Dealing with a sudden leak is a nightmare for any homeowner. Whether a storm blew through or a tree limb fell, you need a quick fix before your ceiling ends up on the floor. If you are wondering how to tarp a roof, you have to act fast but stay safe. It is not just about throwing plastic over a hole.
You need a real plan to keep the water out until a pro can get there. You have to inspect the damage, measure the area, clean the debris, unroll your tarp, tuck it over the peak, secure it with wood strips, screw it down and check the edges. Doing this wrong can actually cause more damage to your shingles.
Steps to Tarp Your Roof Safely
Here is the breakdown on how to keep your house dry during an emergency:
1. Find where the water is coming in
You cannot fix what you cannot see. Sometimes the hole is obvious, like a branch sticking through the plywood. Other times, you have to look for missing shingles or messed-up flashing. Start in your attic with a flashlight to find the wet spots, then match those locations on the outside.
2. Get your measurements right
Do not guess the size of the tarp you need. A tarp that is too small is basically useless. You want enough material to cover the damaged spot and extend at least three or four feet past it in every direction. Grab a tape measure and get the dimensions of the impact zone. It is always better to have too much tarp than not enough when the rain is pouring down.
3. Clear off the junk
You need a clean surface for the tarp to stick properly. Use a broom to get rid of broken shingles, leaves and sticks. If you leave a bunch of debris under the tarp, it will create gaps where wind and water can get underneath. Plus, sharp sticks can poke holes right through your new tarp. Just a quick sweep makes a huge difference in how well the seal holds.
4. Unroll the tarp carefully
Once the roof is clear, lay your tarp out over the hole. Do this on a calm day if possible, because a big tarp acts like a sail in the wind. Position it so that the excess material is even on all sides of the damage. You want to make sure there are no wrinkles or bunching. A flat tarp is a happy tarp that will not flap around and tear itself apart.
5. Overlap the roof peak
This is the secret to a leak-proof tarp job. Always run the top edge of your tarp over the ridge of the roof and down the other side. If you stop the tarp halfway up the slope, water will just run under the top edge and right into your house. Tucking it over the peak uses gravity to keep the water on top of the plastic. It is the most important part of the whole process.
6. Use wood strips for weight
Never just nail the edges of a tarp directly into the shingles. The wind will rip those nails right through the plastic in an hour. Instead, use thin wood strips, often called furring strips. Wrap the edges of the tarp around the wood a couple of times. This creates a solid “anchor” that distributes the pressure evenly across the fabric so it won’t shred.
7. Screw the boards down
Take your wrapped wood strips and screw them into the roof. Use long deck screws that can bite into the wooden decking underneath the shingles. Do not use nails because they pull out too easily when the wind kicks up. Space your screws about a foot apart along the board. This creates a tight seal that keeps the tarp from lifting up when the next storm hits.
8. Inspect the perimeter
Before you climb down, walk around the edges of your work. Make sure everything is tight and there are no “bubbles” where water could pool up. If you see a loose corner, add another screw or a small weight. You want this thing to look like a drum skin. A tight tarp can last a few months but a loose one will not last a week.
Conclusion
Learning how to tarp a roof is an essential skill for any homeowner in a pinch. If you follow the steps, inspecting damage, measuring, cleaning debris, unrolling, lapping the peak, using wood strips, screwing it down and checking edges. You can prevent a small leak from becoming a total loss. But remember, a tarp is just a bandage. You cannot leave it up there forever.
If your roof is old or the damage is severe, you might need more than a patch. At Precision Roofing, we specialize in residential roofing and roof inspection services to get your home back to normal. Whether you need a small roof restoration or a full asphalt roof installation, we are here to help.
FAQs
How long will a tarp last on a roof?
A well-installed tarp usually lasts about 90 days. Standard blue tarps break down in the sun’s UV rays, so they start to get brittle and leak after three months. If you need more time, you should look into a heavy-duty silver or black tarp.
What holds a tarp on a roof?
You should use wooden furring strips and deck screws. Sandbags can work for a few hours but they usually slide off or move in the wind. Bolting the tarp down with wood is the only way to ensure it stays put during a heavy storm.
Does tarping a roof stop leaks?
Yes, it is a temporary fix that stops active water from entering. It will not dry out what is already wet but it prevents more damage from happening. You still need a permanent repair as soon as the weather clears up.