A sudden roof leak may be frightening; however, a properly-installed tarp will save you time and avoid major damage to your interior. How do you tarp a Leaking Roof? This brief, simple guide will provide clear instructions as well as safety tips and the next steps to take to protect your home till a repair by a specialist can be scheduled.
Before You Start: Safety First
Tarping a roof is a work that is carried out at a high altitude, and is normally under rainy weather. When your roof is steep or icy, when it is damaged, or when you feel awkward with the ladder, contact a professional immediately. It is not worth losing your life over a short-term solution.
What You’ll Need
- Heavy-duty polyethylene Tarp for heavy-duty polyethylene.
- 2×4 lumber or battens for holding the edges of the tarp in place.
- Screws for decks and a hammer or drill.
- The roofing cement or the roofing tape.
- Rope, sandbags, or weights to anchor the rope.
- Safety goggles and gloves.
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Step-by-step: How to Tarp a Leaking Roof
- Locate the leak:
Inside, find the spot that is the most wet in the ceiling. Outside, the water leak typically occurs upslope from this spot. If you don’t know the source, you can’t tarp the entire affected section of the roof. - Measure and position the tarp:
The tarp should extend at least 3–4 feet beyond the damaged area in every direction. Position the tarp so the top edge is up under the ridge or under undamaged shingles if possible. - Secure the top edge under shingles or at the ridge:
Slide the top edge of the tarp under the ridge cap or shingles to keep water from running under it. If that’s not possible, wrap the top over the ridge and anchor with a 2×4. - Lay the tarp over the roof:
Smooth it down so there are no pockets that collect water. - Anchor the tarp with 2x4s:
Lay 2x4s over the tarp at the top and bottom and fasten them with deck screws into the decking. This is a temporary measure; the screws will need repair later. Use rope or sandbags at the eaves for extra hold. - Check inside:
Place buckets under drips and move furniture or valuables away from the area.
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Quick inside fixes while you wait
In the case of small, isolated leaks, you can apply roofing tape or roof cement to the area from the ladder as a stopgap. Always follow product instructions and remember these are temporary.
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When to call ONLY Roofing
A tarp is an emergency fix, not a solution. If you need a safe tarping crew, a professional inspection, or permanent repair, contact ONLY Roofing for fast, reliable service and written estimates. We’ll handle the emergency and restore your roof correctly.
Final Thoughts
How Do You Tarp a Leaking Roof? Roof tarping is a great way to keep your home dry, but it should not defer a permanent repair. Ensure that any destruction or damage is documented to be covered by insurers, and the best thing is to call a professional immediately thereafter!
