| Following any major storm the next crucial step is | | | | hammer, safety glasses, a cutting instrument, |
| damage assessment. As part of the assessment | | | | several 2 x 4 wooden studs and 3-1/4" screws |
| process it is important to note the areas most | | | | or framing nails. Start by laying out the tarpaulin |
| critically affected by the storm and make | | | | over the damaged area. If you need to use |
| temporary repairs to stabilize your home until a | | | | multiple tarps to completely cover an area then |
| professional contractor is available. One of the | | | | connect the two pieces by overlapping them. Use |
| most common types of damage after major | | | | a 2 x 4 strip of wood that is longer than the |
| storms is roof damage. Using a tarp to cover the | | | | width of the tarp and place it on top of the tarps |
| damaged areas is crucial until more permanent | | | | edge that is overlapping the bottom cover. Fold |
| repairs can be made. Immediate action in | | | | the wood strip back on itself with both the |
| emergency situations can prevent further | | | | bottom and top tarp at the same time. Complete |
| deterioration to the exposed areas of a roof and | | | | three full rotations before securing the 2 x 4 strip |
| can greatly reduce future repair costs. However, | | | | to the roof with nails or screws. The folding of |
| tarping a roof should only be done if there is an | | | | the tarps with the wood strip will create a seal |
| immediate threat of further damage and a | | | | and prevent water from seeping through the two |
| professional is not available to complete the task. | | | | separate covers. Place an additional strip of wood, |
| When making tarp repairs to a roof it is always | | | | of equal length, on top of the first and secure it |
| best to use the buddy system and have a friend | | | | with nails or screws. The sandwich effect will |
| or neighbor assist you with the project. Avoid | | | | further reduce water seepage as well as, |
| standing on steeply pitched rooftops and never | | | | strengthen the hold on the roof. The final step in |
| stand directly on the tarp when applying it to the | | | | the process will require placing 2 x 4 strips of |
| roof, especially if it is wet. | | | | wood cut into 3 or 4-foot sections along the |
| Identifying the damaged areas caused by | | | | perimeter of the tarp cover. Try to space the |
| hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural | | | | strips of wood about 1 foot apart from one |
| elements can be difficult at first sight but there | | | | another. The space between strips will allow the |
| are some key indicators that damage has | | | | movement of water, dirt and debris and prevent |
| occurred. Some of those key indicators include | | | | it from collecting on top of the tarp and damaged |
| but are not limited to disturbed shingles caused by | | | | area. |
| high winds, dipping or indentations to the roof, | | | | Safety is of the utmost importance and using a |
| broken roof tiles, missing sheet metal panels and | | | | tarp cover, as a temporary solution should only |
| of course water damage to the inside of the | | | | be done in an emergency situation. Never attempt |
| house due to leaking or dripping. Water will travel | | | | to repair a roof during a storm and always stop |
| the path of least resistance so the area the leak | | | | working if the weather starts to worsen. Roof |
| appears to be in may not actually be the origin. If | | | | repairs are best left to the professionals, so if |
| possible, try to track the water leak to its origin. | | | | there is any professional assistance available |
| In order to accomplish this you may have to | | | | please use it. Furthermore, always remember to |
| crawl in the attic or even cut a square out of the | | | | use the buddy system when on a roof or using |
| ceiling drywall to find the source. | | | | ladders. Roofs can be extremely dangerous and |
| Once all damaged areas have been assessed, the | | | | under no circumstances should these steps be |
| tarp process can be initiated. There are a couple | | | | attempted in foul weather or unsafe conditions. |
| of different options available for roof covers but | | | | These instructions are just a suggestion and the |
| a polyethylene tarp is the preferred fabric due to | | | | author holds no liability or responsibility for |
| its tear resistant qualities. It is safer and more | | | | accidents that may occur during the repair nor |
| manageable to use several smaller covers than | | | | holds any responsibility for faulty repairs. |
| one large cover. In addition to a tarp cover, some | | | | Furthermore, it is recommended that you consult |
| other items are essential for the process and | | | | with a professional if there is any doubt |
| include a ladder, a pair of heavy-duty gloves, a | | | | whatsoever about safety or procedure. |