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Do You Need A Roof Tarp In Caldwell, NJ?

Posted on April 22, 2022

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Do You Need A Roof Tarp In Caldwell, NJ?

It is a fact that our roof plays an important role in keeping our home secured from outside forces and elements. Since it keeps on doing its work sincerely, we hardly give much thought to care for the roof structure we have. This is why we get taken aback when small, unnoticeable damages on the roof lead to larger damage, exposing our home’s structure. At such times it is easy to get panicked as you strive for an immediate solution. To help with this you can make use of a roof tarp. 

Tarping a roof temporarily stops leaks and protects your home from other weather extremities so that the damage does not get worse with time. In this blog, you will get to know about what role roof tarping plays in your home and how to tarp a roof. 

What Are Roofing Tarps? 

Tarp roofing is the process of using a roof tarp or tarpaulin to cover your existing roof for a short period of time. The roofing tarp of today is made from woven polyethylene material. Over the years, this material has been so widely used in the manufacturing of tarpaulins that it has become widely associated with this type of product.

Whether you observe a leak in your roof, are looking to expand your home, or have suffered storm damage, tarping the roof can prevent water damage. Temporary roof tarping is an effective way of protecting your property while you wait for a contractor to repair the leaks and other damages.

So if you use a tarp on the roof then it can do the following.

Signs That Say You Should Tarp Your Roof

During its lifetime, a roof will suffer much wear and tear, thanks to the extreme conditions it faces. As a homeowner in Caldwell, you should take extreme care of your roof as your area witnesses harsh weather conditions. Below are some of the signs of damage that you should not ignore. These signs can suggest tarping a roof. 

Visible Leaks On The Ceiling

Roof leaks can occur due to many reasons, the first signs of this leak are visible on the ceiling, so be sure to keep an eye on it, especially after rain. If you ever spot a wet area or white or black spots on your ceiling, that could be the start of greater damage. You could be in for serious problems so it’s best to act quickly and install a roof tarp. 

Windstorm

After water, the biggest enemy of your house is windstorms. Windstorm damage to roofs is extremely common, especially in some areas of New Jersey. Highspeed wind storms can cause upliftment or displacement of shingles. This can enable the roof to let rain and wind inside, which can destroy the structural integrity of your home. To prevent this, setting an emergency roof tarp is important. 

Hailstorm Damage

Hail is also one of the most dangerous signs that you can see on your roof. Hail is a solid, circular ice-like structure. Hail storms can lead to large dents or poke marks, or a lot of smaller hits can all be signs that your home’s roof has been compromised and needs to be protected. 

How To Install An Emergency Roof Tarp? 

From the above discussion, it is clear that a roof tarp can be handy in many situations and can give you a buffer till your roof gets back in shape. If you are thinking of building a new roof or your existing roof has gone through some damage, you should also consider tarping a roof. Though you can try to do it yourself, but it is not recommended due to the risk involved. 

Here is how roof tarps are installed using the following steps.

Investigation Of Damage

Before actually going forward with the installation of the roof tarp, the condition of the roof is assessed. The first step when preparing for a roof leak is to determine the location as well as the extent of the damage. These can be leaks or missing shingles etc. Gather all available information about the damage so that a roof tarp of appropriate size can be installed. If the roof is steep then it is better to assess with the help of a ladder. Depending on the contractor, he/she can use a drone or any other equipment as well.

Measurement Of The Roof Structure

After the contractor assesses the damage on the roof, the next step is to exactly measure the size of the damage. After this tarp will be purchased. Your roofing contractor will be doing the measurements while on the roof. By Using a tape measure or a ruler, they can determine exactly how much tarp they will need for effective installation.

As a rule of thumb, the tarp on the roof should be 3’’-5’’ longer than the area of the damage. Using a tape measure, they can determine exactly how much tarp they need.

Clean The Roof

The extent of damage is investigated, and the part of the roof to be covered is ascertained and measured. The next process after this is cleaning the roof structure. It is essential to do this so that no additional object is present on the roof before tarping. This can include removing any excess debris from the roof. If the debris is left behind, it can clog gutters and interfere with the flow of water, which could create more problems with the roof over time.

Also, it is important to clear away these vulnerable spots such as loose shingles and nails as they can cause issues like leaks in the future.

Unfolding The Roof Tarp

Now it’s the time to ultimately stretch out the roof tarp. There are many types of roof tarps available in the market. These can include the likes of polyethylene, canvas, and PVC. Each of the tarp types has their own pros and cons. However, make sure that the roofing tarps you select have the following characteristics

  • The roof tarp should be fit for external use and can withstand the weather. 
  • The material used should be thick and durable
  • The tarp should be large enough to effectively cover the damaged area of the roof
  • Should be able to reflect harsh UV rays

Positioning The Tarp On Roof

One of the most complicated parts of the installation process is setting up the roof tarp. This step is done to ensure that your tarp is properly positioned on your roof. Ensure that your tarp must be secured and strongly so that it won’t come loose in windy or stormy conditions. You can use 2x4s to weigh down the tarp over the damaged area.

Also, to ensure that the tarp is waterproof, roll the excess tarp around the 2x4s so that it stays sealed and secure. 

Securing

To ascertain that the tarp that is installed on the roof does not get damaged or displaced by the outside forces, it is important to secure it. The roof tarp should be secured tightly. Once your boards are all set, use a screwdriver to secure them. Place an additional 2×4 outside your roof’s edge to provide extra support for your roof and to prevent wind from blowing under the roof itself.

Why Should I Hire A Professional Roofing Company?

Now we know the process of how to tarp a roof. Installing a tarp on your own is a bad idea unless you really know what you’re doing — which most people don’t. If you have a damaged roof and need to protect it from further damage, get in touch with a professional who can safely install an adhesive tarp over your existing roof.

Here are a few reasons you should hire a professional roofing contractor

  • They have the necessary experience and knowledge. They know the ins and outs of the roof. They will know the extent of underlying damage
  • A professional roof tarp professional has access to all the necessary equipment to do the work effectively. 
  • He will take proper precautions to carry out the job so that you will not face any risks
  • These are licensed and insured and can get you access to quality roof tarp materials 

Thinking Of Installing A Roof Tarp: Call Northkit Roofing!

If you are also looking for a perfect short-term cover for your roof, then installing a tarp on the roof can be the perfect solution. Northkit Roofing has been in the roofing industry for quite some time now. We have a combined experience of more than 25 years and boast of our highly professional crew. Roof tarping installation is one of the areas we specialize in. Our crew is highly trained and has all the necessary tools to install the tarp. 

If you want to protect your roof from further damage then you should connect with us for emergency roof tarp installation. Call us at (973) 396-7416.

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