How to Cover a Roof with a Tarp

When accidents happen, the results can be disastrous. Maybe a tree fell over in a storm and popped a hole in the roof, or that roof repair turned out to be faulty and you need to get it fixed. The problem is that when you need something done in an emergency, it rarely can actually be done. In the case of a roof leak, a tarp can be used to protect the inside of your house from water damage, it just needs to be installed correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Large tarp
• Twine
• Scissors
• Bricks or other heavy objects

Instructions

1. Climb up the roof with an assistant and the equipment. Locate the leaking area.

2. Lay out the tarp with the help of an assistant so that it completely covers the leaking area. If possible, you also want the tarp to go over the peak of the roof. That way, no water can leak underneath the tarp and into the hole.

3. Place bricks or another heavy object on the corners and along the perimeter of the tarp. Make sure the tarp doesn't just fly off the roof, defeating your hard work.

4. Tie sections of twine to the eyelets in the tarp. Then tie those sections of twine to solid areas on the roof for protection. You can also tie the twine to the heavy objects to keep the tarp down as well.