Roof Tarp Installation Guide: Emergency DIY Steps & Costs
Table of Contents
A roof tarp provides critical emergency protection after storm damage, preventing thousands of dollars in secondary water damage to interiors, insulation, and structural components until permanent repairs can be completed. Proper roof tarp installation requires a heavy-duty waterproof tarp (minimum 6-mil thickness), 2×4 wooden anchor boards, securing the tarp from peak to eaves with the damaged area fully covered plus 4 feet of overhang on all sides, and fastening through boards every 12–16 inches using 3-inch deck screws. DIY tarping costs $50–$200 for materials, while professional emergency tarping services charge $300–$800 depending on roof size, accessibility, and damage extent.
This comprehensive guide covers roof tarp types, step-by-step installation instructions, safety precautions, material requirements, cost breakdowns, and when to hire professional emergency tarping services.
Why Roof Tarping Is Critical After Damage
Prevents Secondary Water Damage
What Water Infiltration Damages:
- Ceiling drywall: $500–$2,000 repair
- Insulation saturation: $1,000–$5,000 replacement
- Structural wood rot: $2,000–$10,000 repairs
- Mold growth: $1,500–$10,000+ remediation
- Electrical damage: $500–$5,000 repairs
Cost Comparison:
- Emergency roof tarp: $50–$800
- Water damage from untarped roof: $5,000–$25,000+
Time Value: Every hour a damaged roof remains exposed increases interior damage risk, especially during continued rain.
Buys Time for Permanent Repairs
Typical Scenarios:
- Contractor scheduling delays (1–3 weeks during storm season)
- Material availability (special shingles on backorder)
- Weather delays (can’t repair in rain/snow)
- Permit processing time (3–10 days)
Tarp Lifespan: Properly installed tarps protect 30–90 days; quality tarps in good weather last longer.
Types of Roof Tarps
1. Heavy-Duty Polyethylene Tarps (Most Common)
Specifications:
- Thickness: 6-mil to 12-mil (thicker = more durable)
- Material: Woven polyethylene with waterproof coating
- Reinforced edges with grommets every 18–36 inches
- UV-resistant for extended outdoor use
Cost: $30–$150 depending on size and thickness
- 10×12 foot (6-mil): $30–$50
- 20×30 foot (8-mil): $80–$120
- 30×50 foot (12-mil): $120–$200
Best For: Emergency temporary coverage (30–90 days)
2. Canvas Tarps
Specifications:
- Heavy cotton canvas (untreated or water-resistant treated)
- Breathable (reduces condensation)
- Heavier weight than poly tarps
Cost: $80–$250
- 10×12 foot: $80–$120
- 20×30 foot: $150–$250
Pros: Durable, tear-resistant, reduces condensation
Cons: Heavier to handle, more expensive, not fully waterproof unless treated
Best For: Extended temporary coverage where breathability matters
3. Self-Adhesive Roof Tarps
Specifications:
- Sticky-back tarp adheres directly to roof surface
- No nails or screws required (reduces roof penetrations)
- Designed for emergency one-time use
Cost: $150–$400 per tarp
Pros: Fast installation, no additional roof damage, strong adhesion
Cons: Expensive, difficult to reposition, single-use only
Best For: Situations where nailing is undesirable or impossible
Materials Needed for Roof Tarp Installation
Essential Supplies
Tarp & Anchoring:
- Heavy-duty waterproof tarp (sized to cover damage + 4 feet overhang all sides)
- 2×4 lumber boards (8-foot lengths, quantity depends on tarp size)
- 3-inch deck screws or roofing nails (100–200 count)
- Rope or bungee cords for additional securing
Tools:
- Cordless drill or hammer
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife (trimming tarp)
- Sturdy extension ladder
- Chalk line (marking anchor points)
Safety Equipment (Critical):
- Non-slip boots or shoes
- Work gloves (cut-resistant)
- Safety harness and roof anchors (steep roofs)
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
Step-by-Step Roof Tarp Installation
Step 1: Assess Damage and Safety
Ground Assessment:
- Use binoculars to inspect damage from ground level
- Identify extent of damage (missing shingles, holes, structural issues)
- Check for hanging debris or unstable roof sections
Safety Evaluation:
- Do NOT attempt DIY if:
When to Call Professionals: Extensive damage, steep pitch, unsafe conditions, or lack of proper safety equipment.
Step 2: Measure and Prepare Tarp
Measuring Damaged Area:
- Measure length and width of damaged section from ground
- Add 4 feet to all sides for proper overhang
- Round up to nearest tarp size available
Example: 8×10 foot damaged area → 16×18 foot tarp minimum (8+4+4 by 10+4+4)
Tarp Positioning Strategy:
- Tarp should extend from above damage over roof peak (if possible) down past damage
- Running tarp perpendicular to roof ridge provides best water runoff
Prepare Anchor Boards:
- Cut 2×4 boards to match tarp width
- You’ll need 2–4 boards depending on tarp size and securing method
Step 3: Clear Debris Safely
From Ground or Safely Accessible Areas:
- Remove loose shingles, branches, and debris from damaged area
- Don’t pull hanging materials that might cause further damage
- Clear gutters if full of debris (prevents water backup under tarp)
Caution: Do not walk on damaged or wet sections of roof.
Step 4: Position Tarp Over Damaged Area
Carrying Tarp to Roof:
- Fold tarp accordion-style for easier handling
- Work with helper to carry folded tarp up ladder
- Never work alone on roof
Unfolding and Positioning:
- Start at highest point (near or over ridge)
- Unfold tarp downward toward eaves
- Center tarp over damaged area
- Ensure 4-foot minimum overhang on all sides of damage
- Smooth out wrinkles and folds (water pools in low spots)
Peak Method (Best):
- Drape tarp over roof peak so one side covers damage
- Tarp extends down both sides of roof (gravity pulls water off)
- This prevents water from seeping under tarp at top edge
Step 5: Secure Top Edge (Peak Side)
Board-and-Screw Method (Most Secure):
- Position 2×4 board along top edge of tarp
- Fold tarp edge over board twice (creates strong hem)
- Drive 3-inch screws through board, folded tarp, into roof deck every 12–16 inches
- Board creates wide bearing surface that prevents tarp from tearing through grommets
Alternative for Tile Roofs:
- Carefully slide tarp edge under tiles instead of nailing
- Secure with weights (sandbags) on tarp corners
Step 6: Pull Taut and Secure Sides
Tensioning Tarp:
- Working from top to bottom, pull tarp tight to eliminate slack
- Loose tarps flap in wind and fail quickly
- Smooth tarp flat against roof surface
Side Securing:
- Position 2×4 board along each side edge
- Fold tarp over board twice
- Fasten with screws every 12–16 inches through board method
Corners:
Step 7: Secure Bottom Edge
Final Anchoring:
- Position 2×4 board along bottom edge of tarp
- Fold tarp edge over board
- Fasten securely every 12–16 inches
- Ensure tarp extends well past damaged area
Check Coverage:
- Walk around ground perimeter to verify complete coverage
- No gaps where water can enter
- Tarp lies flat without wrinkles or pooling areas
Step 8: Add Supplemental Securing
Rope/Bungee Method (Additional Wind Protection):
- Tie ropes through tarp grommets to secure anchor points:
- Trees
- Fence posts
- Deck supports
- Full water barrels
- Pull ropes tight to keep tarp flat against roof
Sandbag Weighting:
- Place sandbags (25–50 lbs each) along tarp edges for extra hold
- Do not use sandbags as only securing method on steep roofs
Roof Tarp Costs (2025)
DIY Material Costs
Basic Emergency Kit:
- Heavy-duty tarp (20×30, 8-mil): $80–$120
- 2×4 lumber (4 boards): $15–$25
- 3-inch deck screws (1 lb box): $10–$15
- Rope (100 feet): $10–$20
- Total DIY Cost: $115–$180
Premium Kit:
- Extra-heavy tarp (30×50, 12-mil): $150–$200
- Additional lumber and fasteners: $30–$50
- Total Premium DIY: $180–$250
Professional Emergency Tarping Services
Service Call Costs:
- Single-story, simple access: $300–$500
- Two-story or moderate complexity: $500–$700
- Steep pitch or difficult access: $700–$1,200+
- Emergency after-hours service: +50–100%
What’s Included:
- Professional assessment of damage
- Proper sizing and installation
- Secure anchoring for wind resistance
- Safety equipment and insurance coverage
- 24/7 emergency availability
When Worth the Cost:
- Multi-story homes
- Steep roofs (>6:12 pitch)
- Extensive damage requiring large tarps
- Unsafe weather conditions
- Lack of proper safety equipment
Common Roof Tarping Mistakes
1. Tarp Too Small
Problem: Insufficient coverage allows water infiltration around edges
Solution: Always add 4+ feet overhang beyond all edges of damage
2. Not Securing Over Peak
Problem: Water seeps under top edge of tarp
Solution: Extend tarp over roof peak whenever possible; secure top edge tightly
3. Wrinkles and Loose Areas
Problem: Water pools in low spots, causing ponding and tarp failure
Solution: Pull tarp taut during installation; eliminate all wrinkles
4. Inadequate Fastening
Problem: Wind lifts tarp, causing flapping damage and water entry
Solution: Use board-and-screw method every 12–16 inches; add extra fasteners at corners
5. Walking on Damaged Sections
Problem: Further roof damage or injury from collapse
Solution: Access tarp installation from undamaged areas only; use roof jacks on steep pitches
Safety Tips for Roof Tarping
Before Going on Roof:
- Check weather forecast (dry, calm conditions only)
- Never work in rain, snow, ice, or high winds
- Inform someone you’re working on roof
- Have cell phone for emergencies
On the Roof:
- Wear non-slip footwear with good tread
- Use safety harness on steep roofs
- Don’t work alone (always have helper)
- Stay away from roof edges
- Be aware of power lines
Ladder Safety:
- Extend ladder 3 feet above roof edge
- Set ladder angle at 75 degrees (4:1 ratio)
- Secure ladder base to prevent slipping
- Three-point contact climbing (two hands, one foot or two feet, one hand)
When to Call Professional Tarping Services
Hire Professionals If:
- Roof pitch exceeds 6:12 (too steep for safe DIY)
- Multi-story home (fall risk too high)
- Extensive damage requiring large tarps (>30×40 feet)
- Structural damage visible (sagging decking, broken trusses)
- Lack proper safety equipment (harness, anchors)
- Uncomfortable with heights or ladder work
- Weather conditions unsafe (wet, icy, windy)
- Age or physical limitations prevent safe roof access
Professional Advantages:
- Proper safety equipment and training
- Liability insurance coverage
- Experience securing tarps in high-wind conditions
- 24/7 emergency availability
- Larger tarp inventory for extensive damage
How Long Can a Roof Tarp Last?
Typical Lifespan:
- Quality 12-mil tarp, good conditions: 60–90 days
- Standard 6-mil tarp, moderate weather: 30–60 days
- Any tarp in harsh weather (high winds, snow): 14–30 days
Extending Tarp Life:
- Inspect weekly for loose fasteners; re-secure as needed
- Clear debris and pooling water after storms
- Add additional fasteners if wind damage occurs
- Replace tarp if tearing or significant wear appears
Not a Permanent Solution: Schedule permanent repairs within 30–60 days; tarps are temporary emergency measures only.
FAQ
How do you put a tarp on a roof?
Measure damaged area plus 4 feet overhang, position tarp from peak over damage, fold edges over 2×4 boards, secure with screws every 12–16 inches. Work from top to bottom, pulling tarp taut.
How much does it cost to tarp a roof?
DIY materials cost $50–$200; professional emergency tarping services charge $300–$800 depending on roof size, pitch, and accessibility.
What size tarp do I need for my roof?
Measure damaged area and add 4 feet to all sides. Example: 10×12 foot damage requires 18×20 foot minimum tarp.
Can I tarp my own roof?
Yes, for single-story homes with <6:12 pitch in dry conditions if you have proper safety equipment and comfort working at heights. Hire professionals for steep roofs or multi-story homes.
How long will a tarp last on a roof?
30–90 days depending on tarp quality, weather conditions, and installation quality. Not a permanent solution—schedule repairs within 60 days.
Do you nail or screw a roof tarp?
Use 3-inch deck screws through 2×4 boards for best hold. Screws resist wind uplift better than nails and are easier to remove later without damaging roof.
Can I tarp a roof in the rain?
Not recommended. Wet surfaces are slippery and dangerous. Wait for dry conditions, or call emergency professionals with proper safety equipment.
Conclusion
Roof tarp installation provides critical emergency protection preventing thousands in secondary water damage until permanent repairs can be completed. Proper installation requires a heavy-duty tarp (minimum 6-mil thickness) sized 4+ feet larger than damaged area on all sides, secured using the board-and-screw method every 12–16 inches from peak to eaves. DIY tarping costs $50–$200 in materials but demands strict safety protocols—single-story homes with <6:12 pitch only, dry conditions, and proper equipment. Professional emergency tarping ($300–$800) is essential for multi-story homes, steep roofs, extensive damage, or unsafe conditions. Inspect tarps weekly, schedule permanent repairs within 30–60 days, and never consider tarps as long-term solutions.
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