Wind, Rain, Sun: Here’s How to Tarp a Roof to Protect it from The Elements

Having a roof over your head is necessary, but is your roof in good condition? If your roof is aging, damaged, or just plain worn out, covering it up is critical to prolong its life and prevent any further damage. That’s where tarping your roof comes in.

Tarping covers your roof with heavy-duty, waterproof tarps to protect it from wind, rain, snow, and the sun’s damaging UV rays. In this post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to tarping your roof and discuss the different types of tarps available. After all, your roof deserves the best protection possible.

Purpose

Tarping a roof serves two primary purposes: (1) tarping prevents further damage to the top by shielding it from harsh weather conditions such as wind and rain, and (2) tarping a roof also helps insulate your home for more efficient energy consumption.

Cost

The cost of tarping a roof often depends on the size and type of materials used. But, generally speaking, most homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500 for tarping their roofs.

Preparing the roof for tarping

Before tarping your roof, you must prepare it by cleaning and measuring it.

Cleaning

Start by cleaning the area on the roof where you plan to place the tarp. Next, remove any debris or foreign objects that may obstruct while laying down the tarp. When finished, make sure the surface is dehydrated before moving on to measuring.

Measuring

Next, measure the area you plan to cover with the tarp so you know exactly how much material is needed. Ensure you get accurate measurements so that when you purchase or cut your pieces of the tarp, they fit perfectly over your roof.

Installing the tarp

When your roof is complete, you can start installing the tarp. Again, several steps are here, so we’ll review them individually.

Tarps

First and foremost, choose a heavy-duty tarp that is suitable for outdoor use. Heavy-duty tarps can withstand harsh weather conditions better than other tarps, making them perfect for protecting roofs from wind, rain, and sun exposure. When shopping for a tarp, consider size and material before purchasing.

Fasteners

You will also need fasteners such as nails or staples to attach the tarp securely to your roof. Make sure they are rust-resistant and robust enough to withstand inclement weather conditions but not too long, as they could puncture through the tarp fabric and damage your roof. Be sure to securely hammer or staple each fastener, so no gaps remain between them and the tarp fabric.

Safety

When installing your tarp, always wear protective gear and set up safety ropes or lines on your roof in case of accidents or slips. Additionally, it’s best practice to have someone else there with you while working on your top in case of an emergency or mishap.

After tarping the roof

Once you have successfully installed your tarp, you must take several more steps before it is complete.

Inspections

As time goes by and extreme weather affects your new tarp installation, regular inspections are necessary to ensure its effectiveness at protecting your roof from damage due to weather conditions such as wind and rain. Check for wear or tear on either side and ensure every fastener is secure throughout all seasons.

Maintenance

Suppose areas become damaged or weak due to wear and tear over time. In that case, you should immediately replace them with new tarps or fasteners to ensure consistent protection against inclement weather conditions. It includes replacing torn tarps or fixing broken pins at least once yearly (or more frequently, depending on the climate).

Re-tarping

Depending on where you live, re-tarping may be necessary every few years to keep up with extreme weather conditions, such as hail storms or hurricanes, that could affect your home negatively if left unprotected. Replacing old tarps with newer ones can help keep your home safe from further damage caused by inclement weather over time.

Conclusion

Tarping your roof is a great way to protect it from the elements and stay in good shape for years. Not only does it help reduce the damage that wind, rain, and sun can cause. It can also help insulate your home for improved energy efficiency. Following the aforementioned steps, you can ensure your roof is ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws. So don’t wait to start the process of tarping your roof and get the protection it deserves!