Should You Have Your Roof Tarped?
This summer, a slew of storms brought about a huge issue: destroyed roofs. There were not enough contractors to do the work because of how large the damage was. In this case, a lot of homeowners opted to have their roofs tarped temporarily.
What is a tarped roof?
A tarped roof is a temporary roof covering constructed from heavy duty plastic or canvas that is used to protect the roof of a building or structure. Tarped roofs can provide protection against the elements, keeping out rain, snow, wind, and other hazardous weather conditions. They are often used in the aftermath of storms and other weather-related disasters when permanent repairs may not be possible.
How long will a tarped roof last?
Tarps typically last up to 90 days on the roof, depending on the condition of your roof, but can last up to a year if necessary. It is important to note that a tarped roof should be inspected and maintained regularly, as it may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
Reasons Your Roof May Need to Be Tarped
- Severe weather – If your roof is exposed to high winds, hail, or heavy rainfall, a tarp can provide added protection against further damage.
- Structural damage – If your roof has been damaged by a tree falling on it or another form of trauma, it may require a tarp in order to prevent water from entering the home and causing further damage.
- Age – Older roofs may be more susceptible to leaks and other damages, so installing a tarp can help protect them from further wear and tear.
- Poor insulation – A tarp can provide an extra layer of insulation, which can help reduce energy costs and keep the temperature consistent inside the home.
- Cost-effectiveness – If you need temporary protection for your roof while waiting for repairs or replacements, using a tarp can be an affordable and convenient solution.
Does Tarping Cause Roof Damage?
Tarping a roof does not usually cause any additional damage to the roof itself if it is installed correctly. In fact, tarping your roof can help protect it from the elements and prevent further structural damage. However, improperly installed tarps can lead to more costly repairs down the road, so it’s important to ensure that your tarp is installed properly by a certified professional to maximize its protective benefits.
Can you tarp an entire roof?
Yes, it is possible to tarp an entire roof. However, this should only be attempted by a professional with the proper tools and safety precautions in place.
- Before beginning any installation process, the existing damage must be assessed to determine what repairs might be needed before the tarp can be put in place.
- Once everything has been assessed, necessary materials such as tarps, wood strips, nails, and screws should be prepared for installation.
- After the tarp has been laid down properly and secured with nails/screws, any excess material should be cut away in order to ensure that there are no potential hazards or trip points during future rainstorms.
- Seams should be inspected closely and sealed up with additional sealing materials or caulking if necessary before calling it complete.
A Guide to Having a Professional Company Tarp Your Roof
Finding a qualified company to professionally tarp your roof is easier than you thought. Here are some tips on how to get in touch with a reliable and experienced contractor for your roofing project:
- Consult online directories – Do an online search for certified roofing professionals in your area. Check reviews or ratings from previous customers and compare services offered by different companies to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Ask for referrals – Ask family, friends, or even neighbors who may have used the services of a professional roofer before for their suggestions or referrals.
- Request quotes and estimates – After you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, contact them to get an initial idea of what their pricing looks like as well as other details related to the job such as timelines and estimated completion times.
- Ask questions – Interview each company thoroughly and ask any questions you may have regarding their experience in tarping roofs, safety protocols they use when working on a job site, possible concerns you might have relating to the repairs being done right away, etc. This is essential in order to ensure that you hire the right contractor for your project!
So, the next time you hear about whether or not your roof should be tarped, take these tips into consideration. Tarping a roof is never supposed to be something long term, however, it can sometimes be a great short term solution!
