How to Install a Roof Tarp
- 1). Carefully climb to the damaged area of your roof. Unroll your tarp so that it covers the damaged section of the roof completely from top to bottom, with an extra 4 feet on each end of the tarp. Cut the tarp to fit with a sharp utility knife or scissors.
- 2). Cut two 2-inch-by-4-inch lengths of wood to measure 2 feet longer than the width of the tarp. Wrap the extra 4 feet of one end of the tarp around the center of one of the wood lengths. Firmly press the second length of wood against the bottom of the first so that the tarp is sandwiched between the two lengths of wood.
- 3). Nail the two lengths of wood together with 3¼-inch nails to secure the tarp in place. Set the wood against the eaves of the roof so that it securely holds the tarp in place. Stretch the remainder of the tarp up and over the damage; it should hang down the other side of the roof.
- 4). Repeat the wrapping and nailing procedure with the excess tarp on the other side of the roof. The wood pieces will weigh down the tarp against the roof.
- 5). Line the two exposed sides of the tarp with 2-inch-by-4-inch lengths of wood, and nail the wood down through the tarp and into the roof to secure all edges. This will ensure that the edges of the tarp will not blow up and expose the roof below. Install a nail every 8 to 10 inches along the edge of the tarp until it is securely in place.