Emergency Roof Protection

Anybody who lives where hurricanes or tornados are a regular threat needs to know a little about emergency repairs. But that same know-how can be helpful in other parts of the country, too. It doesn't take much for a heavy tree limb to snap and take out part of a roof, for instance.

Basically, what you want to do is cover the damage with a woven plastic tarp that is held in place with 1x3 wood strips. Here's how I do it. First I roll one end at least twice around a long 1x3, then screw it to the undamaged side of the roof. The 1x3 "roll"should be against the roof so it won't collect water and debris. The rest of the tarp goes over the ridge and down the other side of the roof several feet beyond the damage. Then I roll the opposite end of the tarp around another 1x3 and screw it to the roof sheathing, roll side down. Now it's just a matter of using more 1x3s and screws to hold down the tarp's sides. They don't have to be rolled in the tarp. A "blue roof"isn't pretty, I'll admit, but it will keep the weather out until someone can repair the damage.

Having said that, this type of emergency repair is best left to someone who has the equipment and skill to do it safely. Roofs are treacherous, particularly when wet, and tarps are slippery even when dry. You don't want to be wrestling with one in high winds, either. Better to submit a claim for property insurance than to have your family submit a claim for life insurance.

Scource: This Old House

More information of how to tarp a roof for emergency situations, such as Hurricanes, can be found on our website at the following link

canopiesandtarps.com/learn-how-to-tarp-a-roof

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Relief Tarps

Tarps play a significant role in the recovery efforts after major natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, oil spoils, earthquakes and tropical storms. Used for many different applications, tarps provide both temporary shelter and refuge from heat and foul weather as the recovery efforts take place. In addition, tarp covers can also be used to prevent further damage to buildings and houses when used on rooftops. The temporary coverage provided by the tarpaulin is essential in the recovery process for both the victims and emergency personnel. The tarpaulin is made using woven polyethylene and is then laminated for a finished product that is both durable and waterproof. It is the natural characteristics of polyethylene, which makes the poly tarp so effective in these situations. Polyethylene is not only naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot but is also designed to be both waterproof and UV resistant. The use of the relief tarp can be categorized into four main categories and include temporary roof coverage, ground cover, triage and shelter.


During Hurricane Katrina the tarp was used and widely distributed by FEMA during Operation Blue Roof. Both volunteer and contracted workers installed thousands of tarps to rooftops where damage was evident. The tarp was both a cost effective and dependable solution for temporary coverage and prevented structures from further damage until permanent repairs could take place. The simple act of using a waterproof cover in these relief situations allowed residents to remain in their homes while the recovery efforts continued. The roof tarp is easily installed using strips of 2 x 4 wooden studs and nails.


The tarp can be used as a ground cover for victims as emergency workers provide medical attention as well as an area where essential supplies can be stored. As a ground cover, tarps act as a waterproof membrane and allow vital operations to continue without the disruption of moisture. In addition, the tarp can be used on hillsides and slopes as a way to control erosion after heavy rains. Using a tarpaulin as a ground cover for tents is an ideal way not only prevent moisture from entering the living space but also acts as a protective barrier from hard debris such as rocks and sticks.


In triage situations it is vital to operations that all victims be separated based on the severity of injury. Colored tarps such as Red, Yellow and Green allow emergency personnel to properly and efficiently separate those based on need. Generally, the green tarps are used for the walking wounded or those with non-life threatening injuries. The yellow tarps are used for those with moderate injuries and the red tarps for those that need immediate assistance. The ability to use colored tarps that are both weather resistant and portable is a huge advantage for first responders.


The tarpaulin can be used by itself or in conjunction with a framed structure to provide shelter in the form of a canopy tent. When used with a structure, the tarp provides an instant shelter where rescue operations can take place as well as, a place for those without homes to find refuge. Both the framed structure and the tarp can be made with lightweight materials for easy transport and quick assembly.


The tarpaulin is a vital tool in relief and recovery efforts both before during and after a natural disaster occurs. Whether the tarp is being used for temporary roof repair, as ground cover, triage or as an instant shelter, the benefits are both advantageous and invaluable. Poly tarps are manufactured and available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The strong yet lightweight material makes the tarp cover a key element in any disaster situation.

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Poly Tarp Covers

As Hurricane Earl lashes the Caribbean as a category 3 storm, the U.S. braces for what could be the first major hurricane to make landfall this year. Hurricanes can cause severe damage to property including rooftops. During these seasonal storms, a poly tarp can provide protection both before and after the storm.

Tarps are simply sheets of laminated polyethylene that are retrofitted with grommets every 18 inches. The waterproof material of the poly tarp is also naturally resistant to mold, rot and mildew. These factors along with the lightweight nature of the poly tarp makes them ideal in emergency situations. Durable and tear resistant, the tarp cover is an asset in storm situations as well as in every day applications.


Using a tarp to cover damaged rooftops after a storm such as a Hurricane, can greatly reduce collateral damage to both the interior and exterior of a structure. The tarps can be easily attached to any roof through the use of 2 x 4 studs and nails. The placing of the tarp covers along vulnerable locations will reduce water from entering a structure and will limit the need for evacuation do to unlivable conditions. Sold in a variety of colors and sizes, tarps have proven to be a great asset during Hurricane situations in the past and should be a main component in storm preparation for the future.

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Preparing For The 2010 Hurricane Season

This year’s hurricane season is predicted to be the most active since the record breaking 2005 season. Every agency from Weather Services International to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting that six to nine major hurricanes will make landfall. This is in part due to warmer water temperatures. Although the predictions are still premature, there is a much higher probability of above average activity if there is an immediate transition from El Nino to La Nina. An article from, ( Daily Finance ) discusses the potential financial devastation that this hurricane season could bring.

Despite the yearly predictions, it is always best to prepare for the hurricane season before any storms occur with essential hurricane supplies. Some of the necessary essentials include materials such as wood shutters, plywood, water, tarps and plenty of food. In addition to supplies, having a dependable evacuation plan is extremely important. In the event that a hurricane is forecasted for your area, pay close attention to broadcasts and obey all requests and warnings issued by your local government.

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Tarps And Emergency Supplies For The 2010 Hurricane Season.

Hurricane season is fast approaching and now is the time to start preparing home emergency kits. Hurricanes can be devastating to both property and life. It is important to be prepared before and after a hurricane by implementing a disaster plan and keeping a disaster supply kit. A well-planned disaster kit should include food, first aid and shelter. Pre-planning is a key factor in reducing damage to your personal property and in most cases can save your life. After a Hurricane help may not arrive for hours or even days. Keeping a survival kit on hand can provide you with the essentials needed to survive until help arrives. Choose from a single person survival kit or a ten-person survival kit. Each kit includes enough supplies for 72 hours and contains all the essentials for survival. We supply the best in first-aid with our line of emergency medic and trauma bags. Complete with a first-aid guidebook, these medic bags are not your average over the counter first-aid kit. Need Ponchos, Blankets or Body Warmers? Browse are selection of Emergency Gear and find what you need. In addition to a survival kit, blue tarps are a great item for instant shelter and can be used as a tarp tent or as a roof cover to patch damaged areas. Take time and prepare before hurricane season is upon us. Proper planning today can save your life tomorrow.

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