KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Learn how to properly install a temporary roof tarp to quickly protect your home from water damage after a storm or during roof repairs.

Install a Temporary Roof Tarp

<ul>
<li>Identify the areas on your roof that have been damaged by storms, leaks, or other issues.</li>
<li>Look for missing shingles, cracks, holes, or any other signs of damage that may require a temporary roof tarp.</li>
</ul>
This will help you determine the extent of the damage and where you need to place the tarp to protect your home from further water infiltration.

Assess the damage

Collect all the necessary tools and materials for installing a temporary roof tarp such as:
<ul>
<li>Tarp or underlayment</li>
<li>Nails</li>
<li>Hammer</li>
<li>Ladder</li>
<li>Safety harness</li>
<li>Gloves</li>
<li>Firring Strips</li>
<li>Sandbags</li>
<li>Trowel or putty Knive</li>
</ul>
Make sure you have everything you need before you start the process to avoid any interruptions or delays. Safety should be your top priority, so ensure that your tools are in good condition and that you are wearing appropriate protective gear.

Gather your tools and material

<ul>
<li>Place the ladder on a flat and stable surface, ensuring that it is positioned at a safe angle for climbing.</li>
<li>Make sure the ladder is tall enough to reach the damaged area of the roof where you will be installing the tarp.</li>
<li>Have someone hold the ladder for extra stability and safety while you climb up to the roof.</li>
</ul>

Secure the ladder

To cover large holes in the roof with plywood:
<ol>
<li>Measure the dimensions of the hole to ensure the plywood will fully cover it.</li>
<li>Cut a piece of plywood to fit over the hole, making sure it has at least a 6-inch overlap on all sides.</li>
<li>Position the plywood over the hole, ensuring it is centered and level.</li>
<li>Secure the plywood in place by using roofing nails or screws around the perimeter, making sure to drive them into the roof rafters for maximum stability.</li>
<li>Inspect the plywood to ensure it is securely fastened and there are no gaps or loose edges that could allow water infiltration.</li>
</ol>

Cover large holes in the roof with plywood

<ol>
<li>Carefully unfold the tarp on the damaged section of the roof, ensuring that it covers the area completely and extends beyond the damaged area for proper protection.</li>
<li>Cover the peak of the roof by 4 feet</li>
<li>If the area is small and far away from the peak, you can use a trowl to break the seal on the row of shingle 2 rows above the damage, and tuck the tarp under those shingles.</li>
<li>Use bricks, rocks, or other heavy objects to hold down the edges of the tarp and prevent it from blowing away in the wind.</li>
<li>Make sure the tarp is smooth and taut to prevent water from pooling on top of it.</li>
</ol>

Position the tarp

<ol>
<li>Spread out the tarp evenly over the damaged area of the roof, ensuring that it overlaps the edges sufficiently to provide adequate coverage.</li>
<li>Position the tarp so that it slopes away from the center to allow water to drain off.</li>
<li>Place sandbags along the edges and corners of the tarp to secure it in place and prevent it from being lifted by strong winds.
<ul>
<li>Make sure the sandbags are evenly distributed and tightly packed to create a strong anchor for the tarp.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Check the entire perimeter of the tarp to verify that it is securely fastened and there are no gaps where water could seep through.</li>
<li>Additionally, inspect the sandbags periodically to ensure they remain in place and adjust them as needed to maintain the tarp's stability and effectiveness in protecting the roof.</li>
</ol>

Installing a temp roof using sandbags

To install a temporary roof tarp using furring strips:
<ol>
<li>Start by ensuring the furring strips are cut to the appropriate length to span the damaged area on the roof.</li>
<li>Place the first furring strip along the edge of the roof, ensuring it is securely positioned.</li>
<li>Use roofing screws to attach the furring strip to the roof, making sure it is firmly anchored.</li>
<li>Continue by placing additional furring strips parallel to the first one, spaced appropriately to provide adequate support for the tarp.</li>
<li>Secure each furring strip in place with roofing screws, ensuring they are level and stable.</li>
<li>Once all the furring strips are in position, carefully unfold the tarp and drape it over the furring strips.</li>
<li>Adjust the tarp to cover the damaged area completely, making sure it extends over the edges of the roof for proper protection.</li>
<li>Secure the tarp to the furring strips using additional roofing screws or nails, ensuring it is taut and securely attached.</li>
<li>Inspect the tarp and furring strips to ensure they are properly installed and will provide effective temporary protection against water infiltration.</li>
<li>Finally, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire installation to confirm the tarp is securely in place and will effectively shield the damaged area from the elements. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the tarp is properly positioned and tightly secured for optimal protection.</li>
</ol>

Installing a temp roof using furring strips

<ol>
<li>After securing the tarp, visually inspect the entire installation to ensure that it is properly positioned and secured.</li>
<li>Look for any tears, holes, or loose areas that may compromise the effectiveness of the tarp in protecting your roof.</li>
<li>Make any necessary adjustments or reinforcements to ensure that the tarp is providing adequate temporary protection until permanent repairs can be made.</li>
</ol>

Inspect the tarp

<ul>
<li>Wear appropriate safety gear, to protect yourself from potential hazards, such as:
<ul>
<li>gloves</li>
<li>goggles</li>
<li>hard hat</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Make sure the ladder is stable and securely positioned before climbing.</li>
<li>Avoid working on a wet or slippery roof surface to prevent accidents.</li>
<li>Be cautious of overhead power lines and ensure they are not in the way of your work.</li>
<li>Additionally, be mindful of the weather conditions and avoid working during high winds or thunderstorms.</li>
<li>Always have someone with you.</li>
<li>Have someone holding the ladder at the bottom while the other is climbing up.</li>
</ul>