How To Tarp A Roof For Temporary Roof Repair
November 9, 2018 by Stacy Lehn
Youve come home from a long workday, and you discover that a tree limb has fallen on your roof, puncturing it. Just what you wanted to come home to. Youre thinking through the steps you have to take: getting photographs, contacting your insurance agent or landlord, checking for other damage. Then you look at the weather forecast: rain is on the way tonight. Beautiful. When it rains, it pours, they say.
You need to get your roof covered fast to prevent further damage. You can call a professional like and you know you will once you get past this immediate crisis. But right now you need an emergency roof repair to hold you over until the professionals can deal with the problem.
You dont want to add water damage to the problems you already have, and neither does your insurance company. In fact, theyll be asking you how quickly you can get a temporary roof repair in place. So whats the solution?
This may be an extreme situation, but in truth, there are many reasons why you would need to make a temporary roof repair. Roof leaks can develop at any time when flashing or the seal around a vent fails. Your roofing specialist may need to wait a few days or even weeks for materials to arrive, especially if they are custom shingles.
Temporary roof repair is a must if you find yourself with a breached roof and incoming precipitation of any sort. Luckily, it isnt that difficult if you follow these handy steps.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Tarping A Roof
At this point, you might feel a little overwhelmed by information, so lets reiterate the actual factors so that you have an at-a-glance summary of all of the factors included:
- Cost of labor and type
- Material costs
- Square footage of the area which is being tarped
- Single or multiple stories
- Damage variable
Secure The Tarp To Your Roof
Lastly, youll need to secure the tarp down so that no water can get in, after all thats why youre here in the first place! Using your screw gun, screw through the rolled 2x4s making sure the screws reach the roof. Secure any additional edges that may be lose using more 2x4s these dont need to be rolled but should be secured to the tarp. Make sure all edges of your tarp are secured to keep your home dry and debris-free!
Finding yourself in a situation where you are waiting for an emergency roof repair service, or an insurance check to clear is never a good position to be in but tarping your roof will help prevent further damage. While this is not a long-term fix, doing so will hold you over until a roofing repair company can come to your rescue.
If a storm has left your home in need of roof repairs, contact Westfall Roofing. Our team will repair your home with the unsurpassed quality it deserves.
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Average Cost To Tarp A Roof If You Hire A Professional
If you arent worried about the costs or simply not the DIY type, you can always go with a professional, and then you are looking at the hourly rates for the job. For the labor itself, you will likely have 1 -3 contractors working the job, typically around $60 per hour plus materials.
Breaking it down further, if you factor in the cost of the 2 x 4 wood for securing purposes and the tarp, along with labor, and your roof is an easily accessible, standard 1500 square-foot roof. You are looking at an approximate cost of anywhere from $1000 to $1300.
A smaller job for an area under 500 square feet, by contrast, will likely run between $300 and $450 in total.
What Happens If It Rains During Roof Replacement
Rain is bad during a roof installation because the water can damage the roof decking. A new roof should never be installed over a wrinkled barrier or wet wood because this is against building codes. Also, asphalt shingles may not adhere properly to slick surfaces, particularly if theres high humidity.
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Get Help With Roofing Emergencies
PJ Fitzpatrick specializes in roof repair services. We have a team dedicated to repairing roofs throughout Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Well locate all sources of damage and perform a thorough repair that protects your home from water damage. Were ready to respond to your call for emergency roof help, especially after a storm. Contact us about roof repairs today.
Dangers Of A Leaking Roof
A roof leak is not only frustrating, but its hazardous as well. Here are a few things to be aware of:
- Mold
- Leaks that arent corrected right away can cause mold. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which is a huge problem.
- Mold can create health concerns, but it could also ruin wall and flooring coverings, wood framing, and ceiling tiles.
- The presence of mold can decrease the value and marketability of your home.
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Instructions For How To Tarp A Roof Without Nails
Why Are Roof Tarps Blue
Blue tarps are easily the most popular form of tarp and the most easily found. These colored tarps typically reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. White is the best color tarp to reflect heat. Black and dark gray tarps absorb sunlight, rather than reflect it.
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How We Calculate Costs:
Our cost for tree removal is bid per job, we provide detail of equipment used and man hours broken down by duties . This detail gives your insurance company a clear picture of the work being performed and reimburse you for removing the tree off the structure.
Our roof tarp pricing is based on a service fee specific to your type of roof, the square feet of tarp needed andsafety hazards related to the roof surface . We provide an upfront quote after we view the property, and then we take payment once services are rendered. Our average emergency tarp install cost between $500 and $700, but can vary based on the amount of damage. In addition to providing the temporary repair itself, we also provide electronic images of the damages for you to provide to your insurance carrier.
Coordination cost of overhead and profit and included in all our invoices.
Gather The Right Supplies For The Job
First, youll need to make sure you have the necessary supplies for this project. Before you begin, have a ladder, broom or brush, knife, cordless drill, 2×4 wooden planks, 3 ¼ nails and saw on hand. Youll obviously need a tarp too your tarp should be big enough to extend past the edges of the damaged area by at least 3 feet. Thicker tarps tend to work better, and ones with UV inhibitors can hold you over even longer until repairs can be made. You can find all these supplies at your local hardware store.
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Should You Know How To Tarp A Roof
Absolutely! Knowing how to tarp a roof is a great way to avoid rejected claims and roof damage. While it isnt a solution for the long-term, itll at least help.
What it will do is stop a roof leak from getting worse, prevent additional storm damage, and ensure you dont lose the chance to have your insurance company cover the roof damage.
Keep safety in the forefront of your mind when attempting any home repairs, especially high up on your roof. If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed by the task, call a roofing company to take care of it and ensure the job is properly done.
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How Long Will A Tarped Roof Last
4.9/5tarping will lastlongtarpcould lasttarproof
90 days
Additionally, how do you put a tarp on your roof without nails? Here are the steps on how to install a tarp on your roof without nails.
Just so, how much does a roof tarp cost?
On average, hiring a roofing contractor to perform an emergency tarp installation will cost you between $200 and $500. On top of having to pay for the tarp itself, you also have to factor in the cost of labor, emergency premium charges, and the strips of wood that will secure the tarp to the roof.
How can I cover my roof in the rain?
Here are ten ways to protect your roof and home from the worst rainfall.
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How Often Should You Tarp A Flat Roof
It is advisable that you check your rooftop on a regular basis in order to spot any potential damage caused by weather elements.
While most homeowners only use tarps when it starts raining, this might not be enough to protect the entire surface from leaks and other types of damages.
As such, we suggest that you check your rooftop at least once per month to ensure it remains in good condition for many years.
How To Put A Temporary Tarp On A Leaking Roof
When the weather is being unfriendly, whats your first line of defense against external elements?
When the heavy rains are not letting up, what helps you sleep better at night?
When the sun is in an unforgiving mood, whats that one thing that protects you from its harsh rays?
The answer, of course, is your roof.
The roof is perhaps one of the most underappreciated parts of a home. But when it starts showing signs of a leak? Thats when most homeowners start to give it the time of day. And its just as well. Considering how a roof leak can easily develop into more serious issues, its not hard to see why many seasoned homeowners are giving it priority over other parts of the home.
One of the most challenging aspects in dealing with roof leaks is that they often happen during a heavy downpour. In such situations, not many roofing contractors are readily available to carry out roofing repairs.
That doesnt mean you should do nothing and allow the water to infiltrate your home. Thats a disaster waiting to happen.
So, whats the best course of action to take in such a situation? Five words: Put a tarp on it!
Believe it or not, a suitable tarp can protect your home from the dangers of roof leaks for up to 90 days, which should be more than enough time for a roofing contractor to come in and carry out permanent roof repairs.
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When To Replace A Roof Tarp
Typically, a cheap blue roof tarp will be effective for up to 90 days. That number will vary greatly depending on the volume of rainfall, any debris that falls on the tarp, and more. A thicker, long-term installation tarp can last a year or two if needed but should be inspected regularly.
Once the tarp incurs tears of more than a few inches, or begins to fade, it has probably outlived its time and should be replaced. Roof tarps are only meant to be a temporary solution, so continuously switching in new tarps is not the best bet and should be avoided if possible.
Does Roof Coating Stop Leaks
Does roof coating stop leaks? Yes, a silicone flat roof coating will seal up and stop existing roof leaks and there is no need to locate and identify each leak. A roofing contractor that knows How to apply flat roof coating can cover the entire roof which will protect the entire roof while stopping leaks.
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When Do I Pay
The IGC team will arrive at your home during the scheduled time, then provide you with an estimated cost. You must be able to provide your credit card information, as payment is required immediately after installation. We accept all major credit cards and checks. You will be immediately emailed your invoice and images, so you can forward them on to your insurance carrier.
Key Features Of Our Roof Tarps
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Why Tarp Your Roof
There are two primary reasons to put a tarp on your roof. The first is that it protects you from additional damage. Placing a tarp over the damage can:
- Protect areas around the damage of your roof, possibly reducing repair costs.
- Protect ceilings, drywall, and other structures inside the home.
- Prevent mold before it occurs or worsens.
- Be covered by your insurance company in certain situations.
The second reason to tarp your roof is that your insurance company may require it. If you are hoping to have the damage to your roof covered under your insurance policy, they will most likely require you to mitigate damage. This means its your job to make sure it doesnt get any worse before your roofing professional repairs the damage. A failure to mitigate damage may lead to a denial of your claim. The good news is that because the insurance company requires it, they will often cover the costs of having a professional do it.
How To Tarp A Roof
This article was co-authored by David Bitan. David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. With over 60 years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches.There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 218,032 times.
Tarping a roof protects your home’s interior from being exposed to the elements because of a damaged skylight or roof. A tarp also protect your roof from further damage. A tarped roof provides 90-day protection from the rain. Tarping your roof means your home is protected so you can make permanent repairs later on.
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How To Estimate The Cost Of Tarping A Roof
Keep in mind that this is just a ballpark figure, but generally, you can expect the roof tarping costs when hiring a professional to run between $1 $2 per square foot of the roof.
This does not include accessibility factors with multi-story houses but instead assumes a standard, easily accessed roof. It is only intended as a basic equation to give you a base cost.
Service Type: Standard Or Emergency
This is another very important factor. If you dont need the work done after-hours, but rather during a typical workday, then your costs will vary considerably. Typically if the work is after-hours/emergency service, you will be paying time and a half that is 1.5 times the standard hourly rate for the work.
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