⚡ EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Temporary Roof Patching

A storm leak won't wait. This step-by-step guide helps you tarp the roof safely to stop the water until TexUS can make a permanent repair.

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How to Install a Temporary Tarp

Stopping the water now protects your home until a real repair can happen. That steady drip after a thunderstorm or hailstorm almost always means a leaking roof, and you have three options. Ignoring it never works. The other two are calling a roofing professional like TexUS Roofing & Construction, or carefully doing it yourself. If you choose the DIY route, this guide walks you through tarping a roof the right way so it holds until a permanent fix is in place.

Shopping list for materials

The right materials make the difference between a tarp that holds for months and one that fails in a week. Start with a tarp sized to extend at least 3 feet beyond the damaged area on every side. FEMA blue tarps last months instead of weeks, and a thicker tarp with UV inhibitors is worth it if the permanent repair will not happen right away. You will also want furring or wood strips (1x3 or 1x4, treated or untreated), enough to run the tarp's perimeter plus 4 inches on all sides; 2-inch or longer deck screws, one to two boxes, stepping up to 3-inch screws and two boxes for tarps over 10x20. Skip drywall or galvanized screws, which do not hold; if you must use nails, use galvanized ring-shank nails. Add a drill bit sized to your screws, a 3/8-inch plywood sheet large enough to cover any punctures, and hurricane tape for vent pipes. Save every receipt so you can be reimbursed through your hail or storm claim.

Tarp: Sized to extend beyond the damaged area at least 3’ on each side If you have access to the FEMA-provided blue tarps, grab them! They are designed to last months instead of weeks

Permanent repairs can take longer than expected in areas that have been heavily hit

Consider purchasing a thicker tarp if available

Tarps constructed with UV inhibitors are a wise investment if the repair is not being done immediately

Wood strips: We suggest furring strips or wood strips – either a 1”x3” or 1”x4. Pressure treated or untreated work the same

Purchase enough wood to cover the perimeter of the tarp plus 4” on all sides

Screws: 2” or longer deck screws (1-2 boxes) If your tarp is larger than 10’x20’, consider increasing to 3” screws and definitely buy 2 boxes

DO NOT try and save money with drywall or galvanized screws. They simply do not stand up well

If you don’t have a cordless drill (or a nice neighbor with a cordless drill) and need to use nails, use nails with galvanized ring shanks

Some people like using galvanized washers as well. It helps hold down the boards, but I would not say it’s required

Drill bit: Sized to fit the deck screws

3/8” plywood sheet that is large enough to cover any areas that are punctured Helpful if large tree limbs or other debris hit your roof as a result of a severe ice storm or hail storm

Hurricane tape: Used to patch problems with vent pipes

Protecting your investment

A properly secured tarp prevents the interior damage that runs into thousands of dollars when a leak is left open. Stopping the water is what protects your investment until the permanent work is done.

If you have any doubts about doing it yourself, TexUS Roofing & Construction has a team dedicated to roof repairs across DFW, Austin, and Houston. For more on our residential roofing and exterior services, including gutters, painting, siding, fencing, and window work, call (972) 256-8616 or contact us online.