Roof tarps are waterproof sheets built to protect your roof and home from all sorts of external damage, including storms and debris. When you feel the need to cover your roof, you must learn some crucial facts before buying a tarp.
At Capital Roofing, we help homeowners choose the right roofing material to make their homes safer and more appealing. This article explains everything about roof tarps and will help you decide which one is best for your home.
When Do You Need A Roof Tarp?
There are many reasons that you would need a roof tarp. The most common reason is to cover a leaky roof. Roof tarps also contain storm damage and protect your home during roof repairs or replacement. Roofers may also tarp your roof when installing roof vents, skylights, and other accessories, as it may require drilling holes and cutting out a section of the roof.
When a solid roof tarp is installed on your home, you can be sure that it will provide the protection you need to keep your home safe from leaks and moisture damage caused by rain or snow. It also protects against bees, birds, insects, and rodents. If there’s a hole in your roof, a tarp will also prevent debris from entering the house.
It’s best to choose a tarp only after carefully evaluating different factors that affect your roofing project and the reason for tarping your roof.
Things To Consider Before Choosing A Roof Tarp
Whenever you buy a roofing product or hire a roofing contractor, you must research several things. In the case of tarping a roof, it is essential to learn the features, costs, and warranties of different types of tarp. This will help you shortlist some ideal products. After that, you can confidently discuss your tarping needs with a reliable local roofing company.
#1 Compare The Features Of Different Tarps
The warranty offered by the manufacturer is an important consideration when you buy a roof tarp for your home. The longer the warranty period, the better. You should also check to see if there are any warranty requirements or restrictions regarding the use of your roof tarp, such as maximum wind speed or snow load rating. You can also find fire and water resistance ratings on most roof tarps. For example, most single-ply polyethylene and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), products will have a UL-94 V-0 fire rating which means they resist burning when ignited.
#2 Check Which Tarp Comes With A Good Manufacturer Warranty
A preferred warranty should be at least 30 days long. The warranty should cover all the materials used in the tarp, including seams, grommets, and edge binding. In addition, consider getting additional insurance coverage if your roof tarp gets damaged from storms or other accidents.
#3 Do You Need A Fire-Resistant Tarp?
Fire-resistant roof tarps have been a standard for years. They’re designed to protect your roof’s material and your home from fire damage. A fire-resistant tarp primarily aims to withstand high temperatures and fires without burning or melting down. This protects your home and surroundings from an accidental blaze caused by lightning, electrical failures, and other fire hazards.
There are hundreds of products on the market, but your choice depends directly on your requirements as a homeowner. Roof tarps are made from waterproof and fire-resistant materials.
What Are Roof Tarps Made Of?
There are a variety of synthetic materials used to create a roof tarp. These include chemical-treated canvas and plastics like polyethylene and vinyl. Some tarps also contain reinforcement materials like rubber. The properties of a roof tarp determine how well it will hold up against the elements when positioned on top of your roof. You must pick one according to your project requirements and current weather conditions.
Here are the three primary types of tarps.
Poly Tarps
Poly tarps are durable and lightweight. They are made from polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. Poly tarps also have a UV coating that protects them from sun exposure and damage. Plus, they are very flexible and be folded up easily when not in use. Poly tarps come in different thicknesses depending on what kind of protection you need.
Vinyl Tarps
Vinyl tarps are typically made from PVC, which is a type of plastic that’s more rigid and sturdy than polyethylene. Vinyl tarps are less flexible but more resistant to wear and tear. They are also more expensive than other tarping materials because of PVC’s durability when compared to other tarping options available on the market.
Canvas tarps
Canvas tarps are mostly made of thick, breathable cotton fabric. These waterproof tarps also prevent condensation and can withstand severe wear and tear. Canvas tarps are best suited for hot and humid climates, and to cover machinery, tools, sealants, wires, and more. Many canvas tarps are also treated to repel mold, fire, and pests.
The durability and longevity of roof tarps depend on their quality and usage. Some can stay strong for months, while others may start falling apart within a week. Here are some common questions homeowners ask, which can help you consider other aspects of roof tarping.
FAQs
Whenever you buy a product or are in need of service, the first things that usually come to mind are questions regarding what it will cost, and how long it will last.
How Long Can You Leave A Tarp On Your Roof?
A roof tarp is a temporary form of protection, like a big patch for your roof. How long you should use one depends on the type of tarp used and current weather conditions. It is best to use it until it is safe to do the necessary repairs or time to close any holes in the roof. On average, a roof tarp can stay on your roof for 2 to 3 months when the weather is moderate.
How Much Does Roof Tarping Cost?
The cost to tarp a roof ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of your home and the product you choose. It also depends on the current weather conditions and the availability of reliable roofing contractors.
As with many roofing projects, roof tarping is a complex job. It involves risky and careful work. Many homeowners prefer to use a local roof-tarping contractor with an excellent reputation and years of experience. The tarping process takes time, patience, and precision, as it can be pretty tricky to get right if you don’t know what you’re doing or if your tools aren’t up to par for the job at hand.
Why Hire Professionals To Tarp Your Roof?
The professionals at your local roofing company can do the job faster, more efficiently, and more safely than your average handyman. They also have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure accurate tarping and complete protection. Because they’ve done it hundreds of times before, they’ll ensure every detail is taken care of.
We hope you now feel sufficiently informed about roof tarps. Remember, if you are wondering where to start, you can always ask a reliable roofing contractor for a free consultation.
If you live in Claremore, Oklahoma, or the surrounding areas, we can help you! At Capital Roofing, we’ve been improving and protecting homes for years. Our experts will help you choose the best roof tarp and ensure that every corner is protected. If you need roof tarping service, contact us at, (918) 260-4075. We can help you with a free consultation and estimate.
