Securing a Damaged Roof After a Storm
When a storm damages your roof it is imperative that you protect it from further harm. Even a minor leak can affect the interior of your home, or even cause further damage to the roof. You can buy time until the professionals arrive by installing a tarp. But, you must attach it properly because it can cause more harm than good. Once installed it can last for quite some time. This is particularly useful if you are in a hard-hit area and there is a taxing demand on local roofing companies. Here is basic step by step directions to secure your roof until you can have the damage assessed and repaired.
Gather the Right Materials
- Heavy Duty Brown or Blue Tarp (size depends on the amount of damage)
- 1×4 furring strips, 8 feet in length (How many you buy depends on the extent of the issue)
- Galvanized Roofing Nails
- Saw (to trim the furring strips is necessary)
- Hammer
- Tube of roofing tar
- Caulking gun
- Putty knife
- Box Cutter/heavy duty scissors
Step 1 Lay out the tarp over the damage.
After you assess where the damage is on your roof, you will need to cover it completely. Make sure to overlap the tarp over the ridgeline about 2 feet. This procedure is essential. That way, the roof will deflect water on either side. Failing to do so may cause more damage. If you only install a square patch over the damage, water will run from the ridgeline to the furring strips and collect under the tarp. Temporarily secure the tarp with nails in the aluminum grommets, at least at the corners. Most tarps will have grommets every few feet and in the corners.
STEP 2 Add the furring strips.
Starting at a corner, on the overlap of the ridgeline and align the furring strip with the edge of the tarp. Drive the galvanized roofing nails in about every 12 inches. Next, install the strips along the bottom edge of the tarp, making sure to tighten the tarp. Lastly, continue up and down either side of the tarp. Trim away excess material with the box cutter or sharp scissors.
STEP 3 Cover all nail heads with black tar.
The last step, and as added insurance, cover the nail heads with roofing tar. Doing so will further ensure a water proof seal. You can find this material sold in tubes. It is best applied with a caulking gun. Simple dab each nail head then spread the compound with a putty knife.
If you have sustained damage to your roof due to extreme winds or a devastating storm, it is best to let the professionals handle it. However, you can use these instructions for installing a tarp on your roof. That way, you prevent further damage until a qualified technician arrives.
Has your roof been exposed because of destructive weather? Contact The Roof Guy today for a free evaluation.
