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

Read More

Using Tarps In Everyday Applications

Tarps are a highly versatile product that can be used in many different applications around the home or business. Tarpaulins are used in everyday activities such as construction and storage as well as in special circumstances such as hurricane protection. The durable, waterproof fabric is ideal for protecting valuable items from the elements, such as rain and wind. Tarps however, are not all the same. There are many different fabric styles and knowing which is best for your application is important.

The three main fabric types for outdoor use are Poly, Canvas and Vinyl. The poly tarp is made using high density polyethylene and is not only the most common type of cover but also the most adaptive to various weather conditions. The poly material does not have any temperature limitations like that of vinyl or canvas. Although heavier is terms of ounces per square foot, vinyl and canvas tarps have limitations and should only be considered if you have experience with the fabric and know what applications they can and cannot be used for. Both the vinyl and canvas tarps cannot be used in temperatures less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cracking of the material. Furthermore, canvas tarps are water resistant, not waterproof and do have a saturation point at which water will seep through the material. Water repellant coatings must be applied to the canvas material every couple of years to ensure maximum protection.


When shopping for tarps it is important to read all of the materials specifications and determine which cover will work best for your specific application. You want to make sure that the cover chosen will be suitable for your local climate and also be durable enough to withstand the potential obstacles encountered while being utilized.

Read More

Superb Protection Using Heavy-Duty Tarps.

When shopping for superior outdoor protection from elements such as rain, heavy-duty tarps are the perfect choice. Made of high-density polyethylene, these covers offer the heaviest material available for protection needs. The thick, laminated surface is not only waterproof but also treated to provide superb UV protection in any environment. Tarpaulins such as the heavy-duty variety are available in many different styles, size and colors.

Heavy-duty tarps are ideal for just about any application where protection is needed from outside elements. These covers are commonly used in construction to protect exposed roof tops from heat, rain, snow and falling debris. In addition, these same tarps are used as canopy covers for outdoor carports by providing excellent shade protection. Durable and lightweight, outdoor covers provide the best value for protecting valuables around the home, business or construction site.


Heavy-Duty Tarps include rust resistant grommets that are spaced approximately every 18 inches along all four sides. For further protection, plastic corner guards are installed to help ease the tension and distribute the weight load evenly across the fabric. Constructed of cross weaved poly fabric that are then laminated, poly tarps remain one of the only fabrics that are naturally resistant to mold, rot and mildew.

Heavy-duty tarps can be purchased in many different sizes. Smaller sizes start at 05’ x 07’ and can be purchased as large as 170’ x 170’. In addition, there are many different color choices available including Silver, White, Tan, Clear, Red, Yellow, Orange, Green and Red. Aside from the obvious choices of size and color, there are also covers made of polyethylene that are treated with fire retardant agents. Many local governments are now requiring all outdoor shelters and covers to be fire resistant. Fire retardant tarps can be purchased in Silver or White and have a tag permanently attached to the fabric, which displays the code enforcement registration numbers.

Read More

Tennessee Landscape Dotted With A Collection Of Blue Tarps

Knoxville, Tennessee has been a city that has been greatly effected by the recent tornado activity. The normally green landscape has been replaced with blue tarps. Blue Tarps have been a main commodity that is in short supply due tornado damage. The waterproof plastic sheeting is being used to cover damaged roof tops, cars and any other valuables left that can be saved in the aftermath.

A local Home Depot employee explains the current landscape in Knoxville by stating, "This area has to look like a blue patchwork quilt from the sky," The hardware stores in the area have had entire tarp inventories depleted several times over. Every time a shipment becomes available it is sold out before they can even finish stocking the merchandise.

The Knoxville News Sentinel discusses the sudden increase in blue tarps sales in an article titled, "Sam Venable: Our whole world has turned blue." The article also discusses the damage caused by the tornado activity and how the destruction has effected daily life for residents of Knoxville.

Read More

ISOH/IMPACT Organization In Need Of Relief Supplies For Tornado Victims.

The 2011 Tornado season has been one of the most active and destructive season's in history. Hundreds of Tornado's have swept across the United States effecting many unsuspecting residents. Alabama has been hit especially hard this year and the state has recently been designated as a category 1 disaster, which is the same designation that was given to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

The ISOH/IMPACT organization has been sending relief efforts and supplies to Alabama but are still in desperate need of items such as cash, tarps, cleaning supplies, clothing and food. The ISOH is also looking for volunteers for the Tornado relief efforts in Alabama, as well as for future needs both domestically and internationally.

There are several way you can help including donations. Both personal and corporate donations are accepted by the ISOH. More information on how to help can be found on the ISOH/Impact website.

Read More