
Your Leaking Roof May Require a Roof Tarp
Natural disasters can wreak havoc on a roof—especially in Florida. Even a mild storm can leave you with thousands of dollars’ worth of repair costs. A hole or leak can lead to catastrophic damage that compromises the foundation and structure. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to preserve your roof and your home. Read on to learn how a roof tarp can save your most valuable asset. If you need emergency roofing services, call Elite Remodeling Services today at (904) 657-8383 to talk to one of our roofing specialists.
What Is a Roof Tarp?
A roof tarp, also known as a blue roof, is a self-adhesive tarp for covering and mitigating roof leaks. The tarp is often woven, and coated with either polyurethane or polyethylene for water and mildew resistance. Roof tarps can range in size; small ones typically cover 50 square feet, and large ones can protect more than 450 square feet.
Signs You Need a Roof Tarp
Deteriorating Shingles
The next time you are up on your roof, take a moment to inspect your shingles. If you see fewer shingle granules, than that is a sign of deterioration. The granules are added to shingles to make them more fire resistant and to reflect UV rays. Without them, your roof becomes more vulnerable to the elements. That being said, it is reasonable to lose granules as a result of severe weather over time.
You may also notice dark patches or discolored areas on your roof. These can result from extended exposure to sunlight or precipitation. Any discoloration is another sign your roof needs a temporary tarp.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are a red flag. Rain and snow can seep into the cracks. This can not only cause water damage to the roof’s supporting structure, but it can breed mold and mildew as well.
Also, be on the lookout for loose shingles. Even if the shingle is still attached, wind or rain will most probably dislodge it sooner than later. If this happens, try to address repairs as soon as possible.
Water Damage in the Attic
Sometimes the evidence for roof repair isn’t on your roof. While mold and mildew are the most visible signs of a compromised roof, you should be on the lookout for a couple of other signs. A darker ceiling panel, for instance, or a plaster bubble on the walls or ceiling. The attic may also be very humid when you have an undetected leak. If you find your attic is compromised, install a tarp to minimize future damage.
How Are Roof Tarps Installed?
The first part of any installation is picking the right tarp. The insulation and thickness of the tarp you choose should depend on the weather and time of year. Once you have selected a properly sized tarp, clear the roof of any debris. This cleanup makes installation simpler and can aid in finding any broken or missing shingles, or damaged vents.
The key to a sound installation is security. After unfurling the tarp across the vulnerable section of the roof, use cap nails to attach the tarp’s peak ends to a 2 x 4. Proceed to wrap the tarp around the wood and screw the board to the roof. Repeat this step for all of the tarp ends.
Please keep in mind that installing a tarp can be dangerous. Make sure to wear a safety harness, and avoid working alone if possible. Use extra precaution when moving about the roof and wear non-slip shoes. If you have any doubts about your ability to properly install a roof tarp, do not hesitate to contact your local experts for assistance.
Tarping a Roof
A roof tarp doesn’t just protect your roof. It also protects the inside of your home. If water leaks do occur, you will be dealing with far more costly problems than roof damage. That includes mold growth, compromised insulation, rot, and short-circuited wiring.
Save yourself the hassle and headache of repairing your roof. High-quality roof tarps can be purchased online. You can also contact Elite Remodeling Services at (904) 657-8383, we are your local roof tarping experts, and we can transport and install the tarp for you.