Roof Tarping

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Emergency roof tarping is an essential skill in disaster response, offering temporary but crucial protection for homes damaged by storms. Properly installed tarps can shield a residence for up to 90 days, preventing further water damage, mold growth, and structural deterioration while homeowners arrange for permanent repairs.

Common types of storm damage that necessitate tarping  include missing or damaged shingles, impact damage from trees, sections lifted by wind, punctures from flying debris, and damage to flashing around chimneys and vents. In some cases, structural harm from falling limbs may also require immediate attention. This chapter will guide you through the technique and materials necessary for effective emergency roof tarping, ensuring that you can provide invaluable assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Glossary

• Roofing: Outermost layer of a roof; shingles, tiles, metal, etc.

• Valley: The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes, typically where two sections of the roof meet and create a channel for water runoff.

• Ridge: The horizontal peak at the top of a roof where two sloping sides meet, often covered with ridge tiles or shingles to provide a watertight seal.

• Rafter: Structural framing of the roof

• Firring Strips: Thin wooden strips

• Fall Protection: Safety equipment used to prevent falls from heights, including harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets, essential for protecting workers during roofing and other elevated tasks

Section 1: S.A.f.E.R.

1. Situational Hazards

1. Comfort: Volunteers should be aware that working on roofs can be physically demanding and uncomfortable. Proper attire, including non-slip boots, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, can help protect against the elements and provide some comfort. It's also important to take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and work during cooler parts of the day to avoid heat exhaustion

2. Debris: Roofs may be littered with debris such as broken shingles, branches, and other materials. Volunteers should clear a 10-foot perimeter around the work area and set up a tool staging area to keep the workspace organized and safe.

3. Loose roofing Materials: Loose shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials can pose a tripping hazard and may slide off the roof, causing injury. Volunteers should be cautious when moving around the roof and ensure that all loose materials are secured or removed before starting the tarping process

4. Holes/compromised structure hidden by roofing: Storm damage can create hidden hazards such as holes or weakened structures. Volunteers should carefully inspect the roof for any signs of damage and avoid stepping on areas that appear unstable. Using a chalk line to mark safe walking paths can help prevent accidents

5. Wind Gusts: Wind gusts can make it difficult to handle tarps and other materials on the roof. Volunteers should work in pairs to manage large tarps and use sandbags as temporary anchors to keep the tarp in place while positioning it. It's also important to monitor weather conditions and avoid working on the roof during high winds

6. Dropped Tools: Tools dropped from the roof can cause serious injuries to people below. Volunteers should use tool belts or pouches to keep tools secure and avoid carrying tools in their hands while climbing ladders. Establishing a designated cutting station and marking falling object danger zones with caution tape can help prevent accidents

7. Stepping on the tarp: Loose, no traction: Tarps can be slippery and provide little traction, increasing the risk of falls. Volunteers should avoid stepping directly on the tarp whenever possible and use firring strips to secure the tarp and create a more stable surface. 

8. Materials: Shingles may contain fiberglass, and metal roofing can have sharp edges that pose a risk of cuts and abrasions. Volunteers should wear cut-resistant gloves and long-sleeved shirts to protect their skin.

2. Communication

• Standardized terms must be established in order to safely lead volunteers on high-risk projects such as roof tarping or chainsaw work.

1. "On rope" - When attaching to safety line

2. "Rope free" - When disconnecting

3. "Tool up/down" - When transferring equipment

4. "Edge!" - When approaching roof edge

5. "Help needed" - Emergency assistance required

3. PPE

• Boots with non-slip soles

• Pants and long sleeved shirt

• Hard hat

• Safety glasses with side shields

• Cut-resistant gloves

• Knee pad

• Fall Protection Kit:

1. Full-body harness (ANSI Z359.11 compliant)

2. Rope grab device

3. 5/8" diameter life safety rope

4. Anchor points rated for 5,000 lbs

5. Shock-absorbing lanyard

6. Rope protection at edge points

4. Ladder Safety

• Extension ladder should extend 3 feet above roof edge

• Secure top and bottom of ladder

• Use ladder stabilizer bar at top when possible

• Position at 75.5° angle (1:4 ratio)

• Test stability before climbing

• Maintain three points of contact

• Never carry tools in hands while climbing

5. Fall Protection Setup Tips

• Review and follow instructions provided with equipment

• Anchor point options:

1. Peak anchors over ridge

2. Permanent roof anchors

3. Rafters

4. Trees

5. Ground: Vehicle or permanent structure

• Rope system setup:

1. Inspect all equipment before use

2. Set up anchor point on opposite side of work area

3. Route rope with minimal friction points

4. Test system before using

Section 2: Tools

• Hammer

• Cordless drill with spare batteries

• #2 Phillips head bits

• Utility knife with spare blades

• Measuring tape (25' minimum)

• Chalk line

• Speed square

• Flat bar

Section 3: Materials 

• Heavy-duty trap – 6 mil plastic may be used when tarps are unavailable but will not last as long as tarps.

• 20-24 pieces of 2x4x8' lumber

• 1.5" deck screws

• 1.5" roofing nails

• ½” Plywood for covering holes

• Firring Stripa

• Sandbags 

• Tarp

• When possible, choose tarps based on:

  • UV resistance rating (minimum 90 days)

  • Material thickness (minimum 6-mil, prefer 8-mil or higher)

  • Color (blue tarps are standard, silver/white for hot climates)

  • Size requirements (calculated with 4-foot overlap on all sides)

  • Reinforced edges and grommets

  • Denier rating (prefer 14x14 weave minimum)

Section 4: Walkthrough

1. Site Preparation

1. Establish a clear perimeter of at least 10 feet around the work area to ensure safety and unobstructed access.

2. Designate a tool staging area to organize and facilitate easy access to all necessary equipment.

3. Set up a dedicated cutting station to handle all material cutting needs with efficiency and safety.

4. Mark falling object danger zones with caution tape to alert and protect personnel from potential hazards.

5. Position debris collection tarps beneath areas where any debris may fall from the roof to maintain a clean and safe worksite.

2. Measurement

• Measure each plane independently to ensure precise calculations and material usage.

• Account for valleys and hips, as these areas will require additional material for adequate coverage.

• Ensure that tarped areas extend over the peak to prevent rainwater from flowing underneath, which could cause damage.

• Add extra material for irregular shapes and trim on the roof to ensure a tight and secure fit.

• Formula for Material Calculation:

  • For basic rectangles: (L + 8') × (W + 8') to account for a 4-foot overlap on all sides.

  • For valley areas, add 30% more material to ensure sufficient coverage and prevent water intrusion.

  • For multiple planes, calculate each section independently to maintain accuracy and efficiency. 

3. Installation

1. Initial Tarp Positioning: 

   • Unfold the tarp onto the ground and cut it to the required size.

   • Mark similar points on parallel sides to use as reference points when pulling the tarp taut.

   • Utilize sandbags as temporary anchors to unfold the tarp into position at valleys and ridges.

   • Begin positioning from the bottom edge and work upward to ensure proper overlap and water flow.

2. Fasten Tarp

   • Work in pairs to facilitate easier handling and more efficient installation.

   • Place the firring strips along the edges of the tarp and roll them together twice so the tarp wraps securely around the firring strips.

   • Pull the tarp taut to eliminate any slack or wrinkles.

   • Fasten the firring strips with nails or screws at 18-inch intervals to ensure a secure hold.

   • For large areas, fasten the firring strips vertically every 8 feet onto the tarped area to prevent billowing and wind-related tear-out.

   • Use firring strips to construct a rough frame over large holes or dips in structurally damaged roofs.

     • Take extra care to ensure that the tarp is pulled taught and use extra fasteners to protect from water pooling and tearing out the tarp. 

     • The photo below demonstrates this frame in place prior to a new tarp installation over a failed tarp with no structure underneath. The improper tarping of this roof caused water to pool, resulting in a total collapse of this area of roof  structure. It began as a 2’ hole with 3 broken joists resulting in a large belly behind a dormer window. As you can see in the photo the entire structure of the dormer is absent having collapsed through the roof, second story bathroom floor, and into the first floor of the home. The quote to repair this home rose to over $40k from $3,500 due to this oversite on what was otherwise a decent tarp job.

4. Quality Control

1. Edge Securing 

   • Ensure there are no loose tarp edges that could be lifted by the wind or permit water infiltration.

   • Verify that all nails and screws are tight and straight to maintain a secure and professional installation.

   • Check for any tears around fasteners and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.

   • Maintain even tension on all sides of the tarp to ensure a smooth and secure fit.

   • Consider suggestions from volunteers with relevant expertise. These guidelines are designed for unskilled volunteers to ensure effective tarping throughout varying  structural and environmental factors. The image shows a tarp installed with "button caps" on the edges and surface, and firring strips on windward edges to prevent uplift.

2. Water Flow 

   • Ensure proper downhill overlap direction to facilitate water runoff and prevent pooling.

   • Avoid creating water traps that could lead to damage or leaks.

   • Clear drainage paths to ensure water can flow away from the tarped area efficiently.

   • Avoid reverse or uphill laps that could allow water to flow underneath the tarp. 

5. Documentation 

1. Take photographs of all damage before and after tarp installation to document the extent of the damage and the work completed.

2. Provide a written description of all damage to accompany the photographs and offer a clear record for insurance or reporting purposes.

3. Take photographs of all installed tarps and plastic to document the quality and extent of the work.

4. Provide a written description of the work completed to ensure all tasks are accounted for and recorded accurately.

5. Maintain an inventory of materials used to track usage and ensure adequate supplies for future projects.