When a severe storm damages your roof, a tarp can seem like the fastest way to protect your home. Homeowners throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania often reach for a tarp after experiencing wind damage, fallen branches, missing shingles, or sudden leaks.
While a tarp can provide short-term emergency protection, it should never replace a professional roof inspection or permanent repair. At 570 New Roof, we’ve seen many homeowners discover that leaving a tarp on a shingle roof too long can lead to additional damage and more expensive repairs.
Understanding the risks can help you make the best decision for your home.
Tarps Can Hide Serious Roof Damage
One of the biggest problems with leaving a tarp on your roof is that it hides the actual condition of your roofing system. A damaged area may appear protected, but water can continue moving underneath the shingles and into the roof decking.
By the time the tarp is removed, moisture may have already damaged plywood, insulation, attic spaces, ceilings, and interior walls.
Moisture Can Become Trapped Under the Tarp
Asphalt shingles are designed as part of a complete roofing system that allows moisture management and ventilation. A tarp placed directly over damaged shingles can trap water underneath, preventing the roof from drying properly.
Over time, trapped moisture can contribute to:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Rotted roof decking
- Damaged insulation
- Interior water stains
- More costly roof repairs
Wind Can Make the Damage Worse
Northeastern Pennsylvania experiences strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and changing weather conditions throughout the year. A loose or improperly installed tarp can become a problem during high winds.
Constant movement from wind can scrape away shingle granules, loosen surrounding shingles, and create additional weak points in your roof.
Improper Tarp Installation Can Create New Leaks
Many homeowners attempt to secure tarps with nails, screws, or other fasteners. Unfortunately, puncturing shingles creates additional openings where water can enter.
A roof that originally needed a small repair may now have multiple new leak points because of improper tarp installation.
A New Roof May Be the Better Solution
Sometimes a tarp is covering damage that indicates the roof is reaching the end of its useful life. If your shingles are old, brittle, missing granules, or have widespread storm damage, replacing the roof may be more cost-effective than continuing to make temporary repairs.
A professional roof inspection can determine whether your home needs a repair or a complete shingle roof replacement.
Protect Your Home With Professional Roofing Solutions
A tarp is an emergency measure—not a roofing solution. The best way to protect your home is to have the damage properly evaluated and repaired by experienced roofing professionals.
At 570 New Roof, we specialize in professional shingle roof replacement throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our team helps homeowners choose the right roofing system, identify hidden damage, and install a dependable roof built to withstand NEPA weather.
Whether your roof has storm damage or has reached the end of its lifespan, we provide honest recommendations and quality workmanship.
Call 570 New Roof today at (570) 332-1223 or email office@theroofrepairguys.com to schedule your roof inspection.
Serving homeowners throughout Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, and surrounding NEPA communities.