There are several factors that can immediately affect the condition of a roof and one of these is damage caused by a recent storm. The extent of the damage may vary from highly visible indentations and breakage to virtually unnoticed depressions. Either way, a small amount of damage can surely hurt a roof’s surface, eventually resulting in structural deterioration. Keeping this in mind, when a hurricane or storm causes severe damage to a home exposing essential structural components, immediate action must be taken.
The best temporary response to promptly address this type of issue is the use of a tarp. A tarpaulin is a sheet of waterproof cloth, either plastic or canvas, that is durable, pliable and resistant to water penetration. It is commonly used for an emergency roof covering to offer temporary protection over any storm-damaged areas that are open to the interior of a building.
Tarps
After a storm has inflected severe damage to a roof, immediate action must be taken to prevent any further damage or water leakage that could result in even costlier repairs. An emergency covering such as a tarp should be used to mitigate storm-related damages until an insurance company inspection has been completed and an authorization to begin any necessary repairs or restoration has been given.
This rapid action also provides adequate time to make decisions about the best available repair options while stabilizing the underlying damage so debris can be removed and intact belongings collected. Although this action will not solve the entire problem, it will at least provide a temporary solution until professionals can begin proper repairs.
Utilizing a blue tarp to temporarily cover damage on a roof can ultimately help save thousands of dollars. Following is a list of easy, sequential steps for using this emergency covering.
- Gather – Gather all the needed materials together, include: blue tarp, ladder, nails, hammer, goggles, working gloves, and 2×4 wood strips.
- Assess – Assess the extent of the damage.
- Unfold – Unfold a sufficient amount of blue tarp to cover the damaged section, basically from the edge of the roof to the peak with four feet of extended length on both ends; then cut to fit.
- Preparation – Sandwich both ends using a 2×4 wooden strip together with the second 2×4 and nail together using 3-¼ nails.
- Anchor – Nail the sandwich tarp on the eaves line or underside of the overhang and stretch the other end over the peak down to the opposite overhang; nail it to the underside.
- Attach – Using 2×4 wooden strips nail down the tarp vertically against the roofing material at least three feet apart.
Safety Considerations
Emergency response to roofing issues immediately following a storm requires proceeding carefully to complete the project successfully. Since putting up a tarp is quite hazardous, it is imperative to put safety first to avoid serious falls and risky accidents. Calling a roofing professional would be the preferred option; however, since time is often of the essence, the DIY method may be necessary as long at the following precautionary measures are followed.
- Always work with a buddy.
- Avoid standing on a surface with a high degree of inclination.
- Avoid standing on a newly laid tarp, particularly when wet.
- Never ever install the tarp during a storm.
When hurricanes, tornadoes and ravaging storms damage the top of a house, a tarp can be used to temporarily cover the roof. This is an emergency response action to avoid further damage while seeking assistance from professional contractors. Take all the precautionary measures necessary to safely complete the project. After resolving such an emergency, it is imperative to submit an insurance claim to cover the expenses for the final repair. With the help of reputable contractors, any roofing emergency can be successfully managed!
Call Schulte Roofing for emergency Montgomery Roofing Problems!
Are you looking for a Montgomery roof company to help with an emergency situation with your roof? Call Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 for help with any roofing needs of all Montgomery area customers!