Useful Tips When Installing A Roof Tarp.

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.

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Using A Tarp For Home Improvement and Construction Projects

Home improvement projects range in size as well as the type of task that needs to be accomplished. In most cases, any home improvement project will require some type of construction whether it is demolition, repair or enhancement. Choosing the proper tools for the job is the first step in any home remodeling or construction venture. Tarp covers are not only a common element in construction projects but have been a proven necessity for protecting valuable materials such as roofs, supplies and lumber. In addition, poly tarpaulin covers are beneficial for protecting open concrete slabs as well as, protecting dirt slopes from erosion caused by rain. Plastic Visqueen is often used for these types of projects but is made of a thin 4 Mil material, which can tear during use not only causing aggravation but also monetary loss from the destruction of materials and property. Home improvement and construction projects can be expensive and purchasing materials that can be used for not only multiple purposes but also over multiple uses is greatly beneficial and cost effective. Tarps are a very versatile product that can be used over a long period of time and then stored away until the next project. There are a wide variety of tarpaulin covers available for both residential and commercial use, which can be purchased at your local hardware store or online from a specialty tarp supplier.

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Using A Roof Tarp In Emergency Situations.

Following any major storm the next crucial step is damage assessment. As part of the assessment process it is important to note the areas most critically affected by the storm and make temporary repairs to stabilize your home until a professional contractor is available. One of the most common types of damage after major storms is roof damage. Using a tarp to cover the damaged areas is crucial until more permanent repairs can be made. Immediate action in emergency situations can prevent further deterioration to the exposed areas of a roof and can greatly reduce future repair costs. However, tarping a roof should only be done if there is an immediate threat of further damage and a professional is not available to complete the task. When making tarp repairs to a roof it is always best to use the buddy system and have a friend or neighbor assist you with the project. Avoid standing on steeply pitched rooftops and never stand directly on the tarp when applying it to the roof, especially if it is wet.

Identifying the damaged areas caused by hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural elements can be difficult at first sight but there are some key indicators that damage has occurred. Some of those key indicators include but are not limited to disturbed shingles caused by high winds, dipping or indentations to the roof, broken roof tiles, missing sheet metal panels and of course water damage to the inside of the house due to leaking or dripping. Water will travel the path of least resistance so the area the leak appears to be in may not actually be the origin. If possible, try to track the water leak to its origin. In order to accomplish this you may have to crawl in the attic or even cut a square out of the ceiling drywall to find the source.

Once all damaged areas have been assessed, the tarp process can be initiated. There are a couple of different options available for roof covers but a polyethylene tarp is the preferred fabric due to its tear resistant qualities. It is safer and more manageable to use several smaller covers than one large cover. In addition to a tarp cover, some other items are essential for the process and include a ladder, a pair of heavy-duty gloves, a hammer, safety glasses, a cutting instrument, several 2 x 4 wooden studs and 3-1/4” screws or framing nails. Start by laying out the tarpaulin over the damaged area. If you need to use multiple tarps to completely cover an area then connect the two pieces by overlapping them. Use a 2 x 4 strip of wood that is longer than the width of the tarp and place it on top of the tarps edge that is overlapping the bottom cover. Fold the wood strip back on itself with both the bottom and top tarp at the same time. Complete three full rotations before securing the 2 x 4 strip to the roof with nails or screws. The folding of the tarps with the wood strip will create a seal and prevent water from seeping through the two separate covers. Place an additional strip of wood, of equal length, on top of the first and secure it with nails or screws. The sandwich effect will further reduce water seepage as well as, strengthen the hold on the roof. The final step in the process will require placing 2 x 4 strips of wood cut into 3 or 4-foot sections along the perimeter of the tarp cover. Try to space the strips of wood about 1 foot apart from one another. The space between strips will allow the movement of water, dirt and debris and prevent it from collecting on top of the tarp and damaged area.

Safety is of the utmost importance and using a tarp cover, as a temporary solution should only be done in an emergency situation. Never attempt to repair a roof during a storm and always stop working if the weather starts to worsen. Roof repairs are best left to the professionals, so if there is any professional assistance available please use it. Furthermore, always remember to use the buddy system when on a roof or using ladders. Roofs can be extremely dangerous and under no circumstances should these steps be attempted in foul weather or unsafe conditions. These instructions are just a suggestion and the author holds no liability or responsibility for accidents that may occur during the repair nor holds any responsibility for faulty repairs. Furthermore, it is recommended that you consult with a professional if there is any doubt whatsoever about safety or procedure.

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