Imagine this: a sudden storm hits, and you hear that dreaded dripping sound. Oh no, your roof has a leak! It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare. When your roof needs a temporary fix, a tarp can be your best friend. But with so many types of tarps out there, how do you pick the right one? It can be confusing, and choosing the wrong tarp might not protect your home as well as you hope.
That’s where we come in! This blog post is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect tarp for your roof. We’ll break down what makes a good roof tarp and what you absolutely need to know before you buy. You’ll learn about different materials, how to measure your roof, and the best ways to secure your tarp so it stays put, even in strong winds.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing a tarp that will keep your home safe and dry until you can get a permanent roof repair. Let’s dive in and discover how to tackle that leaky roof with the right tarp!
Our Top 5 Tarp For Roof Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Winpull Tarp 10x20FT | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Dry Top Multi-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Tarp For Roof Detailed Reviews
1. CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick
Rating: 9.1/10
The CARTMAN Finished Size 8×10 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp is a tough and reliable cover. It’s designed to protect your stuff from rain and dust. You get exactly the size you order, so there are no surprises. This tarp is strong, thanks to its heat-sealed and reinforced edges. It’s a great choice for many outdoor jobs.
What We Like:
- You get the exact size tarp you order.
- It’s dustproof and waterproof, keeping your items dry.
- The edges are heat-sealed and have ropes inside for extra strength.
- Metal grommets every 3 feet make it easy to tie down.
- Plastic corner reinforcements add extra sturdiness and look good.
- It’s a good option for temporary outdoor protection.
- It works well for covering building materials and equipment.
- You can use it as a ground cover or to protect animals.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a bit heavier than thinner tarps, which might make it harder to move around sometimes.
This tarp offers solid protection for your belongings. It’s a versatile and dependable option for various outdoor needs.
2. Winpull Tarp 10x20FT
Rating: 9.1/10
When you need serious protection for your gear, the Winpull Tarp 10x20FT is a heavy-duty champion. This large tarp is built tough to shield your valuables from all sorts of weather. It’s made from strong materials and has features that make it easy to secure and keep your items safe and dry.
What We Like:
- It’s super thick at 16 mil and has a strong weave, so it can handle tough weather like rain, sun, and wind.
- Made from 100% virgin polyethylene with an extra waterproof layer, it’s very durable and keeps your stuff dry.
- It has strong brass grommets placed every 23.6 inches for easy and secure tie-downs.
- The edges are reinforced with rope and stitching, making them resistant to tearing.
- This tarp is waterproof, UV resistant, and can be used all year round, protecting against rain, snow, and wind.
- It’s incredibly versatile and can be used for camping, protecting vehicles, pools, outdoor furniture, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s heavy-duty, its size might make it a bit bulky to store when not in use.
- The finish size is slightly smaller than the advertised 10×20 feet due to the reinforced edges.
The Winpull Tarp is a reliable choice for anyone needing robust protection outdoors. It offers excellent durability and versatility for a wide range of uses.
3. Dry Top Multi-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp
Rating: 9.2/10
Need a reliable cover for your projects? The Dry Top Multi-Purpose Economy Poly Tarp in a vibrant blue, measuring 20×30 feet, is a versatile solution for almost anything you need to protect. It’s designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from protecting your garden during a storm to covering your gear for a camping trip.
What We Like:
- Super versatile – you can use it for tons of things like home repairs, gardening, or even hunting.
- Made from tough, woven polyethylene fabric that resists water.
- It’s lighter than canvas, making it easier to move and set up.
- Has strong grommets every 3 feet to secure it tightly.
- The heat-sealed seams and hems add extra durability.
- It’s washable, so you can keep it clean.
- Comes in different sizes and reversible color options.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a light-duty tarp, so it might not be the best for really heavy-duty or long-term outdoor protection.
- The actual finished size might be a little smaller than advertised.
This tarp offers good value for its price, making it a smart choice for everyday protection. It’s a practical item that gets the job done for many common needs.
4. TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover
Rating: 9.2/10
The TICONN Heavy Duty Tarp Cover is a tough and reliable shield for your belongings. This 6’x8′ tarp is designed to handle the weather and last a long time. It’s made from strong, waterproof material that resists tears and rips, and it even protects against the sun’s rays. With reinforced corners and easy-to-use grommets, setting it up is a cinch.
What We Like:
- It’s made from really good quality plastic that won’t break down easily.
- The corners are extra strong because they are stitched twice. This stops them from wearing out too fast.
- Putting it up is simple. It has metal rings (grommets) that don’t rust, making it easy to tie down securely.
- You can use this tarp for many things, like covering camping gear, protecting your car, or keeping building supplies safe.
- The TICONN brand promises good quality. They offer a 30-day return policy and a 12-month warranty, so you can buy it without worry.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions other sizes like 20×30 and 8×10, but this specific review is for the 6’x8′ size. It would be helpful to have more details about the exact thickness and features for each size if they differ significantly.
This TICONN tarp is a solid choice for anyone needing dependable protection. It offers great durability and versatility for many different jobs.
5. Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape
Rating: 9.0/10
Say goodbye to annoying leaks and hello to a permanent fix with Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape! This tough black tape is designed to tackle all sorts of repair jobs, from tiny cracks to bigger holes. Whether it’s raining or shining, inside or outside, this tape is ready to seal the deal. It sticks to almost anything, making it a go-to for keeping water and air out for good.
What We Like:
- Creates a permanent seal that instantly stops air, water, and moisture from getting through.
- Works on any job, indoors or outdoors, in any weather, and even underwater!
- The special sticky side sticks to all kinds of surfaces, fixing holes, cracks, and tears.
- It’s built tough to handle moisture and sunlight without falling apart.
- Perfect for fixing leaks in roofs, pool liners made of rubber, plastic, or vinyl, and many other things.
What Could Be Improved:
- The tape can be a bit stiff to work with on very curved surfaces.
- Once it’s stuck, it’s really hard to move or reposition.
This Gorilla tape is a reliable solution for keeping your home or belongings protected from leaks. It’s a strong and dependable choice for any repair job you throw at it.
Choosing the Best Tarp for Your Roof: A Complete Guide
A roof tarp is a lifesaver when your roof has a leak or needs temporary protection. It can save your home from water damage. Picking the right tarp is important. This guide will help you make the best choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re buying a roof tarp, think about these important things:
Durability and Strength
- A strong tarp won’t rip easily.
- It needs to hold up against wind and rain.
- Look for tarps made from tough materials.
Waterproof Quality
- The tarp must keep water out.
- Check if it has a waterproof coating.
- Good seams are also important to stop leaks.
Size and Coverage
- Measure the damaged area of your roof.
- Get a tarp that is bigger than the damaged spot.
- You need enough overlap to secure it well.
Ease of Use
- A good tarp is easy to put on.
- It should have strong grommets (metal rings) for tying.
- Lighter tarps are easier to handle, especially on a roof.
UV Resistance
- Sunlight can weaken some materials.
- A tarp that resists UV rays will last longer.
- This is important if the tarp will be on the roof for a while.
Important Materials
The material of your roof tarp greatly affects its performance.
Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps
- These are very common and affordable.
- They are usually made from woven polyethylene fabric.
- Poly tarps are waterproof and offer good tear resistance.
- They often have UV protection.
Canvas Tarps
- Canvas tarps are made from cotton or linen.
- They are strong and breathable.
- Canvas tarps are often treated to be water-resistant, but not always fully waterproof.
- They can be heavier than poly tarps.
Vinyl Tarps
- Vinyl tarps are very strong and durable.
- They are completely waterproof and resist abrasion.
- These tarps are often used for heavy-duty applications.
- They can be more expensive than poly tarps.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a tarp better or worse.
Grommet Quality
- Strong, evenly spaced grommets make securing the tarp easier.
- Cheap or missing grommets can cause the tarp to tear.
Seam Construction
- Heat-sealed or reinforced seams are better than stitched seams.
- Stitched seams can let water through.
Thickness (Mil)
- A higher mil number means a thicker, stronger tarp.
- Thicker tarps usually last longer and resist punctures better.
UV Treatment
- Tarps with UV treatment will not break down as quickly in the sun.
- This is a key factor for long-term outdoor use.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use roof tarps for many reasons.
Temporary Roof Repair
- After a storm, a tarp can cover damaged shingles or holes.
- It stops rain from getting into your attic and home.
Protecting Materials
- If you have building materials stored outside, a tarp keeps them dry.
- This protects wood, insulation, and other items.
Emergency Preparedness
- Having a tarp on hand can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
- It provides quick protection until a permanent repair can be made.
Using a tarp correctly is important. Make sure it is secured tightly to prevent it from blowing away. Always work safely when on a roof. If you are not comfortable, hire a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Roof Tarps
Q: What is the best type of tarp for a leaky roof?
A: A heavy-duty polyethylene (poly) tarp is generally the best choice. It’s waterproof, durable, and affordable. Make sure it has strong grommets and is large enough to cover the damaged area with overlap.
Q: How do I measure for a roof tarp?
A: Measure the length and width of the damaged area on your roof. Then, add at least 2-3 feet to both measurements. This extra size allows for a good overlap to properly secure the tarp and prevent wind from getting underneath.
Q: How should I secure a roof tarp?
A: Use strong rope or bungee cords to tie the tarp to secure points. Attach them to the grommets. Make sure the tarp is pulled taut to prevent sagging, which can collect water. Anchor it to sturdy parts of the roof or house structure.
Q: Can I use a regular tarp for my roof?
A: Yes, you can use a regular tarp, but a tarp specifically designed for roofing or heavy-duty outdoor use is better. Regular tarps might not be as strong or as resistant to weather, which could lead to them tearing or failing sooner.
Q: How long can a roof tarp last?
A: The lifespan of a roof tarp depends on its material, quality, and weather conditions. A good quality, UV-resistant poly tarp can last several months to a year or more if properly secured and not exposed to extreme weather. Cheaper tarps may only last a few weeks.
Q: Are canvas tarps good for roofs?
A: Canvas tarps are strong but are often water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They can absorb some water and are heavier. For temporary roof protection, a waterproof material like polyethylene or vinyl is usually a better option.
Q: What does “mil” mean for tarps?
A: “Mil” refers to the thickness of the tarp material. One mil is one-thousandth of an inch. A higher mil number means a thicker, stronger, and more durable tarp. For roof protection, a tarp of at least 10-12 mil is recommended.
Q: Should I use a tarp with grommets?
A: Yes, always look for tarps with grommets. Grommets are metal rings that reinforce the edges, making it much easier and safer to tie down the tarp securely. Without them, you risk tearing the tarp when you try to tie it.
Q: What are the risks of not using a tarp on a damaged roof?
A: The main risk is water damage to your home’s interior. Rain can soak insulation, damage drywall and paint, and lead to mold growth. It can also damage the underlying roof structure, leading to more costly repairs.
Q: When should I call a professional instead of using a tarp?
A: If the damage is extensive, if you are uncomfortable working at heights, or if you don’t have the right safety equipment, it’s best to call a professional roofer. A tarp is a temporary solution; a professional can make permanent repairs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.