall. If you are not experienced with roof work and proper fall protection, the danger is simply too high to proceed on your own.
Gathering the Right Materials and Tools
Doing the job correctly requires specific supplies. You need a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp that is significantly larger than the damaged area. Using 2x4 wooden boards, not just nails or sandbags, is essential to properly secure the tarp's edges. You also need a sturdy extension ladder, work gloves, and a hammer, all in good condition.
The process involves carefully unfolding the tarp on the roof, covering the hole or damaged section, and extending the cover well over the roof's ridge. The wooden boards are then nailed through the tarp's grommets into the roof's solid sheathing. This method helps prevent wind from getting underneath and tearing the temporary cover off before permanent repairs are made.
- A heavy-duty polyethylene or canvas tarp, at least 6 mil thick.
- Straight, untreated 2x4 lumber boards, cut to appropriate lengths.
- Galvanized roofing nails, at least 1.5 inches long.
- A sturdy extension ladder that extends 3 feet above the roof edge.
- A claw hammer, work gloves, and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
- A utility knife or heavy scissors for trimming the tarp if needed.
The Professional Tarping Alternative
Local water damage pros who handle emergency roof tarping have the training and equipment for this hazardous work. They use commercial-grade tarps and secure them using techniques designed to withstand wind and rain. Their main goal is to create a watertight seal that protects the interior of your home from further damage until a roofer can do permanent repairs.
Hiring a professional service removes the physical risk from you. It also ensures the temporary fix is done correctly, which can be critical for your insurance claim process. An improperly installed tarp can fail, leading to more water intrusion and potentially more costly damage to ceilings, walls, and belongings inside your home.
What to Do Inside While You Wait
While you arrange for roof tarping, take steps inside to minimize damage. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from any visible leaks or wet spots on the ceiling. Place buckets or plastic bins under active drips to catch water. If a ceiling is sagging heavily with water, do not puncture it; the weight could cause a sudden collapse.
Remove any soaked rugs or carpets from the area to help air circulate. Wipe up standing water on floors to prevent slipping and further seepage. In humid conditions, trapped moisture can lead to mold growth quickly, so promoting drying is important once the leak is stopped.
Next Steps After the Roof Is Secured
Once the roof is temporarily sealed, you need a plan for permanent repair and water damage cleanup. Contact a roofer to assess the damage. At the same time, you may need water damage restoration services from the pros to dry out wet building materials and prevent mold, especially if water entered wall cavities or insulation.
Document everything for your insurance company. Take clear photos and videos of the storm damage, both outside and inside, before and after temporary tarping. Keep receipts for any materials you purchased or services you hire. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A thorough claim file supports your case for coverage of both the emergency tarping and the subsequent repairs.
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Call Now (347) 983-9353Frequently asked questions
How long can a tarp stay on my roof?
A properly installed tarp is a temporary solution, meant to last for several weeks until permanent repairs are made. It is not a substitute for a new roof. Schedule roof repairs as soon as possible, as sun, wind, and weather will degrade the tarp over time.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover roof tarping?
Many policies cover the cost of emergency measures, like tarping, to prevent further damage after a covered peril like a storm. You should contact your insurance adjuster to report the damage and ask about coverage for emergency services. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
What if water is still leaking after I put up a tarp?
This usually means the tarp is not sealed correctly, or water is entering from a different location you haven't covered. Do not go back on the roof if it's still leaking. The safest action is to contact a professional service to reassess and improve the temporary covering to stop the water flow.
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