In early December, windstorms passed through various California towns, including Pasadena. The San Gabriel Valley was hit hard, and residents have been addressing cleanup, home repair, and possible flooding. Temporarily repairing a roof with tarps has been a common sight in the community.
Although blue tarps are typically associated with hurricanes and tornadoes, windstorms cause similar damage. Not repairing a roof results in moisture entering a home, causing mold and mildew to build up inside. After such a storm, homeowners should check for cracks on the inside of the roof and be prepared with tarps, as well as boards and nails, to temporarily fix the damaged areas.
When blue tarps are applied properly after a storm, the material keeps UV rays and water out and prevents mildew and dry rot from forming. Polyethylene, no matter if medium- or heavy-duty, is treated to be UV resistant, waterproof, mildew resistant, and rot proof, and these combined properties prevent the interior of the home from further damage.
In terms of applying tarps, do not stand directly on the roof. To prevent slips and falls, use a ladder. To secure the tarp, wrap one side of the material in a two-by-four board, and nail the board to the roof of the house. Do the same to the opposite end. With the remaining two boards, nail down the other two sides of the tarp. Do this to all areas with cracks or holes.
Windstorms damage more than just roofs, and in many cases, windows or lights will be broken. Tarps, as well, can be applied to these areas around your home with a similar method.
Keep in mind that tarps, particularly medium-duty ones, have a limited lifespan. Standard blue tarps last 90 days, and at this point, the material may tear. Some communities, additionally, allow tarps to be put up for a limited amount of time. In either instance, make sure the roof is fully repaired within that timeframe.
