How To Temporarily Cover A Roof
If you're in a situation where you need a quick fix, you may be wondering how to temporarily cover a roof. If you have an un-finished roof, storm damage or a leak that has not yet been located, you will need to know how to temporarily cover a roof in a short time. If you have a leak, a temporary cover should be placed immediately. Covering a roof will help to keep your house, and any belongings inside, dry until you are able to resume maintenance or repairs. Because it's never advisable to step directly on the roof, there are simple instructions on how to temporarily cover a roof without having to walk on it. You can, in fact, use a ladder when covering your roof as outlined below. This will protect you from a serious fall or other mishap.
Material List
- Tarp or Plastic
- Weather Tolerant Rope
- Stakes
- Ladder
- Work Gloves
Step by Step Procedures on How Temporarily Cover A Roof
These materials should be readily accessible at a local department store, home improvement or building supply store.
The first step to covering a roof is to measure the distance from your roof to the ground. Now, take that number and multiply it by two. The next thing you will need is weather tolerant rope, which has little or no give. If available, select a rope that will withstand various weather and is strong for securing your roof cover. If the distance from the roof to the ground is 20ft., then you would need to use 40ft. of rope for each corner of your home. The most popular item used to cover a roof is a tarp. These are inexpensive and can be found in the home improvement section at almost any department store.
The next step will be to secure stakes into the ground and make sure that, when you are pushing them into the dirt, you leave enough room above ground to secure the rope. Double the rope and tie it through each hole in the corner of the tarp. Next, bring the rope down and secure it to one of the corner stakes. Repeat this process until the tarp is secured at each corner of the house.
If you have pavement, but no dirt to drive the stakes into, use large utility blocks or cinderblocks to secure your rope to the ground if you cannot use stakes. Whatever material you choose, it should be heavy and not easily moved by wind or other inclement weather. If you are unable to find a tarp, you may use plastic to temporarily cover a roof.
Obviously, this is not a permanent solution. As soon as it's possible to begin work again, do so without delay. If you are unable to complete the work yourself, call a contractor for a professional evaluation. In the meantime, it will be safe now that you know how to temporarily cover a roof.
October, 2005
Copyright 2005 Roofer 911.com. All Rights Reserved
by Steven Briesemeister. Reprinted courtesy of Roofer 911.com, roofing contractor serving Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, NY and northern Virginia.