When a storm damages your roof, installing a tarp is often the fastest way to keep water out of your home. A properly installed roof tarp can prevent additional interior damage while you arrange for permanent repairs. However, many homeowners in Northeastern Pennsylvania make the mistake of leaving a temporary tarp in place for months. At The Roof Repair Guys, we’ve seen temporary solutions turn into bigger roofing problems simply because they stayed on too long.
Roof Tarps Are Meant to Be Temporary
A quality tarp can provide valuable short-term protection after wind, hail, or falling tree limb damage. It buys time until the roof can be professionally repaired. Unfortunately, tarps are not designed to withstand months of changing weather, intense sunlight, snow, and high winds.
As the material begins to deteriorate, it becomes less effective at keeping water out. What started as a small damaged area can quickly become a much larger repair.
Moisture Can Become Trapped
One of the biggest concerns with long-term tarping is trapped moisture. If water finds its way beneath the tarp, it may not be able to dry properly. This can allow roof decking and other wooden components to remain damp for extended periods.
Over time, trapped moisture may lead to:
- Wood rot
- Mold and mildew growth
- Soft roof decking
- Interior water damage
- Additional repair costs
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, frequent rain, humidity, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can make this problem even worse.
Wind Can Turn a Small Problem Into a Large One
Even a securely fastened tarp is constantly exposed to wind. As it moves, it can rub against shingles, flashing, or roofing membranes. Repeated movement may loosen roofing materials or enlarge the original damaged area.
Strong winds can also pull sections of the tarp loose, allowing rain to enter areas that were previously protected.
Hidden Damage Can Continue to Grow
A tarp covers the damaged section of the roof, making it difficult to see what’s happening underneath. Homeowners often assume everything is fine because they don’t notice an active leak inside the house.
Meanwhile, water intrusion may continue beneath the tarp, damaging insulation, roof decking, and structural framing without obvious warning signs.
Schedule Permanent Repairs as Soon as Possible
Temporary protection should always be followed by a professional roof inspection. Our team carefully evaluates the entire roofing system to identify any hidden damage before it becomes a more expensive repair.
In many cases, homeowners are surprised to learn that the damage extends beyond what was visible immediately after the storm.
Trust The Roof Repair Guys
If your home has been protected by a roof tarp for several weeks or longer, now is the time to have it inspected. At The Roof Repair Guys, we provide honest roof inspections and high-quality roof repairs throughout Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, and surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania communities.
We’ll determine whether your temporary tarp is still protecting your home or if it’s time for a permanent repair.
Call The Roof Repair Guys today at (570) 332-1223 or email office@theroofrepairguys.com to schedule your roof inspection and restore your roof with confidence.