Tarp an emergency leak temporarily
Active leak in a storm? A proper tarp buys you 3–5 days before permanent repair.
What you'll learn
- The ONLY roof job we actively teach homeowners
- Conditions that make tarping safe (dry, calm, low slope)
- How to position the tarp so water cannot get underneath
- Why this is temporary, 3-5 days max
Step by step
- Buy a heavy-duty 20×25 poly tarp and 1×3 furring strips.
- Position the tarp so it extends 3 feet past the leak and over the ridge.
- Sandwich the tarp between furring strips nailed to the roof, one at ridge, one at eave.
- Fold edges around strips so water cannot get under.
- Call us within 24 hours and we'll match you with a roofer for the permanent repair.
Safety note
Never go on a wet roof. If the leak is active and you can't get up safely, put buckets under the drip, protect the floor, and call us. We'll match you with a roofer for emergency tarp work.
Rather have a pro handle it?
We connect you with a vetted local roofer across San Diego County. A real roofer picks up.
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