What is a roof tarp and when is it needed?

When you need emergency roof repair right now—but it’s not possible until later—a roof tarp is vital. A compromised roof structure, whether it happens due to heavy rain, high winds, hail or falling trees, exposes your house and its contents to the elements. Water damage, deterioration caused by ultraviolet sunlight, mold contamination and vermin and insect intrusion are part of the risk once a roof is opened up.

What’s A “Blue Roof”?

“Blue roof” is the slang term used by many public emergency agencies because the standard plastic tarp typically installed to cover roof damage after a hurricane or tornado is invariably bright blue. Most blue roofs are made of woven, UV-resistant poly that is 5 mils thick and coated for water and mildew resistance. Some include grommets to be tied to the roof while others are fabricated with thick hems to be nailed to wooden strips laid across the roof.

How Long Does It Last?

Since roof repair is often delayed during widespread damaging events and, once begun, is usually not completed in a single day, all or some portion of the tarp may remain in place for some time. However, roof tarp are not appropriate as a long-term alternative to a repaired roof. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) emphasizes that roof tarp are a temporary remedy only and should not be utilized for longer than 30 days.

Who Covers The Cost?

Most home insurance policies include language authorizing a homeowner to make “reasonable and necessary” temporary repairs immediately after a damaging incident in order to prevent further losses. This may include the expense of having a roof tarp professionally installed as an emergency measure. Contact your insurer and be sure to keep a receipt of all expenses incurred.

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a program called “Operation Blue Roof” to supply free tarps for damaged roofs in widespread disaster areas such as the aftermath of a hurricane. The program is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and actual installation of tarps is performed by contractors working with the Army.