Your roof has an opening after a storm and the forecast shows more rain in a day or two. A properly installed tarp is the bridge between damage and a permanent repair. This guide covers emergency roof tarping from start to finish: the safety calls you need to make first, what to buy, how to measure, how to secure a tarp so wind does not rip it off, the mistakes that cause tarps to fail, and how long one realistically lasts. It is written for Mississippi homeowners who are comfortable on a ladder, and equally for those who would rather know when to call a professional crew.
Safety Decides Whether You Do This at All
Tarping means working on a damaged roof, often while it is wet. Skip the do-it-yourself approach and call a professional if any of these apply:
- The roof is steep, two stories or higher, or still wet and slick.
- There is lightning nearby or wind is still gusting.
- A tree or large limb is resting on the roof.
- Power lines are down or near the damaged area.
- The decking looks soft, sagging or broken.
- You are working alone, or you are not experienced on ladders and roofs.
No tarp is worth a fall. If you are unsure, the answer is to stay on the ground and focus on protecting the inside of the house.
Materials and Measuring
Gather roof tarp materials before you go up so you are not climbing up and down repeatedly:
- A heavy-duty polyethylene tarp, ideally UV-resistant and thicker than the lightweight blue tarps used for covering firewood.
- Lumber such as 2x4s to anchor the tarp edges.
- Exterior screws long enough to pass through the board, tarp and into the decking, plus a drill.
- A tape measure, utility knife and a helper to hand up materials.
- Fall protection if you have it, and shoes with soft, grippy soles.
Expect to spend roughly $50 to $150 on materials depending on the size and quality of the tarp. Measure the damaged area, then size the tarp so it extends at least a few feet past the damage on every side and can go up and over the ridge. If you must use two tarps, overlap the seams by at least 12 inches with the upper tarp lapped over the lower one, like shingles.
Installing the Tarp Step by Step
- Clear the area. Sweep off loose debris and broken shingle pieces that could puncture the tarp.
- Start at the ridge. Lay the tarp so the top edge goes over the ridge and down the other side by a couple of feet. This keeps water from running under the top edge.
- Anchor the top. Roll the top edge of the tarp around a 2x4 and screw the board down on the opposite slope, so the board sits on top of the wrapped tarp.
- Smooth it downslope. Pull the tarp taut over the damage without stretching it so tight it tears.
- Anchor the sides and bottom. Wrap and screw boards along the side edges and the bottom, keeping screws away from the damaged area.
- Check for low spots. Water should run off the tarp freely. Any pocket that can collect water adds weight and stress.
Take photos of the damage before you cover it and of the installed tarp afterward. Your insurer will want both, and temporary protection is often a covered expense when it is reasonable and documented.
Mistakes That Make Tarps Fail
- Not going over the ridge, which lets water run straight under the top edge.
- Nailing or screwing straight through the tarp without boards, creating dozens of new holes and points for wind to tear.
- Leaving loose edges that catch wind and flap the tarp apart.
- Using sandbags or bricks alone on a sloped roof, where they can slide off in wind.
- Laying the tarp so water is channeled toward a wall, chimney or another weak spot.
- Using a thin tarp that degrades in the Mississippi sun within weeks.
How Long a Tarp Lasts
A properly installed, quality tarp might hold up for around 90 days in reasonable conditions, sometimes less after strong winds or long stretches of intense sun. It is a temporary measure meant to keep water out until the roof can be repaired, not a substitute for a repair. Check it after every storm and re-secure any loose edges. Do not let a tarp become a long-term roof; moisture can still get underneath, and decking under a tarp can deteriorate over time.
When a Professional Crew Makes More Sense
Professional roof tarp service commonly costs somewhere in the range of $300 to $1,000 depending on the size of the area, roof pitch and complexity. That buys experienced installers with proper fall protection, larger and heavier tarps, and a method designed to minimize additional holes in your roof. It also means the people who install the tarp can document the damage and plan the permanent fix.
Tekton Exteriors provides temporary tarping as part of our storm damage and emergency roof repair service when conditions are safe. If water is already inside, our guide on what to do during a roof leak covers protecting the interior, and our insurance claim assistance can help you document the whole event.
Common Questions
Will insurance pay for an emergency roof tarp?
Many policies cover reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered loss, which often includes tarping. Keep receipts and photos, and check your policy or ask your agent.
Can I tarp just the damaged section without going over the ridge?
For damage far down a slope, a professional may use other methods, but for most homeowners going over the ridge is the most reliable way to keep water from running under the top edge.
Should I remove the tarp when the weather clears?
No. Leave it until the permanent repair is scheduled. Removing and reinstalling a tarp adds holes and wear, and Mississippi weather can change quickly.