Expert Guide To Putting A Tarp On Roof: Protecting Your Home From Leaks & Storms

A tarp offers a crucial temporary solution when your roof is damaged by storms, leaks, or fallen debris. Knowing how to correctly put a tarp on a roof can save thousands in potential water damage while waiting for permanent repairs. This comprehensive guide details every step, provides safety tips, and covers materials, techniques, and maintenance.

Step	What’s Required	Key Safety/Prep Tip
Assessment	Binoculars, notepad	Inspect from ground if possible
Gathering Materials	Tarp, 2x4s, nails/screws, hammer/drill, ladder, safety gear	Use OSHA-approved fall protection
Positioning the Tarp	Helper recommended	Cover damaged area plus 3 feet on all sides
Securing the Tarp	Nail or screw 2x4s over tarp edges	Do not nail directly to undamaged shingles
Maintenance	Check regularly, especially after storms	Replace or adjust as needed

When To Put A Tarp On Your Roof

Tarps are intended for temporary emergency roof protection. Common situations include after a severe storm, when shingles are missing, or if there’s an active leak causing interior damage. Wait until weather passes and roofs are safe to access. If unsure, consult roof repair experts or your insurance company to document the damage before you begin tarping.

Assessing Roof Damage And Planning Your Work

Assessment begins with safety. Survey the roof from the ground using binoculars. Look for obvious holes, missing shingles, sagging spots, or dangling debris. Never climb onto a visibly unstable or slick roof. Estimate the size of the tarp needed, factoring in overlap (at least 3 feet past any edge of the damaged area). Plan a route up and down that avoids power lines and hazards.

Essential Safety Precautions

Roof tarping is hazardous without proper protocols. Always use a well-secured, rated ladder positioned on level ground. Wear non-slip boots, gloves, and a hard hat. If possible, use a fall arrest system or tether. Work with a partner whenever you can, and never attempt this task in high winds, ice, or lightning conditions. If the roof is too steep or conditions are unsafe, call a professional.

Materials You’ll Need To Tarp A Roof

• Heavy-Duty Tarp: Blue or poly tarps with grommets, sized to cover damage plus at least a 3-foot margin on all sides.
• 2×4 Lumber: Several lengths to match the tarp’s size for secure anchoring. Unpainted softwood is best for easy nailing/screwing.
• Fasteners: 3-inch wood screws (preferred) or galvanized roofing nails. Use washers if possible to prevent tearing.
• Power Drill or Hammer: To set screws or nails through wood and tarp into roof deck.
• Utility Knife: For trimming tarp if necessary.
• Roofing Cement (Optional): To seal nail holes or secure edges.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Ladder, boots, gloves, hard hat, safety harness.

Choosing The Right Tarp For Your Roof

Not all tarps are equal in roof emergencies. Opt for poly tarps rated 6 mil or greater in thickness, featuring reinforced grommets every 18–24 inches. Bright blue tarps are most common, but any waterproof, UV-resistant tarp will suffice. Avoid cheap, thin tarps prone to tearing. Tarps sized 20×20 feet or larger are versatile for most residential roofs.

Roof Tarp Sizing Chart

Damage Zone Size	Recommended Tarp Size
Small (2×4 feet)	8×10 feet
Medium (3×10 feet)	12×16 feet
Large (10×10 feet or more)	20×20 feet or more

Preparing The Roof For Installation

Preparation is crucial for a secure fit. Clear all loose debris from the damaged area. If shingles are loose but not missing, set them flat. Remove nails or protruding hazards carefully. For active leaks, place buckets or towels inside the home before you begin. Ensure the area is as dry as possible for tarp adhesion and safety.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Put A Tarp On The Roof

1. Lay Out The Tarp.

   Unfold your tarp so that it fully covers the damaged area and extends at least 3 feet past every edge. Take care to orient the tarp so water will flow down and away from the roof. If needed, trim using a utility knife, leaving extra length for anchoring.

2. Secure The Peak Edge First.

   Position a 2×4 along the tarp’s upper (ridge) edge, roll it inside the tarp, then fasten through both tarp and wood into the roof deck using screws or nails spaced every 12–16 inches. For best results, avoid direct fasteners through the tarp—always fasten through the 2x4s to reduce tearing and leaks.

3. Anchor The Sides.

   Repeat the lumber-and-screw method along each side edge, tightly pulling the tarp to prevent any slack. If grommets are available, additional fasteners may be threaded through them, but wooden battens are much stronger under wind loads.

4. Seal And Double-Check.

   Use roofing cement or caulk to seal around fastener holes, especially near seams and edges. Verify all 2x4s are securely fastened. No part of the damaged roof should be exposed. Check for wrinkles or raised sections that could catch wind and adjust as needed.

5. Inspect After Every Storm.

   Regular inspection is essential; check for loosened boards, torn grommets, pooling water, or shifted coverage after each severe weather event. Tighten, patch, or replace any compromised section promptly.

Tarping Over Flat Vs Pitched Roofs

Steep-pitched roofs require more caution and larger overlap. Wind uplift is stronger, so ensure extra anchoring at ridge and eave. For flat roofs, add a slight slope beneath the tarp with wood to encourage water runoff and prevent pooling. Always avoid unnecessary walking on flat roofs to protect membrane integrity.

How Long Can A Roof Be Covered With A Tarp?

High-quality tarps can offer reliable coverage for up to 90 days if properly secured and maintained. Extremely harsh weather, constant sun exposure, or improper installation will reduce the effective lifespan to a few weeks or less. Plan for permanent repair as soon as conditions allow, and inform your insurance provider of the temporary fix.

Professional Tips For A Leak-Free Roof Tarp

• Always anchor with 2x4s for robust wind and water protection—not just nails through grommets.
• Overlap edges where multiple tarps meet by at least 3 feet, fastening both tarps with a single 2×4.
• Position tarps so the bottom edge hangs over the gutter line, not tucked under shingles.
• Keep the tarp as taut as possible to prevent wind uplift and water pooling.
• If water still leaks inside, double up layers or use roofing cement for critical seams.
• Document all steps for insurance claims, including “before” and “after” photos.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Tarping A Roof

• Fastening only to shingles—Always anchor to the roof decking, not just surface materials.
• Insufficient overlap—Tarps must extend well beyond the visible damage area to keep water out from all sides.
• Ignoring roof pitch direction—Lay tarps so water flows downslope naturally, not against overlaps.
• Using damaged or thin tarps—Low-quality covers will fail quickly in heavy rain or wind.
• Failing to check after every new weather event—Even the best setup can shift or loosen suddenly.

How To Remove A Tarp Safely After Use

Careful removal prevents further roof damage. Start at the lowest point and unscrew or pry up the 2x4s. If fasteners pass through undamaged shingles, patch nail holes with roof cement. Dispose of the tarp if torn or sun-brittled. Use this inspection to evaluate underlying roof surfaces for new or worsened problems before proceeding with repairs.

How Tarping Interacts With Insurance Claims

Proper temporary repairs may be required by your insurer. Take photos of the damage before and after tarping. Keep receipts for tarps and related materials. Notify your claims adjuster of any work performed, as DIY tarping is often considered part of “reasonable mitigation.” Avoid making permanent fixes until the adjuster assesses damage unless given clear permission.

Alternatives To Traditional Tarps For Roof Emergencies

• Roofing underlayment or synthetic felt: Provides a more waterproof barrier than a poly tarp but requires more specialized installation.
• Tarping sealant strips: Products such as Peel-and-Seal tapes can sometimes serve as a fast patch for small leaks.
• Custom-cut vinyl tarps with built-in anchor hems: Offer superior fit and durability if a longer delay before repair is expected.

Where To Buy Roof Tarps And Emergency Supplies

Most US home improvement retailers carry roof tarps, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Menards. Online platforms like Amazon provide overnight delivery and sizing options. Some disaster recovery services offer “tarping” service in storm-affected areas, which may be worth considering if safety is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions About Putting A Tarp On Roof

• How long will a blue tarp last on my roof?

  A quality blue tarp may last up to 90 days, but inspect weekly and after storms. Replace if you spot rips, sagging, or UV breakdown.

• Can I install a tarp by myself?

  Small repairs may be performed solo with extreme caution, but always have a spotter present on the ground. For steep roofs or large jobs, a helper is strongly advised.

• What happens if my roof deck is also damaged?

  Tarps will offer only limited protection. Cover the entire damaged section plus overlap, but arrange for full decking repair as soon as possible to avoid mold or structural issues.

• Can I use sandbags instead of wood?

  Sandbags work on flat commercial roofs but are not advised for pitched residential roofs, as they shift easily and don’t anchor tarps tightly enough for storms.

Useful Resources For Roof Tarping Safety

• OSHA’s Fall Protection Guidelines: View Workplace Safety Info
• National Roofing Contractors Association Emergency Repair Guide: See NRCA Recommendations
• FEMA Temporary Roof Repair PDF: Download Official Instructions

Summary: Key Takeaways For Putting A Tarp On Roof

• Use heavy-duty tarps, 2x4s, and robust fasteners for secure, weather-resistant protection.
• Always follow safety best practices even for small jobs—falls are a leading cause of roof injury.
• Inspect your work regularly and replace tarps as needed until full repair is possible.
• Document your process for insurance, especially after major storms.
• When in doubt, contact a licensed roofer or disaster restoration expert for challenging or unsafe conditions.