How to Tarp a Roof: Complete Emergency Guide (Professional Contractor's Method)

As professional roofing contractors serving the Myrtle Beach coastal area for over 15 years, we've installed 500+ emergency roof tarps during hurricane seasons, tropical storms, and severe weather events. This comprehensive guide shares our proven 8-Step Professional Emergency Tarping Method—combining detailed DIY instructions with critical safety guidance on when to call professionals.

When to Tarp Your Roof: Emergency Scenarios

Immediate Tarping Situations

You need emergency roof tarping when:

Storm Damage

• Missing or blown-off shingles exposing underlayment
• Tree branches puncturing roof surface
• Hurricane or tornado damage before permanent repairs
• Hail damage creating holes or cracks

Active Leak Situations

• Water actively entering your home through ceiling
• Visible daylight through roof from attic
• Saturated insulation or ceiling drywall
• Multiple leak points from single storm

Insurance Claim Timing

• Temporary protection required while waiting for adjuster visit
• Preventing additional damage that insurance may not cover
• Documentation phase before permanent repairs begin

Temporary vs Permanent Solutions

Emergency tarping is temporary protection (30-90 days maximum). It prevents immediate water damage and satisfies insurance "mitigation of damages" requirements, but it's not a long-term roofing solution. Tarps degrade from UV exposure and weather, and can fail in high winds if not properly secured.

Permanent repairs or replacement should be scheduled immediately after tarping to avoid secondary water damage from tarp failure, mold growth, structural deterioration, and insurance claim complications. Learn more about professional roof repair services and roof replacement options.

Safety Assessment: Should You DIY or Call Professionals?

Critical Safety Evaluation (Complete This First)

STOP. Do not attempt DIY tarping if ANY of the following apply:

Roof Pitch Danger Zones

• Safe DIY: Slopes less than 6:12 (26.5 degrees) - gradual pitch
• Caution Zone: Slopes 6:12 to 9:12 (37 degrees) - requires fall protection
• Professional Only: Slopes greater than 9:12 (37+ degrees) - extreme danger

How to measure: Use pitch gauge or measure 12 inches horizontal, then vertical rise. 6 inches rise = 6:12 pitch.

Height Limitations

• Safe DIY: Single-story homes (10-12 feet)
• Caution: Two-story homes (20-25 feet) - requires professional-grade ladder and fall protection
• Professional Only: Three-story or higher - specialized equipment required

Weather Conditions (NEVER compromise on these)

• ❌ Active rain, thunderstorms, or lightning
• ❌ Winds exceeding 20 mph sustained
• ❌ Ice, snow, or freezing temperatures (slippery surfaces)
• ❌ Darkness or poor visibility
• ✅ Clear, calm weather with dry roof surface

Physical Capability Assessment

Do you have:

• Experience working at heights without fear/vertigo?
• Physical strength to carry 50+ pounds up ladder?
• Balance and coordination on sloped surfaces?
• Helper available (never tarp alone)?

If NO to any: Call professionals

Legal and Liability Considerations

Homeowner Liability Risk:

• Falls from roofs are leading cause of construction deaths (OSHA data)
• Homeowner's insurance may not cover injuries during DIY roof work
• Improperly secured tarps can blow off and damage neighbors' property
• Some HOAs prohibit owner-installed tarps

OSHA Safety Standards (Reference for Your Protection)

Even for DIY work, follow OSHA guidelines:

• Fall Protection Required: Any work 6 feet or higher (OSHA 1926.502)
• Ladder Safety: Extend 3 feet above roof edge, secure at top, 1:4 angle (OSHA 1926.1053)
• Personal Protective Equipment: Non-slip footwear, safety glasses, gloves (OSHA 1926.28)

Materials & Tools Checklist

Tarp Selection: Material Comparison

Recommended for Myrtle Beach Coastal Areas: Heavy-duty poly (12 mil minimum) or reinforced vinyl rated for 50+ mph winds due to sustained ocean breezes and hurricane risk.

Tarp Size Calculation

Formula: Damaged area + 4-foot extension on all sides

Why 4-foot overlap?

• Ensures complete waterproofing beyond damage
• Provides anchoring area on intact roof
• Accounts for wind-driven rain
• Allows proper securing without stress on tarp

Securing Materials (Critical for Wind Resistance)

Primary Method: 2×4 Board-and-Nail System (Professional Standard)

• (4-6) 2×4 lumber boards, 8 feet long
• (2-3 lbs) 1.5-inch roofing nails with plastic caps
• Hammer or nail gun
• Why: Creates continuous secure edge, distributes stress

DO NOT use:

• ❌ Duct tape (fails in hours)
• ❌ Lightweight rope alone (stretches and fails)
• ❌ Short nails (pull through in wind)

Safety Equipment (OSHA-Compliant)

Consider professional service cost-effectiveness if you need to invest in safety equipment.

The 8-Step Professional Emergency Tarping Method

Step 1: Safety Preparation & Weather Verification (15-20 minutes)

Check Weather Conditions:

• ✓ Clear skies, no precipitation forecast for 4+ hours
• ✓ Winds less than 20 mph sustained
• ✓ Dry roof surface (wait 2-4 hours after rain)
• ✓ Adequate daylight (never work in darkness)

Prepare Safety Equipment:

1. Don fall protection harness and secure anchor point
2. Set up ladder at proper 1:4 angle (1 foot out for every 4 feet up)
3. Extend ladder 3 feet above roof edge for safe mounting
4. Secure ladder at top to prevent shifting
5. Have helper hold ladder base (two-person minimum)

Step 2: Damage Assessment & Measurement (10-15 minutes)

From Ground Level (Before Climbing):

• Use binoculars to assess visible damage extent
• Identify obvious hazards (hanging branches, loose shingles, power lines)
• Mark damaged area boundaries with landmarks (chimney, vents, etc.)

From Roof (After Safe Ascent):

1. Measure damaged area:
   • Length × width of compromised section
   • Add 4 feet to each dimension for overlap
   • Note tarp size needed
2. Document damage thoroughly (INSURANCE CRITICAL):
   • Wide-angle photos showing entire damaged area
   • Close-up photos of specific damage points
   • Photos from inside attic showing water intrusion
   • Timestamp all photos (most smartphones do this automatically)
   • Take video walk-through narrating damage
3. Assess structural integrity:
   • ⚠️ STOP if you notice sagging decking, soft spots, or visible rot
   • ⚠️ STOP if damage extends to structural members (rafters/trusses)
   • These require immediate professional structural assessment

Step 3: Clear Debris & Prepare Surface (15-30 minutes)

Remove all loose material:

• Broken shingles, nails, staples
• Tree branches, leaves, pine needles
• Damaged flashing or vents
• Any material that could puncture tarp

Sweep surface clean:

• Use push broom to clear area where tarp will sit
• Clear 1 foot beyond tarp boundaries
• Ensures smooth contact and prevents tarp punctures

Step 4: Position Tarp with Proper Overlap (20-30 minutes)

Unfold tarp on ground first:

• Inspect for tears, holes, or manufacturing defects
• Orient tarp so reinforced/grommeted edges face prevailing wind direction
• If tarp has printed side, place print-side UP (UV-resistant coating)

Position from peak down toward eave:

1. Start at roof peak/ridge:
   • Extend 4 feet OVER the peak to opposite side
   • This prevents water infiltration at highest point
   • Ensures tarp sheds water away from damage
2. Align tarp to cover damage + 4 feet on all sides:
   • Use chalk line if needed for straight alignment
   • Check with measurements from Step 2
   • Adjust before securing
3. Ensure water flow direction:
   • Tarp should slope downward toward gutters
   • No valleys or pooling areas
   • Water sheds naturally off roof edge

Step 5: Secure Peak End with 2×4 Method (30-45 minutes)

This is the most critical anchoring point.

Peak/Ridge Securing (Professional Board Method):

1. Position first 2×4 board along peak:
   • Wrap tarp edge around board (creates reinforced edge)
   • Board should be on OPPOSITE side of peak from damage
   • Extends full width of tarp
2. Nail board through tarp into roof deck:
   • Space nails 6-8 inches apart along entire board
   • Use 1.5-inch roofing nails with plastic cap washers
   • Drive nails into solid decking (avoid gaps between rafters)
   • Nails should penetrate deck but not overly long
3. Add second board parallel to first (2-3 inches away):
   • Creates "sandwich" effect securing tarp edge
   • Doubles holding strength against wind uplift
   • Critical for high-wind coastal areas

Why this method works:

• Distributes stress across entire edge (vs point loads from individual fasteners)
• Prevents tearing at individual nail points
• 2×4 lumber resists wind uplift better than tarp alone
• Industry standard method used by professional roofers

Step 6: Stretch Tarp and Secure Sides (30-45 minutes)

Pull tarp taut (but not too tight):

• Work from secured peak toward eave
• Smooth out wrinkles and air pockets
• Leave slight slack for thermal expansion (tarp tightens in sun)

Secure both sides with 2×4 boards:

1. Side edges (parallel to peak):
   • Wrap tarp edge around board
   • Position board 1-2 feet from tarp edge
   • Nail board through tarp into roof (6-8 inch spacing)
2. Bottom edge (at eave):
   • CRITICAL: Extend tarp 6-8 inches over gutter
   • Allows water to sheet off into gutter
   • Prevents water from backing up under tarp
   • Secure with board wrapped in tarp edge

For larger tarps (>20 feet), add center boards:

• Run additional 2×4 across middle of tarp
• Prevents billowing in wind
• Creates multiple drainage planes

Step 7: Insurance Documentation (CRITICAL 15-20 minutes)

This step is often skipped—don't make this mistake.

Photograph the installed tarp:

1. Wide shots showing:
   • Entire tarped area in context of roof
   • How tarp overlaps damage area
   • All securing points (boards, nails)
2. Detail shots of:
   • Each secured edge close-up
   • Nail spacing and penetration
   • How tarp extends over eave into gutter
3. Interior shots (from inside attic/rooms):
   • Wet insulation or drywall
   • Active leak points before tarping
   • Tarped area from underneath

Save all receipts:

• Tarp purchase
• Lumber and fasteners
• Safety equipment (if required for this event)
• Ladder rental (if applicable)

Insurance company notification:

• Report claim within 24-48 hours of damage
• Provide photo documentation immediately
• Explain emergency tarp was installed to "mitigate damages"
• Keep tarp in place until adjuster visit (unless it fails)

Step 8: Final Inspection & Monitoring (10-15 minutes)

Walk-around inspection:

• All boards securely fastened?
• No loose tarp edges flapping?
• Tarp extends properly over eave?
• No wrinkles creating water pooling areas?

Test water shedding:

• Pour bucket of water at peak of tarped area
• Watch water flow downward and off roof edge
• Should sheet smoothly without pooling
• If pooling occurs, adjust tarp or add intermediate boards

Establish monitoring schedule:

• Check tarp every 3-4 days minimum
• After every rain or wind event
• Weekly full inspection (from roof if safe, or binoculars from ground)

Schedule permanent repairs IMMEDIATELY:

• Contact roofing contractor within 3-5 days
• Get 2-3 estimates for permanent repair
• Coordinate with insurance adjuster timeline
• Don't delay—tarps are temporary only

Insurance Documentation & Claims Process

Why Proper Documentation Matters

Without documentation, you risk:

• Claim denial ("pre-existing condition")
• Underpayment (can't prove extent)
• Delays (multiple adjuster visits)
• Out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed

With thorough documentation, expect:

• Faster claim approval (24-72 hours vs weeks)
• Full damage assessment payout
• Reimbursement for emergency tarping costs
• Smoother adjuster process

What to Document (Complete Checklist)

BEFORE Tarping:

• [ ] Wide-angle photos of entire damaged roof section (4-6 photos from different angles)
• [ ] Close-up photos of each damaged area (shingles, flashing, vents)
• [ ] Photos of interior damage (ceiling stains, wet insulation, drywall)
• [ ] Video walk-through narrating damage (2-3 minutes)
• [ ] Measurements of damaged area (dimensions, square footage)
• [ ] Date/time stamps on all media
• [ ] Weather event documentation (news reports, weather service data)

AFTER Tarping:

• [ ] Wide shots of completed tarp installation
• [ ] Detail shots of secured edges
• [ ] Interior photos showing tarped area from underneath
• [ ] Written timeline of events
• [ ] Contractor estimates (get within 3-5 days)

Common Insurance Questions

Q: "Will insurance cover my emergency tarp?"

Most policies cover "reasonable and necessary" steps to prevent additional damage under dwelling protection. This typically includes tarp materials and professional tarping service. Check your policy immediately after damage.

Q: "Should I get multiple contractor estimates?"

YES. Get 2-3 estimates within 3-5 days of damage. This validates insurance adjuster's repair estimate, provides negotiation data, and shows due diligence to insurance company.

Q: "How long do I have to file a claim?"

Most policies: 60 days to 1 year from date of loss. Best practice: File within 24-48 hours for fastest service.

Learn more about professional roof inspections for insurance documentation.

Coastal Storm Preparation (Myrtle Beach Specific)

Hurricane Season Timeline for Myrtle Beach

May-June: Pre-Season Preparation

• Schedule professional roof inspection
• Purchase emergency tarp and supplies now (stores sell out during warnings)
• Identify local contractors for emergency contact list
• Review insurance policy and file claim procedures

July-August: Peak Season Readiness

• Monitor National Hurricane Center forecasts
• Keep tarp kit accessible (garage or shed, not attic)
• Clear yard of loose debris that could become projectiles
• Trim trees near roof (reduces branch damage risk)

September-October: Active Season

• Hurricane season peaks in September
• Have contractor on standby if major storm forecast
• Test emergency contacts and service numbers
• Ensure insurance is current and adequate

Wind Rating Requirements for Coastal Areas

Myrtle Beach coastal homes face unique challenges:

Sustained Ocean Breezes:

• Average winds: 8-12 mph daily
• Storm winds: 40-75 mph (tropical storms)
• Hurricane winds: 75-150+ mph

Tarp Minimum Requirements:

• 12 mil polyethylene or 14 mil reinforced vinyl
• 50 mph wind rating minimum
• Professional installation for wind zones (most of coastal SC)

Saltwater Corrosion Prevention

Why it matters:

• Salt air accelerates metal corrosion (nails, flashing)
• Coastal humidity promotes mold under tarps
• UV intensity higher at coast (faster tarp degradation)

Protection strategies:

• Use galvanized or stainless steel nails only
• Inspect tarp fastenings more frequently (weekly vs monthly)
• Replace coastal tarps after 60 days max (vs 90 days inland)
• Rinse tarp surface after hurricane (salt degrades material)

For more coastal storm preparation tips, see our 24/7 Emergency Roofing Services page.

Tarp Lifespan & Maintenance

Expected Duration by Material

Weekly Inspection Checklist

From ground level (use binoculars):

• [ ] No visible loose edges or flapping
• [ ] No obvious tears or holes
• [ ] Boards still in place and secure
• [ ] No water pooling on tarp surface
• [ ] No debris accumulation (leaves, branches)

Signs You Need to Re-Tarp or Repair

Replace tarp immediately if:

• ⚠️ Tears larger than 2 inches (can't be patched reliably)
• ⚠️ Multiple fastener failures (boards pulling loose)
• ⚠️ Evidence of active water intrusion underneath
• ⚠️ Material becoming brittle or cracking
• ⚠️ Severe weather approaching and current tarp is weakened

When to Schedule Permanent Repairs

Don't wait until tarp fails. Schedule repairs:

Within 7-10 days of damage:

• Contact 2-3 licensed roofing contractors for estimates
• Get on contractor's schedule (may be weeks out after major storms)
• Verify contractor is insurance-approved if filing claim

Within 30 days maximum:

• Complete permanent repairs if materials available
• Coastal storm season makes scheduling critical
• Tarp failure creates much more expensive damage

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tarping Questions

When to Call WeatherShield Emergency Tarping Services

Professional Service Is Safer and Faster When:

Roof Characteristics:

• ✓ Two-story or higher (20+ feet)
• ✓ Steep pitch (>6:12 / 27 degrees)
• ✓ Complex roofline (multiple peaks, dormers, skylights)
• ✓ Tile, slate, or metal roofing (specialty materials)
• ✓ Extensive damage (>200 square feet)
• ✓ Structural concerns (sagging, soft decking)

Your Situation:

• ✓ No fall protection equipment or training
• ✓ Physical limitations or fear of heights
• ✓ No helper available (never go alone)
• ✓ Unsure of proper techniques
• ✓ Insurance claim requires professional documentation
• ✓ Time-sensitive (storm approaching, already raining)

Weather Conditions:

• ✓ Active precipitation or lightning
• ✓ High winds (>20 mph)
• ✓ Nighttime or poor visibility
• ✓ Icy, snowy, or frozen conditions

WeatherShield Emergency Tarping Benefits

Our Service Area

WeatherShield Roofing serves coastal South Carolina:

Related Resources

Conclusion: Safety First, Then Speed

Emergency roof tarping protects your home from thousands of dollars in water damage—but only if done safely and correctly.

For Myrtle Beach coastal homeowners, hurricane preparedness means having tarp materials ready before storm season, knowing professional services available 24/7, and understanding when DIY is appropriate vs when professional installation protects your safety and investment.