Your roof is one of the most important parts of your property, and appropriate maintenance can go a long way in extending its life and ensuring you stay safe from the elements, leaks, and other unwanted damage. But tarping a roof is not as easy as throwing a tarp overtop it and calling it a day. There is a recommended process that will help ensure your roof is properly cared for.
Types of Roofs
Visit Homedit’s site for pictures of the 15 roof types listed below:
- Gabel
- One of the most common types; two sloped sides form a triangle
- Bonnett
- Four slides and a slope at the bottom
- Butterfly
- Opposite of gable; two sloped sides go downward, forming a valley
- Clerestory
- Vertical row of windows at the top of the roof line; typically has a sloping roof above and beneath the windows
- Gambrel
- Two sets of symmetrically sloped sides
- Hip
- Four sloping sides that connect at a peak in the middle
- Hip and Valley
- Multiple hip sections meet in various valleys
- Skillion
- Single sloped surface that is flat
- A-Frame
- Resembles the letter “A” where two steeply sloped sides start at the ground and meet at the top
- Mansard
- Four hip sides, but each side has two slopes, so the roof looks curbed
- Pyramid
- Four sloped sides meet in a point at the top like a pyramid
- Jerkinhead
- Gable style, with clipped sections on the ends
- Dutch Gable
- Gable roof encompassed by a hip roof and four sloping sides
- Shed
- One sloping side
- Lean-To
- One steeply sloped side “leans” against the wall of an existing structure
Why Do I Need a Roof Tarp?
Roof tarping is an important part of home or business restoration. Tarps help prevent leaks and protect the interior of your property from hazards like severe weather, which could cause further damage to the roof and indoor contents.
Which Roof Tarps Are Waterproof?
Looking for durable roof tarps ? According to professionals at Chicago Canvas and Tarps Now, waterproof tarps include those made of :
- Polyethylene
- These tarps are designed so rain slides off them and are usually lightweight
- They are effective against mildew, UV rays, tears in fabric, and rot
- Some polyethylene tarps are also fire retardant
- Vinyl
- These durable tarps will protect against mold, mildew, tears, abrasions, and severe weather
- Some vinyl tarps are also fire retardant
It is important to note that canvas tarps are considered “water resistant,” not waterproof; if standing water collects on them, it may seep through. Still, these types of tarps may be a worthwhile investment depending upon your needs, as they are built to withstand high temperatures and protect outdoor valuables.
Our roof tarping process follows six steps:
- Evaluate the area
- This ensures any hazards, such as downed electrical lines, are spotted in advance, and the area is properly prepped for tarping
- Perform a needs analysis
- Based on the level of damage, type and breadth of equipment, materials, and other tools is decided
- Perform debris removal
- Measure the area to be covered
- Complete roof tarping (and board-up services if necessary)
For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary .
Sources:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-tarp-a-roof/
https://www.homedit.com/roof-types/
https://www.chicagocanvas.com/what-kind-of-tarps-are-best-for-roofs/
https://www.tarpsnow.com/blog/the-best-roof-tarps https://tarpsamerica.com/pages/canvas-tarps-vs-vinyl-tarps-which-is-best