Roof Tarps

A roof tarp can function as a temporary covering against leaks during or after a storm but can also shield a tent during a camping trip. While roof tarps are mostly commonly used during hurricanes to protect from damages, they can be used in any type of storm, including tornados or a heavy tropical rainstorm. For camping, a roof tarp comes in handy by shielding the tent from water during a rain storm. Even if a tent is waterproof, campers will still need to go outside to cook food and should not stay cooped in a tent all day, or until the storm passes.

To tarp a roof during a storm, there are quick and long-term methods. The quick method involves draping the tarp over the ridge of the roof and fastening every grommet to the sheathing with a two-inch screw and a 1/2 inch fender washer. However, for this method, a cordless drill is needed.

Long term roof tarping should be used if a professional roofer cannot fix your roof for a few months. Each hole on the roof should be covered with 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood and fastened to the undamaged sheathing with two-inch wide deck screws. This type of method will keep the tarp from collecting water during the storm and will also protect someone from falling through the roof. The rest of the tarp should be rolled over the peak to the other side of the roof, which will keep the water from running down the tarp. The tarp�s edges should be secured with 1x3 wood strapping and should be screwed to the roof sheathing to anchor the tarp. If the roof is tiled, however, the edges of the tarp should be fastened to the roof�s rakes and eaves.

When a roof tarp is used in camping, two tarps should be brought along for the trip. Even if the tent is entirely waterproof, material and seams, a roof tarp will still protect the tent from getting wet or experiencing seeping condensation. One tarp should be used for the tent floor to protect the tent floor from rocks. In the rain, this tarp, as long as it is under the tent with no edges sticking out, will divert water from going under the tent. The second tarp, or the roofing tarp, will protect the top of the tent and the area directly in front outside. The tarp should be about 25 feet long by 12 feet wide, with the majority of the tarp covering the area in front of the tent. When fastening the tarp, attach each of the four corners to a tree with a rope but also make sure that the tarp is fastened at a sloped angle, so that the water runs off and does not accumulate on top.