Dealing with a roof leak can be a challenging situation for any homeowner! Unexpected damage and water leaks will take their toll on your property if left unaddressed.
A temporary fix, but an effective solution to mitigate further damage before professional repair can be done, is to cover the affected area with a tarp! While it may seem rudimentary, there can be more steps to tarping your roof than you imagined; this short guide outlines the steps to properly tarp a roof leak. Read on or contact our team at RoofPRO today for more information.
Roof Leaks Can Bring Major Damage to Your Home
A leak from your roof can lead to significant damage over time, not just to the roofing structure but also to the interior of your home! Water intrusion can cause problems like mold growth, structural damage, and ruined insulation, among other costly problems.
Protect Your Roofing and Your Property with a Tarp Cover
Temporarily covering the source of the leak with a tarp is an effective and popular way to prevent additional damage until a permanent roof repair can be made by a professional. Below, we will go over the steps that homeowners can take to keep the inside of their homes dry!
Can You Tarp a Roof on Your Own?
Tarping your home’s roof on your own is possible, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. Homeowners who are comfortable with heights and have some DIY experience can undertake this task, but safety should always be the top priority!
Before attempting to tarp your roof, ensure you have a sturdy ladder, appropriate safety gear, and someone to assist or supervise. The process involves assessing the damaged area, measuring and cutting a sufficient size of the tarp, and securely fastening it to your roof, which can be a challenging task for inexperienced homeowners. It’s important to understand that improperly installed tarps can lead to further damage or fail to protect your home effectively!
NOTE: Use Extreme Caution When Working on a Roof
Securing a tarp to your roof requires careful consideration of proper safety equipment and protective measures. Working on a roof can be extremely dangerous, particularly if the roof is steep or wet. Take note of all precautions and ensure that you are comfortable and protected with a safety harness when working at any height.
If you have any doubts about your ability to safely and effectively complete the task, or if the roof damage is extensive, it’s highly recommended to contact professional roofing contractors – like RoofPRO! Our team of professionals has the expertise, equipment, and safety protocols to handle the situation without risking personal injury or further damage to your property.
With safety properly addressed, experienced homeowners can follow the steps below to properly tarp their leaking roofs.
1) Assess the Damage
Before covering the leak with a roof tarp, carefully assess the extent of the damage. This will help determine the size of the tarp needed and what the best approach will be to cover the damaged area effectively. If the damage is significant, call a professional roofer right away. Some parts of a roof are so difficult to tarp, such as a valley, that you might have to tarp two entire slopes of the house to get the whole section.
2) Measure the Area and Get an Appropriate Tarp
If you decide to proceed with tarping the leak, measure the area that needs to be covered. It’s important to choose a tarp that is large enough to cover the damaged roof area completely, with extra room on each side to secure it properly! Using small 1×2 pieces of wood can help to line the edge of the tarp, preventing wind from blowing it off.
3) Prepare and Position Your Tarp Cover Accordingly
When positioning the tarp, ensure it is laid flat and extends over the ridge of the roof, as this helps prevent water from collecting under the tarp. The tarp should be smooth and tight against the roof to ensure the best possible barrier. If you are unable to extend over the ridge, try to use caulk or roof cement along the top edge. You may also try to tuck it under the roofing material.
4) Use a Screw Gun to Secure the Tarp to the Roof
Attach the tarp to the roof deck using a screw gun or the appropriate fasteners. It’s crucial to secure the tarp adequately to prevent it from blowing away in bad weather and windy conditions! Once the tarp is fastened properly, use extreme caution to get off your home’s roofing system.
Shingles Will Take Damage, So Be Prepared to Replace Them
Keep in mind that fastening a tarp to your roof can, and will, cause damage to existing shingles. Be prepared for the possibility that some shingles may need to be replaced once the tarp is removed and the leak is fixed.
If Unsure, Contact a Professional
If you’re unsure about any step of the process or if the damage is extensive, it’s wise to contact a professional roofing contractor! They will have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely and effectively.
RoofPRO is a Trusted Roofer for Maryland Homeowners
For Maryland homeowners seeking reliable and professional roofing services, RoofPRO is proud to stand out as a trusted provider in the region. With nearly twenty years of dedicated service in the state of Maryland, RoofPRO has built a reputation for excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction!
Our team of roofers is known for their expertise in handling a wide range of roofing needs, from routine maintenance and simple repairs to storm restoration and complex new roof installations. RoofPRO is committed to using only the best materials in the industry and employing skilled contractors; we ensure that every roofing project we undertake is completed with the utmost care and precision! Check out our gallery of past projects here to learn more about our top-rated services.
Top-Rated Residential and Commercial Roofing Solutions
At RoofPRO, we understand the urgency and sensitivity of dealing with roof leaks. As a trusted roofing contractor for Marylanders, we offer trusted residential and commercial roofing solutions! Read about our full suite of services here.
Roof Repair, Storm Restoration, and Replacement Services
Whether it’s emergency repairs and tarping service, storm damage restoration, or a full roof replacement, RoofPRO can provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs and property!
Contact Us for a Free Inspection and Estimate
Don’t let a leaky roof cause more damage than it should – contact RoofPRO today for a free inspection and estimate. Our experienced professionals are ready to provide prompt, reliable service to protect your home and restore your peace of mind for years to come!