How to Tarp a Roof After Storm Damage

Storms don't respect your schedule, and a leaking roof is an emergency that requires immediate action to prevent interior structural rot and mold. When high winds or falling debris compromise your shingles, acting fast is the difference between a minor repair and a total home gut job. Performing a temporary tarp-over is about safety and strategy. You are not fixing the roof; you are creating a waterproof seal that directs water off your home and away from the damaged underlayment. Done well, your tarp will stay tight against the roof deck, shrugging off the next round of rain while you wait for a contractor to assess the damage.

1. Clear debris from damage zone. Carefully remove any loose shingles, debris, or broken branches from the damaged area. If the roof deck is visibly sagging or soft, do not step on it; clear it from a sturdy ladder or a safe section of the roof.
2. Size the tarp with overlap. Measure the damaged section and add at least four feet of overlap on all sides. You need enough excess material to wrap over the ridge of the roof and extend down past the damaged area to prevent wind from catching the tarp edge.
3. Drape tarp over the ridge. Pull the tarp over the ridge of the roof so that at least two feet hang over the backside. This prevents water from running underneath the top edge of the tarp.
4. Anchor battens to rafters. Place 2x4 boards along the edges of the tarp on the roof deck. Screw these boards through the tarp and directly into the roof rafters or solid decking to pin the tarp down.
5. Create waterfall fold effect. Fold the top edge of the tarp over the 2x4 batten before screwing it down to create a 'waterfall' effect. This ensures that any water running down the roof rolls over the fold rather than into the screw holes.
6. Eliminate all flapping edges. Check all perimeter battens to ensure the tarp is pulled taut. If there are any areas where the tarp can flap, add additional battens or weight to stop the motion before it tears the fabric.