You will need to put a tarp on the roof when your roof is damaged or when your roof windows are taking a long time to repair. This tarp will protect the interior of your home and avoid further damage to the roof. These tarps will generally protect your home from rain for 90 days depending on weather conditions. If you know how to lay a tarp, you will be able to repair your house in a protected state.
Step
Step 1. Identify the location of the damage to the roof
Look for signs of leaks on the inside of the house then inspect the exterior for damage to the roof tiles.
Step 2. Open the tarp to cover the leaking roof
Start at the end of the roof, leaving 1.25 m of tarp hanging on one side, then work your way to the top of the roof and leave 1.25 m of tarpaulin on the other side. Cut off the excess tarpaulin using a knife.
Step 3. Measure the width of the tarp and add (0.5 m)
Use a hand or machine saw and cut 4 2x4 inch (50 x 100 mm) blocks to the length of the tarp plus 0.5 m.
Step 4. Wrap the blocks with the hanging ends of the tarp and use nails or a stapler to secure them together
Make sure the beams are laid flat on the roof with the rolls down to prevent water from accumulating or leaves accumulating on top. Make sure the tarp slopes in the direction of the roof.
Step 5. Take the second block and place it on top of the wrapped block
Use 3 inch (or 0.5 cm) nails to hold them together.
Step 6. Extend the tarp to the top of the roof and to the opposite side
Step 7. Use the tarp on this side to wrap one of the blocks
Nail it so that the rolled edge is facing down and the nail is going through the inner layer of the roof.
Step 8. Place the fourth block on top of the block wrapped in tarpaulin and secure the two together with nails
Step 9. Use as many 2 x 4 inch (50 x 100 mm) blocks as needed to attach both sides of the tarp to the roof
Make sure the distance between the beams is no more than 10 inches (25 cm).
Tips
Installing a tarp on the roof is a dangerous job. If possible, hire a professional to do this or enlist the help of an experienced roofer
Warning
- Don't do this project alone. Accidents can happen.
- Never stand on a tarp on the roof, especially if it is wet.
- Never stand on a steep sloped roof.
- Don't walk on a broken roof until you know where the damage is. Do not walk over the damaged area as the condition may be unstable.
- Don't climb on the roof in bad weather.
