Your roof can suffer severe damage as a result of a major storm. Whether or not it is immediately apparent, major roof damage is followed by water infiltration and mold growth, with the consequent risk of damage to the internal structure of the property. To prevent such damage to your property, you will need to have the roof repaired as soon as possible.
A tarp, a sizable sheet of plastic or rubberized fabric that temporarily seals out water, is often the first step in an emergency to temporarily repair the damage, although this is not as easy as it sounds.
Not for amateurs
Your roof is no place for amateurs, even under ideal circumstances. The risk of injury increases significantly after a storm. Let’s be clear before we talk about tarps: don’t get on your roof!
Tarps are an expedient measure immediately following storm damage. A single large tarp can be placed over any type of roof, but is especially useful over shingle roofs, as it will go up and over the ridge of the roof and help evacuate water.
Most residential roofers who respond to emergency roofing calls are prepared and experienced with these tarps. The damaged roof is protected by a single waterproof sheet that covers the entire roof in one seamless piece. This allows no further damage to occur while the necessary repairs are being made.
A Proper Installation
Following a storm, two tarp installation styles are typical:
A temporary tarp is merely anchored to your roof along the bottom and side borders and is thrown over the roof of your home as the last raindrops fall. Without nail holes through the surface or ridge, water doesn’t get inside your house. Wind uplift can be avoided by using weighted sandbags or furring strips.
Long-term: in certain cases, it may be necessary to install a tarp for a longer period, until insurance company issues, scheduling problems, or contract limitations are resolved. In these cases, it will be necessary to use a heavier tarp and attach it to the structure in a safer manner, to replace the roof.
If I Need Long-Term Roof Tarping, When Should I Do It?
If your emergency roof repair is anticipated to take three months, high-quality, thick tarps with UV protection are an expensive investment. You can save money by purchasing a high-quality tarp that will last longer.
Long-term tarping gives you breathing room, but keep in mind that a tarp on the roof won’t make your house entirely watertight, insulated, or pleasant. While your roofing contractor performs the required replacement or long-term repairs, they support and safeguard your home.
How Is an Emergency Roof Tarp Constructed?
While you and your contractor decide on a long-term solution, you can protect your roof temporarily with an emergency roof tarp. Roof tarping can shield your house from bad weather for up to 90 days when placed correctly. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on tarping
your roof.
1. Assess the damage first
Start evaluating the damage as soon as the storm has passed. A roof inspection can help determine whether urgent roof repairs are required. Use the proper protective gear, such as boots, gloves, and goggles, and examine the surface for signs of damaged shingles and search for any other parts that may be damaged. Remove any leaves, branches, and other debris from the surface.
2. Assess the Space
To ascertain the area that has to be covered, use a measuring device. Choose a heavy-duty tarp in the correct size after noting the specifications. The best tarps are thick, UV-inhibited outdoor-use tarps since they can endure longer and withstand the environment better.
3. Set up and fix the tarp
To ensure enough protection and keep it from slipping, your tarp should be correctly set up and fastened. Stretch it out as much as you can, ideally at least 3 feet on all sides, then place it over the damaged area. Sandbags can be used to temporarily secure the tarp. Nail the tarp to anchor boards that can be temporarily bolted into your roof for a more long-lasting solution.
Roof tarping is a stopgap measure, not a substitute for urgent roof repairs. To prevent damage from getting worse, make sure to have your roof inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
Does a Tarp Work for a Leaky Roof?
Your roof may start to leak after a storm, making evident the immediate need for roofing services. You can choose to cover the damaged area of your roof with a tarp to reduce water damage until emergency roof repairs can be made. Tarps shield your property from additional water damage and bad weather when fitted and secured properly.
Taking this extra step is essential when making claims under your homeowner’s insurance policy when dealing with water damage. Your provider can decline to pay for damages if you don’t take proactive steps to reduce storm damage.
How long may a tarp be left on a roof?
Tarps are constructed from polymeric materials that are air, water, and ice-resistant. On the roof, tarps normally last up to 90 days, but those made of more durable fabrics can endure for up to two years. Nevertheless, they can cause additional problems if you retain them for more than three months, thus roofing contractors advise against doing so.
What Are the Prices for Emergency Roof Tarps?
Costs vary based on several variables, such as the following:
- Quality and Size of Tarps
- Location and accessibility of the property
- Roof slope and pitch
- The degree of damage to the roof
- Additional materials (nails and “2×4″s) that need to be used
After providing thorough estimates, we can roughly estimate how much the entire service will cost.
For Roof Repairs, Contact AllRoofs Inc.
Get in touch with our roofers if bad weather has damaged your roof. We have a staff of professional roofing contractors with huge expertise and knowledge. Our Roof Repair Specialists can take care of any roof repair or roof replacement, either residential or commercial, cover your house with tarps, and locate long-term solutions for your roofing issues. Contact AllRoofs Inc. today and learn more about the roofing services we provide.
