An emergency roof tarp is a heavy, waterproof sheet that a roofer fastens over a damaged or open section of roof to keep rain out until a permanent repair can be made. It is a temporary step. It buys time to protect the inside of your home, but it does not fix the roof.
When is a tarp the right temporary step?
A tarp makes sense when water is a bigger threat than the damage itself and a permanent repair cannot happen right away. Common situations include:
- A tree or large limb has punctured or torn open the roof
- Storm damage has removed shingles or exposed the deck
- A roof is partly torn off and weather is moving in, including during a replacement
- A section of decking, flashing or a vent has failed and a repair has to wait
- Materials are delayed, or an inspection or other decision is still pending
If the roof is intact and only slowly leaking, a tarp may not be needed, and a repair may be more appropriate. A roofer can tell you which. See our page on how to find a roof leak for how we trace one.
What does a good tarp job look like?
A tarp is only as good as how it is installed, and a poor one can make things worse. A well-done job generally has these traits:
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarp sized to overlap the damage generously, not a thin hardware-store sheet |
| Coverage | Extends well beyond the damaged area and over the ridge or a high point so water cannot run underneath |
| Anchoring | Fastened along secured boards or battens, with the tarp pulled tight and flat so wind cannot flap it |
| Water flow | Laid so water runs over the edges and not behind them, shingle-style from the top down |
| Edges | Sealed or folded where needed and secured on all sides |
| Clean-up | Debris removed from the surrounding area, and the tarp does not trap standing water |
| Photos | Before and after photos, so you have a record |
If you can see sagging pockets that hold water, loose corners that flap or a tarp held in place only by weights, ask the roofer to correct it. Sandbags and stray boards alone will not do.
Why is a tarp temporary?
A tarp keeps water out for a short time, but it cannot do what a roof does. Reasons it should not stay long:
- Wind lifts and wears tarps, and edges can loosen over time.
- Sunlight breaks down the material.
- It does not ventilate the roof or deal with the damaged deck beneath it.
- Fasteners through the tarp can make small holes in the roof if it stays for a long period.
- Trapped moisture under the tarp can damage wood and insulation.
Think of it as a bandage. It protects the wound while you arrange the actual repair, and it should be replaced with a real fix as soon as practical.
What happens when rain interrupts a job?
Rain interrupting work is common in Oklahoma. Crews generally try to tear off only as much roof as they can dry in the same day, and they keep tarps on hand for when a shower moves in. Our owner, Jeremy Hays, describes one morning when weather had other plans: a few small showers and then bright skies, and a tarp let the crew keep going and still finish the roof. We cover the steps in our page on rain during a roof replacement.
In that kind of case a tarp is a short pause button, and the roof is back under construction as soon as conditions allow.
Who should install it?
A professional crew with fall protection. Jeremy says in his own posts that he does not enjoy tarping big, steep, high roofs and does not like heights, which tells you how risky the work can be even for experienced roofers. For homeowners, putting up a tarp from a ladder or the roof is one of the more dangerous do-it-yourself jobs, and rain makes it worse. Do not go on a damaged roof. If there is a tree on the house, see what to do if a tree falls on your roof first.
What should I ask a roofer about a tarp?
- How do you secure it, and what do you fasten it to?
- Will it cover the damaged area and extend past it?
- How long do you expect it to stay on, and what happens next?
- Will you send photos before and after?
- Who comes back to remove it, and when the permanent repair is done, how is the area made good?
- Is the tarp work separate from the repair in the estimate, and how is it documented?
Frequently asked questions
How long can a tarp stay on a roof? It is meant to be short term. The right time depends on weather, the tarp and the damage, so ask your roofer for a plan to replace it with a permanent repair.
Can I put a tarp on myself? We do not recommend it. Working on a damaged, wet roof is dangerous.
Will a tarp stop all leaks? No. It reduces water entry but can fail in wind or if it is not installed properly. Keep checking the inside of the house.
Will a tarp damage my roof? Fasteners can leave small holes, and a poor job can scuff shingles. A good crew plans to minimize both and fixes the area during the repair.
Do I need to keep photos? Yes. Photos of the damage, the tarp and the repair are useful records.
Is temporary protection covered by insurance? It depends on your policy. Policies differ, so read yours and ask your agent.
Talk to us about your roof
If your roof needs temporary protection or a closer look, Total Roof Protection OKC can inspect it and explain what we see. Call 405-415-5841 to schedule an inspection. An inspection tells you about the roof. It does not predict or replace your insurer's decision. See our services.