Emergency Roof Tarping Tips for Lower Township Homeowners After Winter Nor’easters

Being located in Cape May County means that the winter is a little colder and the winds a little stronger. When a nor’easter rolls through, the strong winds can cause shingles loosened by the freeze-thaw cycle to blow off. Roof decking may be exposed to the elements, leading to leaks. Quick emergency roof tarping can prevent any major damage from occurring, but you need to know how to do it properly and safely.

Let’s discuss some emergency roof tarping tips, so your home stays dry until professional repairs can be completed.

Understanding Roof Damage After a Winter Nor’easter

Nor’easters are common during the winter. In Lower Township, wind gusts and coastal moisture are amplified by these strong storms. After a nor’easter, it’s common for homeowners to experience roofing damages caused by wind uplift, where gusts pull roofing materials away from the structure. Water can sometimes enter and impact the exposed underlayment.

Nor’easters can also cause:

• Missing or torn shingles. Gusts from nor’easters can pull older shingles from roofs, leaving large sections of the roof deck exposed.
• Flashing displacement. Chimneys, vents, skylights, and other junctions rely on flashing to keep out water. Strong wind uplift can pull flashing away from the roof, just like a shingle, allowing for water intrusion.
• Tree limb and debris impacts. Wind can also knock down branches and blow other debris onto the roof, puncturing shingles, damaging flashing, and scraping off granules.

Signs You Need Emergency Roof Tarping

Emergency tarping becomes necessary when the damage is significant enough to cause active leaks within your home or when water intrusion is imminent. If you notice the following issues, you’re going to need roof repairs soon:

• Active leaks within the home.
• Dark, damp or wet ceiling spots.
• Visible daylight or gaps in the roof due to missing sections of shingles.
• Large sections of lifted shingles or compromised underlayment.
• Damaged or missing flashing around dormers, vent pipes, and chimneys.
• Punctures or dents.

Emergency roof tarping has a single purpose: Ensure the damage doesn’t worsen. You do not want a saturated roof deck, particularly during freeze-thaw periods. Any water that gets in can freeze and become meltwater that transforms into ceiling stains and other issues later. Mold can also develop rapidly as temperatures rise.

How to Do Emergency Roof Tarping After a Winter Nor’easter in Lower Township

While it’s recommended to call a professional for emergency roof services, it’s understandable if you want peace of mind now. Active leaks can cause layers of damages when left unattended, so stopping with it a tarp is smart. To properly tarp roof damage, you will need to appropriate supplies, including a heavy-duty tarp, 2×4 lumber, nails or decking screws, a way to secure those screws, a utility knife, and gloves.

Next, follow these steps to set up an emergency roof tarp:

1. Clear any branches, snow, and debris if safe to do so (see the cautions below).
2. Measure the damaged area to add a buffer zone and ensure complete coverage.
3. Lay the tarp over the damaged section, smoothing it out so water can’t collect anywhere.
4. Secure the edges of the tarp with the 2x4s along the perimeter and fasten it down tightly. Leave no gaps.
5. Check your ceilings periodically after placing the tarp to ensure that it’s working as intended.

When Homeowners Should Not Attempt Tarping

While there are times when you need to get on your roof as soon as possible, it may be best to wait for roofing contractors in Lower Township. Here are some scenarios when homeowners should avoid tarping the roof without assistance:

• The roof is icy, snow-covered, or visibly slick.
• Winds are still strongly gusting around 15-20 mph or higher.
• There is structural damage to the roof.
• The roof pitch is steep or multi-story with limited access.
• There are electrical hazards present.
• You cannot identify the source of the leak or damage.
• It is after dark or visibility is poor.
• You have physical limitations or lack the needed tools.
• There is active snowfall or freezing rain.

When to Call in a Lower Township Roofing Contractor for Tarping

While calling a roofer for roofing damage is always the recommended course of action, there are specific scenarios when it’s a must-do. Roofing contractors are trained and experienced in leak mitigation and can assist with emergency roof tarping when situations get dangerous. If you see structural damage to your roof or softer sections where the roof deck is compromised, don’t attempt tarping yourself. Furthermore, professional-grade materials will always perform better than what you can purchase at a home improvement store.

After the nor’easter is over, a roofing contractor in Lower Township can further assist by conducting a complete inspection. They can find areas that may have been damaged but not leaking just yet. They can supply you with a detailed report and estimate, which you can also use for your home insurance claim.

Get Emergency Roofing Services from a Local Roofing Contractor in Lower Township, NJ

When your roof is damaged during a winter nor’easter, don’t sit through those active leaks. If you can, do emergency roof tarping to prevent further issues. Remember that tarping is only a temporary measure, one that will only keep your home dry for so long. Call a Lower Township roofing company as soon as possible so that your roof can be repaired. And remember, be safe, be prepared, and trust RGB Construction with your roofing needs.

We have been in business for over twenty years and have repaired numerous roofs. Our team is ready to help.