We know just how it feels. A storm caused heavy rain and strong winds. Inches of snow have melted quickly in the sun. You’re in your home and see water dripping from the ceiling, along a vent pipe, or down a wall. As your stomach sinks, you’re panicked. You need to stop more water from getting in, and a tarp is the best temporary solution until a roofer is free.
You might now even be at that point. You may be having your roofing shingles replaced. Once the old shingles are stripped off, the plywood is at the mercy of the weather. A sudden storm can be a headache if water gets in and damages interior sheetrock. Even a heavy dew can become a problem. Tarps can keep moisture away until the workers return.
You may not need a temporary roof on a house or building. You might need that roof to provide a barrier from rain during an outdoor wedding, graduation, or another outdoor event. You may need a temporary roof over the power tools you’re using at a work site. No matter why it’s needed, these are your best tarps for temporary roofing.
Points to Consider When You Need Temporary Roofing
Take these points into consideration before you buy the first tarp you see. The tarp’s weight is important. If it’s particularly windy, you need a tarp that is thicker and less likely to get damaged by wind gusts.
You’re trying to keep water away. Water-resistant will shed some water, but it may not block all water. Waterproof is the ideal option. Waterproof tarps block water completely. Water-resistant will do their best, but there is that chance some water will get through.
UV rays can damage a tarp. Some tarps are UV-treated for that reason. If the temporary roof will be exposed to bright sunlight, a UV-treated tarp is ideal for blocking UVA and UVB rays.
How do you plan to tie down the temporary roofing? If you nail it in place, it’s going to leave holes in the tarp. You need grommets and strapping. Spread the tarp over the area where the temporary roof is needed. Secure it to the roof by stringing strapping through the grommets and around deck screws or galvanized ring shanks. This holds the tarp in place and doesn’t puncture the tarp at all.
Make sure the tarp you want comes in the right size. You need the tarp to cover the entire area and extend a few extra inches on each side. If you don’t leave these extra inches, you run the risk of water seeping in under the tarp and continuing the problem. Extra coverage ensures the temporary roof doesn’t disappoint.
Choose These Tarp Materials
Now that you know what you need to consider. These are the best tarps for temporary roofing. They are all UV-treated, heavy-duty, waterproof tarps.
#1 – Vinyl Coated Polyester Tarps
Vinyl coated poly tarps have grommets every two feet. They’re UV-treated and are designed to withstand abrasion and heavy winds. You can use them in wintry weather and hot weather without worrying about the conditions damaging the material. They’re also waterproof and resist mildew. The 18-ounce vinyl coated poly tarps come in 16 colors and sizes ranging from 5 x 7′ to 20 x 30′.
#2 – Vinyl Laminated Polyester Tarps
If you’re hosting an outdoor event like a wedding or birthday party or creating a temporary roof over power tools at a worksite, you want UV-treated, waterproof tarps. You also heighten safety as this tarp material is flame retardant. When you’re going to have lighting, power tools, or candles, a flame-retardant material is essential. With vinyl laminated poly tarps, there are nine color options and sizes ranging from 5 x 7′ to 20 x 30′.
#3 – Iron Horse Polyester Waterproof Tarps
One of the benefits of Iron Horse polyester waterproof tarps is that they don’t have a chemical odor. If you don’t want to smell the tarp during an outdoor event, this one eliminates that issue. The weight at 15 ounces isn’t the heaviest, but it’s twice as durable as a canvas tarp. It’s designed to withstand harsh conditions. Choose from seven colors and sizes ranging from 5 x 7′ to 30 x 30′.
With proper care and the right material, the best tarps for temporary roofing will last years. They’ll also serve multiple purposes when you don’t need them for your roof or shelter. Let Chicago Canvas & Supply help you find the right size and type of tarp for your needs. Our team is ready for questions via online chat, phone, or email. Give us a call and let us know how we can help you.