Safety · 6 min watch

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

  1. Buy a heavy-duty 20×25 poly tarp and 1×3 furring strips.
  2. Position the tarp so it extends 3 feet past the leak and over the ridge.
  3. Sandwich the tarp between furring strips nailed to the roof, one at ridge, one at eave.
  4. Fold edges around strips so water cannot get under.
  5. Call us within 24 hours for 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 run 24/7 emergency.

Rather have a pro handle it?

Same-day roofing service across San Diego County. A real roofer picks up.

Serving San Diego County

Ready for a roofer who actually answers the phone?

Call for a free quote. Same-day service on most repairs. Fast scheduling on full roof replacements.