How to Tarp Your Damaged Roof Before More Rain Comes

The storm just passed. Your roof has a gaping hole or major damage, and the weather forecast shows more rain in 48 hours. You need a tarp up there fast, but you’ve never done this before.

Let me walk you through this. I’m not going to sugarcoat it—tarping a roof is physical work and carries real risks. But when done correctly, it prevents thousands of dollars in additional water damage while you wait for permanent repairs.

Safety Comes Before Everything Else

Stop right now and ask yourself: Is it actually safe for me to get on my roof? If it’s wet, windy, icy, or if you’re not physically capable of working at heights, call a professional emergency tarping service. They exist for exactly this situation.

Seriously—roofing accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms every year. A broken leg costs way more than hiring help. Some situations demand professional intervention, period.

Don’t attempt this if:

• Your roof pitch is steep (steeper than 6/12 slope)
• Weather conditions are dangerous
• The roof structure looks unstable
• You feel uncomfortable or uncertain
• It’s getting dark (never work on roofs at night)

Gather Your Materials Before You Start

You can’t tarp a roof with just a tarp. You need the right materials, or your temporary fix will blow off in the next breeze. Here’s your shopping list:

Essential supplies:

• Heavy-duty poly tarp (at least 6-mil thickness, bigger than the damaged area)
• 2×4 lumber boards (enough to sandwich the tarp edges)
• Galvanized nails or screws (3-4 inches long)
• Hammer or cordless drill
• Utility knife
• Work gloves with grip
• Safety harness or rope (if available)
• Someone to help you (never tarp alone)

Most hardware stores stock emergency tarping kits after major storms. Buy blue or silver tarps—they handle UV exposure better than cheaper options. Expect to spend $50-150 depending on size and quality.

Measure the Damage Properly

Before you buy anything, you need accurate measurements. Climb up safely and measure the damaged area. Your tarp needs to extend at least 4 feet beyond the damage in all directions. Going over the roof ridge is even better because it prevents water from getting underneath.

Take photos of the damage from multiple angles. You’ll need these for insurance claims. While you’re up there, look for loose shingles or other hazards that might cause problems while you’re working.

Consider the slope and layout. Does your damage extend across multiple roof sections? Do you need to work around chimneys or vents? Plan your tarping strategy before you start hauling materials up.

The Right Way to Install Your Tarp

Now comes the actual work. Move deliberately and carefully. Rush this job, and you’ll either hurt yourself or create a useless tarp installation that fails immediately.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Position the tarp – Unfold it on the roof with the damaged area centered underneath. Make sure you have adequate overlap on all sides, especially upslope from the damage.
2. Anchor the ridge – If possible, extend your tarp over the roof ridge to the other side. This creates the best water barrier. Use boards and nails to secure the tarp to the ridge.
3. Sandwich the edges – This is critical. Place a 2×4 board along the tarp’s edge, then nail through the board into the roof deck. The board prevents the nails from tearing through the tarp during wind. Repeat on all secured edges.
4. Work from top to bottom – Always secure the upslope edge first, then work your way down. This prevents water from sneaking under the tarp.
5. Eliminate air pockets – Pull the tarp tight as you secure it. Loose tarps catch wind and rip off. Air pockets also collect water and eventually tear the material.

Common Mistakes That Make Tarps Fail

I’ve seen plenty of tarps flapping in the wind or pooling with water because someone skipped crucial steps. Avoid these errors:

Using too small a tarp – If your tarp barely covers the damage, the first strong wind will expose your roof again. Go bigger than you think you need.

Nailing through the tarp without boards – Those nail holes become tear points. Wind catches the tarp and rips it right off. Always use boards to distribute stress.

Not accounting for water flow – Water runs downhill. If your tarp’s lower edge stops in the middle of your roof, water will pool there or seep underneath. Extend it to the roof edge or gutter line whenever possible.

Leaving wrinkles and folds – These trap water, creating weight that tears the tarp. Smooth everything out as you secure it.

Dealing With Complex Roof Features

Chimneys, vents, and skylights complicate tarping. You can’t just throw a tarp over them and call it done. Here’s how to handle obstacles:

For chimneys, cut a slit in your tarp where the chimney comes through. Fold the tarp around the chimney base and seal it with additional smaller tarp pieces and roofing cement. Secure everything with boards.

Vent pipes need similar treatment. Cut openings carefully and seal around them. Some people use duct tape for temporary sealing, but it degenerates quickly. Roofing cement holds up better.

If you’ve got multiple obstacles, consider using several overlapping tarps instead of one giant one with multiple holes. Overlap seams by at least 12 inches and secure them together.

How Long Will This Actually Last?

Here’s the reality: a properly installed emergency tarp might last 90 days in good conditions. But “good conditions” rarely exist. Sun degrades the material. Wind stresses the attachment points. Temperature changes expand and contract everything.

Check your tarp every few days, especially after wind or rain. Look for:

• Loose boards or nails working free
• Tears or holes developing
• Water pooling anywhere
• Edges lifting or flapping

Tighten or replace fasteners as needed. Add more boards if wind is lifting edges. Think of tarp maintenance as an ongoing task until permanent repairs happen.

When to Call Professionals Instead

Some damage exceeds DIY tarping capabilities. If your roof has structural damage—sagging, collapsed sections, or split rafters—don’t attempt to tarp it yourself. The roof might not support your weight.

Large damage areas (more than 100 square feet) typically require professional equipment and expertise. Multiple stories or complex roof geometries also push toward professional help.

Many roofing companies offer emergency tarping services. They charge $300-1,000 depending on size and complexity, but they work safely and effectively. Your insurance might cover this emergency service, so check your policy before assuming you’ll pay out of pocket.

Preventing Future Emergency Tarping Situations

Once you’ve survived this crisis and gotten permanent repairs done, take steps to avoid repeating the experience:

• Trim trees near your house regularly
• Replace aging roofs before they fail catastrophically
• Install impact-resistant shingles in storm-prone areas
• Keep emergency tarping supplies on hand
• Know which local contractors offer 24/7 emergency services

Your tarp is up, your home is protected for now, and you bought yourself time to arrange proper repairs. That’s a win. Stay safe up there, maintain your temporary fix, and get permanent repairs scheduled as soon as possible. Future you will appreciate present you’s quick action and careful work.