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What Can You Use To Cover A Damaged Roof?

Posted on October 17, 2024

What Can You Use To Cover A Damaged Roof?

When your roof suffers damage—whether from a storm, age, or just bad luck—the last thing you want is to let the situation get worse. A damaged roof can lead to leaks, water damage, and even deep structural issues if you don’t address it as soon as possible. As a building owner, it’s important to know what you can do to immediately mitigate roof damage and prevent further problems.

Whether you’re dealing with missing shingles, a leak, or even a partial collapse, this guide will walk you through the best ways to temporarily and permanently cover a damaged roof, the types of tarps available, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Assessing The Type Of Roof Damage

The Mississippi weather can be quite a concern for homeowners. The state is known for high temperatures during summer and is no stranger to windstorms and tornadoes. All these can damage your roof, but they do so differently. So, before getting into how to cover roof damage, it is important to first assess the type of damage that occurred.  

If the damage isn’t immediately visible from the ground, resist the temptation to climb up onto the roof yourself. Roofs are dangerous places, especially if they’re already compromised. Instead, use binoculars to inspect from a distance or check inside your attic for signs of water damage, light coming through cracks, or any sagging areas. If you’re dealing with something more serious, like a partial collapse or structural weakening, your first step should be to get everyone out of the building and call a professional immediately.

Once you’ve assessed the situation, you’ll have a better idea of whether a temporary cover will suffice until you can arrange for repairs or if immediate action is required from a professional roofer.

Best Options For Covering Roof Damage 

Once you have assessed the damage, it’s time to cover your roof. Why? If you leave the damaged area of the roof exposed, chances are the problems will worsen. Also, scheduling repairs can take time and it is important your roof stays protected until then. 

For covering your roof, there are a few options you can choose from depending on your circumstances:

Tarp Covering

Tarp Covering
Roof Tarp Covering

One of the quickest and most effective ways to cover a damaged roof is by using a tarp. A sturdy, waterproof tarp can shield the exposed area from rain, debris, and pests. To apply it correctly, you’ll want to:

  • Use a roof tarp that’s large enough to cover the damaged section with several feet of overlap.
  • Secure it tightly with nails, screws, or even sandbags if you can’t attach it directly to the roof.
  • Anchor the roofing tarp so it doesn’t flap or get blown away by the wind, which could create even more problems.

Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting is another fast, temporary solution, especially if you don’t have a tarp on hand. A heavy-duty plastic sheet can be stapled or nailed in place over smaller damaged areas. It’s not as durable as a tarp, but it can stop water from getting inside until a more suitable fix is arranged. 

Roofing Cement or Caulking

Roofing Cement
Roofing Cement

For smaller areas with leaks or cracks, roofing cement or caulking can offer a quick patch. These materials are designed to fill in gaps or holes temporarily. If you notice water coming through a small section of the roof, applying roofing cement might buy you a few days before a professional arrives.  

Note: roofing cement and plastic sheeting can offer very short-term relief, but they aren’t practical for anything beyond a quick, temporary patch. In most cases, tarping should be your go-to choice. 

What Are The Benefits Of Roof Tarping? 

When roof damage occurs, you don’t have time to waste. Water damage can quickly escalate, leading to interior issues, mold, and structural weakening. That’s why tarping is such an important service to rely on in an emergency. Here are a few reasons why installing a roof tarp is the best cover for your damaged roof: 

Immediate Protection: 

A roof tarp provides immediate, temporary protection for your home or building. It stops water from getting inside, prevents leaks from worsening, and keeps debris and pests from entering your space.

Cost-Effective Solution: 

Tarping is a cost-effective option that can buy you time until more permanent repairs can be made. By protecting your roof early, you can avoid larger, more expensive repairs caused by prolonged exposure to the extreme temperatures and weather conditions in Mississippi. 

Prevents Secondary Damage: 

Tarps are available in various forms, and nowadays, you also get mildew-resistant tarps. 

A properly installed waterproof tarp on the roof can prevent secondary issues like mold growth, water damage to insulation or drywall, and even structural weakening caused by water pooling. It’s about protecting not just your roof but also the rest of your building.

Flexible Coverage: 

Whether the damage is in a small area or spread over a large section of your roof, tarps can be custom-fitted to cover the exact size of the problem. Our roofing professionals make sure every corner and edge is securely fastened.

Types of Roof Tarps

There are different types of tarps available, depending on the level of damage and the kind of roof. As roofing experts, when we come to your home, we will choose the tarp that best suits your building’s needs.

Polyethylene (PE) Tarps: 

Polyethylene (PE) Tarps
Polyethylene (PE) Tarps Source: homedepot.com

One of the most common types of tarps used for roof damage, these are lightweight yet highly durable. Also known as poly tarps, these are waterproof, UV-resistant, and can handle tough weather conditions without breaking down. PE tarps are a great option for medium-term coverage and offer strong protection against wind and rain.

Vinyl Tarps: 

Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl Tarps Source : homedepot.com

These heavy-duty waterproof roof tarps are even more durable than polyethylene. They’re thicker, tear-resistant, and can handle extended exposure to both sun and moisture without degrading. If you need a tarp that will stay in place for a longer period, vinyl tarps are often the best choice.

Fire-Resistant Tarps:

Fire-Resistant Tarps:
Fire-Resistant Tarps: Source : homedepot.com

In certain cases, like after a fire or when working around flammable materials, fire-resistant tarps are necessary. These tarps are made from materials that won’t ignite or melt, adding an extra layer of safety for your building.

Mesh Tarps: 

Mesh Tarps 
Mesh Tarps 

Though not commonly used for roof repair, mesh tarps can be useful in cases where you need airflow while still providing partial coverage. They’re often used on flat roofs or around ventilation systems, but not in typical residential settings.

How To Install A Roof Tarp? 

The effectiveness of roof tarping isn’t just about the material—it’s about how it’s installed. 

As homeowners, installing the tarp yourself is generally not a good idea. To install a roof tarp, you need to know your way around a roof, which is risky as it is. 

Fortunately, that’s where we come in. At B&A Roofing, we have a team of roofing professionals who know how to correctly install roofing tarps to withstand wind, rain, and other environmental factors. We use high-quality fasteners, anchor points, and reinforcement techniques to ensure your roof is fully covered and protected.

Unlike DIY methods, which might leave gaps or come loose after a storm, professional tarping gives you peace of mind that your building is safe until a permanent repair or replacement can be made.

Best Roof Tarp Installers In Mississippi

When protecting a damaged roof, roof tarping is the most reliable, durable, and effective temporary solution. While roofing cement and plastic sheeting might provide a brief fix, they lack the strength and weather resistance needed to fully protect your building.

Choosing our professional roof tarping services ensures your home or building is properly shielded from further damage. Our team specializes in fast, efficient tarp installation to give you peace of mind while we work on permanent repairs.

If your roof has been damaged and you need help right away, don’t hesitate to contact B&A Roofing at (601) 520-3183. We’re here to help protect your building, starting with a strong, well-secured tarp!

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