Q&A – Should My Rolled Roof Have Been Tarped?

After having her rolled roof tarped, which she heard should never be done, Gloria asks for input. 

Gloria, a homeowner in Virginia, asked: 

“I have been told that a rolled roof should never be tarped until it is replaced. My roof has a 2.09 pitch and has been tarped until replacement creating more interior leaks. Should my rolled roof have been tarped?” 

Our resident expert roofer, John Stout with Go Roof Tune Up™, had this to say in response: 

Tarping a roof is a standard procedure to help keep water from leaking and damaging the interior of the house.  We use tarps often to protect the residence until time and weather permit replacing or repairing the roof.  2/12 pitch is very low pitch.  However, it is not flat.  Tarps would be a viable temporary solution.  Your note suggests that the tarps created more leaks.  

It is very difficult to tarp a roof to eliminate all leaks.  This should only be done in an emergency to keep rainwater out of the building.  Sometimes, the extra traffic on the roof will create leaks.  Also, if the tarp does not terminate at the ridge (the highest point), it will allow water to go under the tarp.  This would make it appear to make the leak worse.  

Contact your local qualified roofing contractor to get a bid to replace the worn-out roof.  The National Roofing Contractors Association (www.nrca.net/) or the local roofing contractors association will have information regarding qualified roofing contractors in your area.  You can also search on the RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory for a contractor in your area. 

Have a qualified roofer look at your project, make a suggestion for a solution and ask for a bid.  The contractor will not have his/her feelings hurt if you get a second bid to verify the price.  (Some may charge a small fee for the inspection and specifications). 

I hope this helps you get to know your local qualified roofing contractor and to solve this problem and those that may show up later. Thank you so much for contacting us.  

Your friends at AskARoofer. 

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