You want to make sure your house is safe during extreme weather and natural disasters. Even if your roof is composed of metal, strong winds like a hurricane may cause it to collapse. Shingles, wood, and metal can be damaged by the violent winds that accompany these terrible storms.
While you must wait out the weather, you do have the option of putting up a tarp to protect your damaged roof. A waterproof tarp will avoid additional harm from hailstorms and heavy rain.
Finding the Right Tarp
It's important to choose the correct sort of tarp before you begin. More than a simple camping tarp will be required in homes. You'll need a sturdier material that can withstand strong winds and hefty rainstorms to properly cover your roof.
When it comes to safeguarding your roof, heavy-duty tarps are the most effective solution. We have a variety of sizes and types available, although our super heavyweight supertypes are made from 12-millimeter polyethylene and can stand the toughest weather conditions due to their triple-layer construction.
These long-lasting tarps are waterproof, mold-resistant, and tear-resistant. They can keep water out while also preventing mold from forming.
Because it's such an essential component of severe winds, many individuals are concerned about how their tarp will perform in the face of them. Will a tarp on a roof tear due to excessive wind? If you have a good tarp, it shouldn't. To avoid fraying and tears, our tarps have reinforced edges and corner guards.
You've decided on the material you'll need, but now comes the issue of size. Before tarping your roof, determine the size of the hole. Do you just want to cover a small area or do you also need to protect the entire home?
After carefully measuring the damaged region, order an appropriately sized tarp to wrap around it. If your substance has a high danger of melting, you'll want enough of it to completely cover the area and double back for further insulation.
How do You Tarp a Roof?
Tarring a roof may appear to be a difficult procedure, but it is quite simple and can prevent your home from additional damage. You'll need the following materials in addition to your tarp: a ladder, gloves, a utility knife, nails or screws, wood strips, and a hammer to get started.
The fourth thing you'll need is someone else to assist you with the job. The possibility of significant damage and slippery roofs make this an activity that should be done only by a professional.
It's time to get down to work now. Start by laying out your tarp to cover the damaged space and an anchor wood strip that has been linked to your roof with it. Don't forget to add two more layers of protection over the area. If possible, attach the tarp to the anchor strip using nails or screws. Make sure the collection of water or debris is not accumulating on the roof by placing a tarp and an anchor board against it.
Finally, cover the remainder of your roof with the tarp and leave at least two feet more around the damaged space. To make a tarp roof, fold the free end of the tarp over another wood board and secure it with nails or screws, making sure the tarp is tight. Finally, ensure the edges of your tarp are secured with more nails or screws.
If you're wondering how to tar a flat roof, follow the same steps as with a slanted roof. Take greater precautions to ensure the edges are properly secured, or else water may flow beneath the tarp.
How much does it cost to tarp a roof after a hurricane?
For most tarps under 50 square feet, the price of our strong polyethylene is $7.50 per square foot. For larger items, the cost will be significantly less due to bulk pricing discounts.
That means it would cost you $375 to cover an average one-bedroom flat roof with our heavy-duty 12-millimeter tarp. This is compared to the thousands of dollars required by other alternatives such as reroofing or installing a temporary roof.
Another option for covering your roof is using multiple tarps on top of each other if you do not have enough material to fully cover your entire roof in one sheet.
When having your damage repaired or covered, some storm repair may ask for money up front before beginning any work. This is because materials can be extremely expensive after a storm and they are unable to purchase the materials until you have paid them.
You might wanna know: How To Tarp A Roof Around A Chimney
Maintenance
Maintenance of these tarps also becomes an issue if you do not have enough to cover your entire roof, as rainwater will likely accumulate on the parts that are exposed. This will create even more damage by weakening your home's defense against leaks. If this happens, it is recommended that you invest in additional tarps to maintain full coverage until repairs can be made or until your insurance claims adjuster has finished their inspection.
How long can I leave a tarp on my roof?
You should plan to leave your tarp on as long as possible, as it will reduce the risk of further damage. If it is safe to be near your home and you do not have a designated shelter nearby, you can remain in your home without taking down the tarp until it is absolutely necessary.
After removing the tarp, clean and dry the roof before applying rubber gasket and flashing material that prevents water from entering into or exiting through gaps, vents, or any other penetrations in the roof. Be sure to keep these materials away from children and pets who may ingest them.
If your insurance does not approve for you to continue using this material on your roof after repairs are made, consider looking at tarps with an R-value of at least 4 for extra insulation.
These tarps are made from thick, three mils thick aluminum and have a fluted design that allows rain to be shed evenly over its entire surface without pooling. This means it is not only an effective tool for repairing your damage but also as a protective layer against future storms or hurricanes that can do further damage to your home.
Read more: How To Tarp A Roof
What are the benefits of using tarps?
Tarps are an inexpensive, temporary solution to repair your home's damage until it is financially viable for you to make repairs. As long as done properly, it creates a barrier between your roof and the elements while also creating good airflow underneath it which prevents ice dams by allowing heat in during winter months instead of trapping it under there where your roof can continue to collect moisture.
When installed correctly, these tarps last up to 28 inches in width because they do not stretch or lose shape over time like cheaper tarps available at most hardware stores.