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November 24, 2025

Apache Junction Emergency Roofing: Install a Temporary Roof Tarp

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

A sudden leak during a desert downpour can turn your living room into a bucket brigade. If you need to stop water now, this step-by-step guide shows you how to install a temporary roof tarp safely and correctly. You will learn the exact method pros use to control damage, what tools to gather, and when to call for emergency help. If you are in the Phoenix area, our team provides 24/7 response and same-day tarp service when storms hit.

Before You Start: Safety First

Your roof is slippery when wet, and wind can pull a tarp like a sail. If conditions are unsafe, wait or call a professional. OSHA requires fall protection for work on roofs under standard 29 CFR 1926.501. That means using a full-body harness, secure anchorage, and lifelines when the risk of a fall exists. Wear soft-soled boots, gloves, and eye protection. Never work alone. Keep people and pets clear of the area below, and shut off power in rooms where water has reached electrical fixtures.

Monsoon storms can produce sudden gust fronts and slick clay tiles. Tiles break easily when stepped on incorrectly. If you have a steep pitch, heavy rain, lightning, or high winds, do not climb the roof. Call emergency roofing instead.

What a Temporary Tarp Can and Cannot Do

A temporary roof tarp buys time. It diverts water away from the damaged area until permanent repairs are made. Expect 30 to 90 days of protection when installed correctly and inspected after each storm. It is not a fix for rotted decking, failing underlayment, or missing flashing. Think of it as a shield, not a cure.

A good tarp installation:

  1. Seals the leak path uphill of the damage, not just over the hole.
  2. Sheds water to the gutter line without pooling.
  3. Avoids creating new leaks by over-driving fasteners.
  4. Holds under monsoon gusts without flapping.

If your roof is under manufacturer warranty, document the situation and call your roofer. Keep receipts and photos for insurance.

Materials and Tools Checklist

Gather everything before you climb. Choose quality materials so you only go up once.

  1. Heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarp, 8 mil or thicker, with reinforced grommets. Blue tarps work, but silver or green UV tarps last longer in Arizona sun.
  2. 1x3 or 1x4 wood strips for battening the tarp edges. Furring strips work well.
  3. Exterior-grade deck screws, 2 to 3 inches, with washers if not using battens. Plastic cap nails can be used on some shingle roofs in calm weather.
  4. Roofing tape or compatible self-adhesive flashing for small punctures.
  5. Utility knife, hammer, drill/driver, tape measure, chalk line.
  6. Non-slip shoes, gloves, eye protection, harness and lifeline, roof brackets or secure ladder stabilizer.
  7. Sandbags or water tubes for tile roofs where screws cannot be used in tile surfaces.
  8. Optional: tarping adhesive or butyl tape to improve edge seal where screws are not allowed.

Inspect the tarp for pinholes by holding it to the light. Pre-drill your furring strips every 12 to 16 inches to speed installation.

Locate the Leak and Plan the Coverage

Start inside. Follow the water stain to the ceiling, then into the attic if safe. Look uphill for the entry point. Water travels along rafters and underlayment, so the visible stain is often several feet from the true leak. Outside, find missing shingles, cracked tiles, loose ridge caps, lifted flashing, or tree impact points.

Plan for the tarp to extend at least 3 feet past the damaged zone on all sides. On pitched roofs, the upper tarp edge must be tucked under a shingle course or secured to a ridge to shed water. On flat or low-slope sections, increase overlap to 5 feet and avoid ponding areas.

Measure twice. A tarp that is too small will funnel water under its edge. If you must seam two tarps, overlap them 2 feet with the uphill tarp on top of the downhill tarp.

Step-by-Step: Tarping an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Most Phoenix-area homes use asphalt shingles on additions or patios alongside tile. Here is the pro method for shingles.

  1. Clear debris. Gently remove branches and loose granules with a soft broom. Do not pry up bonded shingles in the heat. Arizona sun can make shingles fragile.
  2. Dry the surface if possible. A towel or leaf blower helps. A dry roof improves adhesion and safety.
  3. Address punctures. For small nail holes or vent cuts, apply roofing tape over the opening, rolling it tight.
  4. Place the tarp. Center it over the damage with 3 feet of extra coverage on all sides. Pull the uphill edge above the highest suspected leak point.
  5. Secure the uphill edge first. Lift the shingle tabs one course above the tarp edge. Slide a pre-drilled furring strip on top of the tarp edge, under the lifted tabs. Screw through the strip into the roof deck every 12 to 16 inches. This creates a water-shedding clamp that hides under the shingles.
  6. Batten the sides. Lay furring strips along each side edge of the tarp, pulling it taut. Fasten every 12 to 16 inches. Keep screws straight and snug, not over-driven.
  7. Secure the bottom edge. Use a final furring strip along the eave or just above the gutter. Do not block downspouts. Water should flow freely off the tarp.
  8. Seal and check. Press tabs back down. Inspect for wrinkles or pockets that can catch wind. Add a side strip midway if the tarp is wide.

Avoid nailing through shingle faces wherever you can. Screws with battens offer stronger hold and less risk of tearing.

Step-by-Step: Tarping a Concrete or Clay Tile Roof

Tile roofs dominate the East Valley and behave differently. Do not screw through tile. You will crack it and create more leaks.

  1. Safety setup. Tile is slick when dusty or wet. Use a harness and soft-soled shoes. Walk on the lower third of tiles near the edges to reduce breakage.
  2. Identify displacement. Look for slipped or broken tiles, cracked ridge caps, and exposed underlayment. Monsoon winds often lift ridge tiles first.
  3. Place the tarp above the exposed underlayment. Extend the tarp 4 to 5 feet beyond the damage uphill and to each side.
  4. Weight the edges, do not fasten through tile. Use filled sandbags or water tubes every 2 to 3 feet along the tarp perimeter. Connect sandbags with rope to prevent sliding. Avoid placing weight on ridges that could crack.
  5. Create a water path. Ensure the tarp lays smooth so water sheds into valleys or gutters, not sideways under tiles.
  6. Temporary ridge detail. If the ridge is compromised, run the tarp over the ridge and weight both sides. Add an extra row of sandbags along the crest.

Because tile systems rely on intact underlayment, consider this a very short-term solution. Schedule professional underlayment repair quickly.

Flat Roofs and Low-Slope Sections

Flat roofs in Arizona, including foam and modified bitumen, need extra care to prevent ponding.

  1. Clear standing water if safe. Push water toward drains with a soft squeegee.
  2. Dry and clean the area. Remove dirt so the tarp sits flush.
  3. Lay the tarp with at least 5 feet of overlap beyond the damaged area.
  4. Weight edges with sandbags and, if the substrate allows, fasten battens into solid decking at parapet edges only. Do not penetrate foam membranes without a repair plan.
  5. Create slope with additional sandbags if needed so water moves to drains. Check after the first rain.

Inspect daily after storms. If ponding occurs, a tarp can collapse or tear. Call a pro for a foam or membrane patch.

Wind-Proofing Your Tarp for Monsoon Season

Desert storms combine gusts, microbursts, and shifting wind directions. A tight, aerodynamic install is your best defense.

  1. Keep the tarp tight. Slack fabric flaps, wears, and fails. Pull corners diagonally and batten both edges.
  2. Double up on edges. Use two parallel furring strips on the leading edge that faces the prevailing wind.
  3. Cross-strap if needed. For large spans, run two ropes across the tarp and anchor them on the leeward side. Do not over-tighten and create troughs.
  4. Mind the grommets. Grommets are weak points. Avoid relying on them alone in high winds. Battens spread the load.
  5. Inspect after each event. Re-tighten screws and reposition sandbags. Arizona UV breaks down cheaper tarps quickly.

If winds are forecast above 40 mph, do not climb the roof. Professional emergency crews are trained and equipped for these conditions.

Protecting Interiors and Documenting for Insurance

Work inside while someone prepares the roof. Move furniture, cover valuables with plastic, and set up buckets. Pierce the center of a ceiling bubble with a screwdriver to relieve water pressure, holding a bucket underneath.

Document everything:

  1. Take wide photos of the roof and close-ups of the damage and your temporary fix.
  2. Save receipts for materials and labor.
  3. Note date, time, storm details, and any emergency actions taken.

Many insurers reimburse for reasonable emergency mitigation. After the event, request a written assessment and recommendation from a licensed roofer. Professional documentation speeds claims.

When to Call a Professional Immediately

Call right away if you notice any of these:

  1. Active ceiling sagging or electrical sparks.
  2. Damage near power service masts, chimneys, or skylights where flashing is involved.
  3. Multiple leaks across slopes, suggesting underlayment failure.
  4. Steep, multi-story access or fragile tile fields.

In the Phoenix metro, monsoon season typically runs from mid-June to late September, with the official period starting June 15 per the National Weather Service. Rapid storm cells can turn a small breach into structural damage within minutes. Professional teams provide quick assessment and temporary solutions until permanent repairs are implemented, along with financing for emergency repairs when needed.

Pro-Level Tips That Save You Time and Money

Use these small upgrades to extend tarp life and reduce interior damage.

  1. Choose UV-rated tarps. Desert sun degrades low-cost blue tarps fast. Go thicker and UV-stabilized.
  2. Pre-drill battens. Clean holes prevent splitting and let screws bite straight.
  3. Add a drip edge. Create a slight overhang at the eave so water clears fascia and stucco.
  4. Avoid gutters full of debris. Clear them so your tarp can shed water properly.
  5. Color code. Mark uphill edges and centers on your tarp with a marker to speed placement in a storm.
  6. Keep a storm kit ready. Tarp, battens, screws, sandbags, tape, gloves, and a headlamp go in one bin.

Temporary tarps are a tactical fix. Schedule a full inspection and permanent repair once the weather clears. A thorough 17-point roof inspection identifies why the leak occurred and what to address so it does not return.

Your Next Step: Temporary Tarp Today, Permanent Repair Tomorrow

Stop the water now, then line up a durable solution. A permanent repair could include replacing damaged decking, new flashing, or underlayment replacement under tile. Ask about priority appointments after an emergency. Professionals who are highly mobile can respond quickly, provide same-day tarp service, and guide you from stabilization to a permanent fix without surprises.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Jesse and Justin at 5 guys roofing have been my lifesavers with the condominiums I manage. I have done small roof repairs to complete underlayment replacement with their team, and no matter the size of the job, they handle with the same level of attention and professionalism. They provide realistic timelines, and aid in education to homeowners and board members alike. It is wonderful to know as an HOA Community Manager the partnership I have in Five Guys Roofing and knowing they will get the job done quickly, and right the first time. No need to worry when it rains or when the monsoons hit, because Five Guys Roofing will have your back!"
–Gabrielle S., HOA Community Manager
"Five guys roofing repaired a roof perforation after installation of a fireplace vent. When the storm was coming, Jesse showed up after hours to protect the perforation from leakage. His prompt action was much appreciated. I would highly recommend them."
–Todd F., Emergency Leak Protection
"During a storm we noticed a leak. 5 guys not only diagnosed the leak quickly, but made repairs quickly and professionally, without turning my house upside down to do it. Great company to work with."
–Mike M., Storm Leak Repair
"When we called five guys roofing, they were both prompt and professional! We especially appreciate how quickly they acted during this monsoon season!"
–Lisa W., Monsoon Response

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should my tarp be for a roof leak?

Choose a tarp that extends at least 3 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides. On flat or low-slope roofs, aim for 5 feet of overlap to prevent ponding.

Can I screw through roof tiles to hold a tarp?

No. Do not penetrate concrete or clay tiles. Weight the tarp with sandbags or water tubes and secure at ridges or parapets without drilling through tile.

How long will a temporary tarp last in Arizona?

A well-installed UV-rated tarp can last 30 to 90 days. Inspect after every storm and replace if it becomes brittle, torn, or starts to flap.

Will insurance cover my emergency tarp?

Many policies reimburse reasonable mitigation. Take photos, save receipts, and get a licensed roofer’s assessment to support your claim.

When should I avoid going on the roof?

Avoid the roof during lightning, high winds, steep slopes, or at night. If the ceiling is sagging or electrical fixtures are wet, call a pro immediately.

Conclusion: Stop the Leak, Safely

When installed correctly, a temporary roof tarp buys precious time and prevents costly interior damage. If you are in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Tempe, Surprise, or San Tan Valley, call for help now. For 24/7 emergency response and same-day tarp service, contact Five Guys Roofing at (480) 892-5311 or schedule at https://fiveguysroofing.com/. Financing is available for emergency repairs. Protect your home today and plan the permanent fix tomorrow.

Ready for Fast Help?

Call (480) 892-5311 or visit https://fiveguysroofing.com/ to request priority emergency service. Our highly mobile crews provide quick assessments, same-day tarp service when needed, and financing options for urgent repairs. Protect your home now, then we will guide you to a permanent solution.

About Five Guys Roofing

Family owned and Arizona trusted, Five Guys Roofing delivers fast, professional service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold ROC licenses 301077 and 301076, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training, and were named Best Roofer by Gilbert Sun News and a 2023 Top Contractor by GACO. Our 17-point inspection, transparent pricing, and financing options make urgent repairs easier. From monsoon tarps to full replacements, our highly mobile crews protect homes across the Valley the right way, the first time.

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