Storm just blow through? Tree fall on your roof? Water pouring into your house? You need to tarp a roof—fast.

Learning how to tarp a roof correctly can save you thousands in water damage while you wait for permanent repairs. Here's everything you need to know about emergency roof tarping.

When You Need to Tarp a Roof

Storm damage. High winds ripped off shingles or punctured your roof.

Tree damage. Branch fell through and left a hole.

Active leaks. Water's coming in and you need temporary protection.

Waiting for repairs. Contractors are booked out and you need coverage until they can fix it.

Tarping a roof is temporary—usually good for a few weeks to a few months. It's not a permanent fix, but it stops water damage right now.

What You Need to Tarp a Roof

Heavy-duty tarp. Get thick, reinforced poly tarps (at least 6 mil thickness). Blue tarps from the hardware store work in a pinch. Bigger is better—you want at least 4 feet of extra material past the damage.

2x4 boards. To anchor the tarp and create a seal. You'll need several.

Screws or nails. 3-inch deck screws work best. Roofing nails work too.

Sandbags or weights. To hold down edges without more holes.

Staple gun. Heavy-duty with long staples.

Safety gear. Non-slip shoes, harness if possible, gloves. Roofs are slippery and dangerous.

How to Tarp a Roof: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Safety First

Don't get on your roof if:

• It's raining or icy

• You're alone (always have a spotter)

• The roof is steep and you're not experienced

• There's structural damage

Seriously—emergency roof tarping isn't worth dying over. If conditions are dangerous, call professionals. We do emergency roof tarping 24/7 for exactly these situations.

Step 2: Measure the Damage

Figure out how big your tarp needs to be. Measure the damaged area plus at least 4 feet in every direction. The tarp needs to extend past the damage and reach over the roof peak if possible.

Step 3: Position the Tarp

Extend over the peak. If you can, run the tarp over the roof peak to the other side. This prevents water from getting under it. Water runs downhill—your tarp needs to shed water, not collect it.

Cover the whole damaged area. Make sure every hole, missing shingle section, or damaged spot is completely covered with plenty of overlap.

Smooth it out. Remove wrinkles and folds where water can pool.

Step 4: Anchor the Tarp

This is the most important part of how to tarp a roof correctly.

Sandwich method (best way):

1. Place a 2x4 board along the tarp edge

2. Roll the tarp edge around the board

3. Screw through the board and tarp into your roof deck

4. Repeat on all sides

This creates a solid seal and prevents wind from getting under the tarp.

Without boards:

• Staple the tarp edges heavily every 6-12 inches

• Place sandbags or weighted objects on top

• This method is weaker but works temporarily

Never: Just throw a tarp on and hope. Wind will rip it off in hours.

Step 5: Secure the Peak

If your tarp goes over the roof peak, anchor it well on both sides. This is where wind tries hardest to lift tarps. Use extra boards and screws here.

Step 6: Check Your Work

Walk around your house and look up. Is the tarp tight? Any gaps where water can get in? Any areas where wind can catch under it?

Test it with a garden hose if you can—spray water on the tarp and see if any gets through.

Emergency Roof Tarping Tips

Bigger tarps are better. You want overlap. A tarp that barely covers the damage won't work.

Multiple tarps if needed. Overlap them by at least 2 feet and seal the overlap with boards.

Check it after storms. Wind can loosen tarps. Check it weekly and after every storm to make sure it's still secure.

Don't create new holes. Every screw or nail is a potential leak point. Use the sandwich method with boards to minimize penetrations.

Temporary means temporary. A tarped roof needs permanent repairs ASAP. Don't leave it for months—tarps break down in sun and weather.

How Long Does a Roof Tarp Last?

A properly installed roof tarp lasts 2-3 months in good conditions. Maryland weather? Maybe 4-6 weeks before it starts breaking down.

UV rays degrade tarps fast. Rain, wind, and temperature changes wear them out. The clock is ticking once you tarp a roof.

When to Call Professionals for Roof Tarping

Call pros if:

• Your roof is steep or high

• Damage is extensive

• You're not comfortable on roofs

• Weather conditions are dangerous

• You don't have proper equipment

• It's dark outside

We do emergency roof tarping all over Maryland. We'll come out fast, tarp your roof correctly, and prevent further water damage. Then we'll assess the damage and give you a plan for permanent repairs.

Emergency Roof Tarping Cost

Professional emergency roof tarping in Maryland runs $300-$800 depending on:

• Roof size and pitch

• Extent of damage

• Time of day (emergency calls cost more)

• How much tarp and materials needed

That's a lot cheaper than the water damage you'll get if you don't tarp a roof quickly. Insurance usually covers emergency tarping after storm damage.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Tarping?

Usually yes. Most homeowners insurance covers emergency roof tarping as part of preventing further damage after a covered event (storm, tree, etc.).

Get it done fast. Insurance companies expect you to mitigate damage. Waiting days while water pours in can hurt your claim.

Save receipts. Whether you DIY or hire pros, keep all receipts for insurance claims.

Take photos. Document the damage before and after tarping.

Tarping a Roof vs. Permanent Repairs

Tarping a roof is emergency protection only. It's not a repair. You still need:

• Roof inspection to assess full damage

• Replacement of damaged shingles or sections

• Repair of roof deck if water got in

• New underlayment in damaged areas

• Proper flashing and sealing

Don't treat a tarp like a long-term solution. Schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible.

Common Roof Tarping Mistakes

Tarp too small. Doesn't cover damage fully. Water gets in around edges.

Not anchored well. Wind rips it off in the first storm.

No overlap past the peak. Water runs under the tarp from uphill.

Creating too many holes. Every nail or screw is a potential leak. Use the board sandwich method.

Leaving it too long. Tarps break down. Don't wait months for repairs.

Bottom Line: How to Tarp a Roof

Tarping a roof correctly: measure the damage, use a heavy-duty tarp that extends past the damage and over the peak, anchor it with boards and screws using the sandwich method, and check it regularly.

Do it right and you'll prevent water damage until permanent repairs happen. Do it wrong and you're just wasting time and materials.

But honestly? If your roof is steep, conditions are bad, or you're not comfortable up there—call pros. We've tarped hundreds of Maryland roofs in emergencies. We'll do it safely, quickly, and correctly.

Need emergency roof tarping in Maryland? Call BV Exterior 24/7 or visit bvexterior.com. We respond fast to storm damage and protect your home from further damage. Then we'll handle your permanent roof repairs too.

Because when water's pouring into your house, you don't have time to mess around.