Roof Tarps

Hurricane season starts in May and lasts until September. But, while this time of year is a prime season for tarps, roof damage can occur at any point. Tornados and wind storms, for example, will case roof and window damage and, as a homeowner, you should be prepared with a few roof tarps.

Roof tarps, also referred to as hurricane or blue tarps, are made from medium-duty polyethylene, which is treated to be waterproof, UV resistant, and mold, mildew, and rot resistant. When this material is applied to a damaged area of a roof, it keeps water from seeping in and causing more damage and also prevents the spread of mold and mildew. Roof tarps should be applied anywhere damage has occurred.

A few methods exist for applying roof tarps. In any case, the tarp must be attached to the roof – and not simply thrown on top of the house. The most effective method is holding one in place by two-by-four boards. A board is rolled up in one side of the tarp and, if your home has a peaked roof, hammered to one side of the peak. Then, the tarp is pulled over the peak and down over the damaged area. Another two-by-four board is rolled up in the opposite side of the material and hammed down to the other side of the damage. The two remaining sides, additionally, are held down by two-by-four boards.

Nevertheless, tarps for a roof are only a temporary fix. One tarp is expected to only last 90 days and, by that time, the damage should have been assessed by a contractor and repaired. Contractors, however, may take time to fix the damage, especially if a large area has been hit by the storm, and one should be contacted as soon as you secure a tarp to your roof.

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