Unexpected roof damage can happen, leaving homeowners feeling powerless as they see their homes deteriorate due to the weather. Regardless if the cause of damage is a powerful storm, a falling tree, or another unexpected incident, it can have disastrous consequences for your roof, necessitating quick action.
Emergency roof tarping, however, is a way to prevent further damage from occurring during all the chaos. In this blog post, we’ll go over the significance of emergency roof tarping, what it involves, how to do it yourself, when to hire experts, and advice on selecting the best roofing contractor.
Understanding the Need for Emergency Roof Tarping
When severe weather conditions like storms threaten the structural integrity of your roof, emergency roof tarping is an essential way to minimize the damage that occurs to your home. It acts like a barrier to leaks, protecting the interior of your home from further damage before repairs can be made.
As a homeowner, it is also important to know that ignoring the need for emergency roof tarping can result in significant and costly repercussions over time. Water infiltration through a compromised roof can lead to structural decay, mold growth, and compromised insulation. These issues not only pose immediate risks to your home, but also increase repair costs and discomfort in the long run, impacting both your finances and living conditions.
What Kind Of Tarp Do You Need For Emergencies?
For emergency roof tarping, the most commonly recommended tarp is a polyethylene (poly) tarp, also called a poly tarp. These tarps are widely known as the best choice for covering roofs temporarily and come in various sizes. They are durable and waterproof.
Emergency roof covers are a quick fix to stopping additional damage to a roof until it can be fully checked and fixed. It’s important to pick a tarp that can handle the weather, resist tearing, and keep providing protection in high winds and harsh weather. When covering a roof with a tarp, it’s crucial to place the tarp correctly and secure it to prevent more damage and leaks.
How To Properly Install An Emergency Roof Tarp
If you’re confronted with storm damage affecting your roof and feel the need to take matters into your own hands immediately, we’ll offer these simplified steps that you can take. However, keep in mind that professional roof tarping services are your best option for the most optimal outcome.
- Evaluate the Damage: Begin by thoroughly assessing the extent of the damage to your roof, and identifying the areas in need of coverage.
- Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety. If there are risks associated with falling debris or an unstable roof structure, refrain from attempting to access the roof and call a professional immediately.
- Assemble Necessary Supplies: Gather essential supplies including a sturdy tarp that is large enough for coverage and overlap, nails or heavy-duty staples, a hammer or staple gun, and optionally, wooden boards or furring strips to reinforce your placement of the tarp.
- Prepare the Tarp: Unfold the tarp and lay it flat close to the damaged area. Trim the tarp if required to fit the damaged section appropriately.
- Secure the Tarp: Lift the tarp carefully onto the damaged area, ensuring complete coverage with overlap on all sides. If available, employ wooden boards or furring strips along the tarp’s edges, firmly fastening them with nails or staples to the roof to secure the tarp. You’ll want to use sufficient fasteners to resist strong winds.
- Anchor the Tarp: If feasible, use additional weights or heavy objects to anchor the tarp’s edges to the ground or other sturdy structures to prevent displacement by strong winds.
- Schedule Permanent Repairs: While the tarp offers temporary protection, promptly schedule permanent repairs to prevent further harm to your roof and property.
- Consider Professional Assistance: If a large portion of the roof is damaged, or if you’re uncertain about safely covering your roof with a tarp, the best thing to do is to opt for the expertise of a professional roofing contractor who can check the damage and execute the necessary repairs.
How Much Does Emergency Roof Tarping Cost?
If you choose to hire a professional for a roof tarping service, you should know what you’ll be expected to pay. The price of an emergency roof covering in Wisconsin can change depending on different things. According to average estimates, it usually costs between $175 and $700 to cover a roof, but if the situation is urgent, the cost might be higher.
The total cost can also depend on things like how big your roof is, how steep it is, and the labor rates of the professional you hire.
Additional Steps to Take When Faced with a Roof Leak In An Emergency
- Inspect Regularly: Check your roof often to prevent further damage from occurring. Check and repair any damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent leaks in these areas since they are smaller in size.
- Trim Trees: Cut back overhanging branches to avoid falling leaves and branches that could cause more damage to your roof.
Make sure to contact a reputable roofing company as soon as you discover a leak because only a skilled contractor will be able to effectively determine the leak’s origin and fix, or replace, your damaged roof.
Conclusion
To protect your home in an emergency resulting from roof damage, you need to act quickly. In order to stop additional damage and maintain the underlying strength of your home, emergency roof tarping is an essential first step.
If you’re unsure or want professional help, get in touch with Prestige Roofing. We offer quick and competent emergency roof tarping services in De Pere and the surrounding areas in Wisconsin. Put your trust in us to handle your roof tarping needs with the utmost care and solutions, guaranteeing your safety and comfort in an emergency. Give us a call at (920) 791-0414.
