Tarpaulin, regularly referred to as a tarp, is a serious area of strength for a water-safe material that is helpful for the majority of open-air applications including waterproofing roofing materials. Produced using materials like polyethylene, polyester, or vinyl-covered polyester, Tarpaulin shapes a successful boundary against dampness penetration.
Types of Tarpaulin
There are a couple of principal kinds of tarpaulin utilized for rooftop waterproofing:
Durability
Endures enduring and harm better compared to different covers like painter's plastic. This permits it to safeguard roofing materials for months or years as a brief arrangement.
Flexibility
Tarps can be introduced on different rooftop styles and shapes. Their adaptability makes them ideal for complex rooftops with many points, vents, fireplaces, and so on. This forestalls water invasion at all potential problem areas.
Water resistance
The tightly woven fabrics or coatings create an effective barrier to repel moisture ingress. Even the lowest-cost polyethylene tarp will prevent most water from seeping into the underlying roof when properly installed.
UV protection
Heavier polyester or reinforced vinyl-coated versions provide UV shielding to prolong the tarp's lifespan when exposed to direct sunlight. This is important for south-facing roof slopes.
Affordability
Compared to permanent roofing materials like asphalt shingles or metal panels, tarps offer roof protection at a fraction of the cost. This makes them practical for temporary repairs or in emergency tarping situations.
Preparing to Waterproof Your Roof with Tarpaulin
Proper preparation of the roof surface is essential before installing clear tarpaulin for waterproofing. Taking some extra time to ready the roof will ensure the tarp adheres well and provides its maximum protective performance.
Cleaning the Roof Surface
Begin by inspecting the entire roof plane and flashing areas for any damages like holes, cracks, or missing shingles/tiles. Pay close attention to trouble spots around roof vents, plumbing stacks, and patio awnings which see extra wear. Use binoculars if needed to fully check the surface from the ground.
Measuring and Cutting Tarpaulin
Accurately measuring the dimensions of your roof is critical for ensuring complete coverage with the tarp material. Use a tape measure to record length and width, accounting for any irregular roof features. Mark these measurements on each piece of Heavy Duty Tarpaulin you will need to cut. For cutting tarps, the safest method is to use a utility knife or heavy-duty scissors and lay the tarpaulin on a clean, flat surface.
Installing Tarpaulin on Your Roof
Now it's time to attach the tarpaulin to the roof surface. Proper installation technique is important to achieve full waterproof protection and avoid leaks.
Attaching Corners
Start by securing one corner of the tarp at the highest point of the roof, such as the peak of a gable roof. Use two fasteners spaced roughly 12 inches apart to hold each corner in place. Continue attaching along roof edges, hammering nails or screws approximately 2 feet apart to create a taut barrier. Pay special attention to seam areas that see extra wear from water runoff.
Adding Overlaps
Overlap successive tarp sections by a minimum of 6 inches as the installation progresses downward and across the roof plane. This creates a shingling effect that sheds water properly. On overlapped seams, run a 1/4-1/2 inch bead of caulk or roofing cement along the seam to waterproof the joinery. Smooth with a putty knife.
Securing the Middle Section
The main center area between overlaps can be installed with fasteners spaced every 2-3 feet. This frequency prevents water from causing upward billowing but still allows the tarp flexibility to expand and contract. Use extra fasteners near roof penetrations, like plumbing vents, to eliminate any gaps around these vulnerable areas.
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