As the 2010 hurricane season approaches it is important to start preparing the necessary supplies that will help you weather the storms. Aside from the extra food, water and medical supplies that are needed, a solid waterproof tarp should be included in every household survival kit. Tarps can be used for a number of different applications but are the ideal choice for emergency roof repairs after a storm. However, there are some important aspects to installing a roof tarp that should be considered. Installing a roof tarp can be dangerous and should never be attempted if your safety is in question or if there is a professional available to do the job.
Identifying the damaged areas after a storm is your first objective. You want to look for indicators that damage has occurred by doing a quick walk through of the interior and exterior of the house. You want to look for disturbed shingles, dipping or indentations to the roof, broken roof tiles, missing sheet metal panels and last but not least water damage to the inside of the house caused by leaking. Once the damaged areas have been assessed you may begin the application process. In addition to a tarp cover, you will also need a ladder, some 2 x 4 wooden studs and 3-1/4” screws or nails.
Start by laying out the tarp cover over the desired space. Multiple roof tarps may be required to completely cover an area. If two or more pieces are need then it is best to simply adjoin the two pieces by overlapping them. To overlap the tarp, use a long single piece of wood that is longer than the width of the tarp. Place the wood strip on the edge of the tarp cover that is overlapping the bottom one. Begin folding the wood strip back on itself for three full rotations. This will create enough of a seal to keep the two covers watertight. Next, Cut the 2 x 4 strips into 2 to 3 foot sections along the perimeter of the roof just at the edge of the tarp cover. Try to space the strips of wood about 1 foot apart from one another. Spacing the 2 x 4 strips apart from one another will allow water and debris to safely run off the rooftop without disturbing the cover. Finally, use the screws to secure each 2 x 4 wooden strip of wood to the rooftop.
Installing a roof tarp should only be done in emergency situations when a professional is unavailable. The tarp covers should never be installed in dangerous conditions or while the storm is active. If you have any doubts about the safety of the situation then stop working immediately and wait for a roofing contractor to finish the job.
Identifying the damaged areas after a storm is your first objective. You want to look for indicators that damage has occurred by doing a quick walk through of the interior and exterior of the house. You want to look for disturbed shingles, dipping or indentations to the roof, broken roof tiles, missing sheet metal panels and last but not least water damage to the inside of the house caused by leaking. Once the damaged areas have been assessed you may begin the application process. In addition to a tarp cover, you will also need a ladder, some 2 x 4 wooden studs and 3-1/4” screws or nails.
Start by laying out the tarp cover over the desired space. Multiple roof tarps may be required to completely cover an area. If two or more pieces are need then it is best to simply adjoin the two pieces by overlapping them. To overlap the tarp, use a long single piece of wood that is longer than the width of the tarp. Place the wood strip on the edge of the tarp cover that is overlapping the bottom one. Begin folding the wood strip back on itself for three full rotations. This will create enough of a seal to keep the two covers watertight. Next, Cut the 2 x 4 strips into 2 to 3 foot sections along the perimeter of the roof just at the edge of the tarp cover. Try to space the strips of wood about 1 foot apart from one another. Spacing the 2 x 4 strips apart from one another will allow water and debris to safely run off the rooftop without disturbing the cover. Finally, use the screws to secure each 2 x 4 wooden strip of wood to the rooftop.
Installing a roof tarp should only be done in emergency situations when a professional is unavailable. The tarp covers should never be installed in dangerous conditions or while the storm is active. If you have any doubts about the safety of the situation then stop working immediately and wait for a roofing contractor to finish the job.
Hello
ReplyDeleteI have plan to reinstall, You tips really useful for me.
Thanks