Anyone else run into trouble with tarps sliding off steep roofs?
Yeah, steep pitches are a pain. Even with furring strips, I’ve had tarps bunch up or just slide right off after a heavy rain. Self-adhesive patches work okay on flat spots, but I’ve noticed they peel up when it’s humid or if the surface isn’t totally clean. Has anyone tried using those big plastic cap nails instead of just strips? Wondering if that gives better grip on steeper angles.
Has anyone tried using those big plastic cap nails instead of just strips?
Tried the cap nails last fall after a windstorm took out half the ridge. Honestly, they held the tarp better than furring strips for a couple weeks, but once we got a real downpour, water still found its way under and the tarp shifted. Maybe it’s just my luck, but on anything over a 7/12 pitch, nothing seems to stay put for long. I’ve started doubling up tarps—one as backup—just in case. Not pretty, but it buys time until a real fix.
Cap nails are a mixed bag for me too, especially on steeper roofs. I’ve used them on a couple properties—mostly 8/12 and 10/12 pitches—and while they’re better than nothing, I’ve never had one hold a tarp through more than a few heavy storms. The plastic caps do help spread the load, but once the wind gets under the tarp or there’s any pooling, things start to shift. I’ve even seen the caps tear right through thinner tarps.
Doubling up tarps is smart, though it’s a pain to set up. Have you tried using a bead of roofing cement or adhesive along the leading edge before nailing down? It’s not perfect (and definitely messy to clean up later), but I’ve had slightly better luck keeping water from sneaking under, especially at the ridge and eaves. For anything long-term, I always end up going back to furring strips or even 2x4s, screwed down tight. Nails alone just don’t seem to cut it for more than a week or two, at least in my experience.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those self-adhesive roof repair membranes as a temporary fix? I’ve only used them on flat roofs, but maybe there’s something similar that works on steeper slopes. It’s always a trade-off between speed and durability, especially when you’re just trying to buy time until a crew can get out.
One thing I’ve learned: no matter what method, checking after every big storm is key. I’ve lost count of how many times I thought a tarp was secure, only to find half of it flapping in the wind after a gusty night. Not fun climbing up there in the rain, but it beats dealing with soaked insulation and drywall later...
I’ve tried those self-adhesive membranes on a 7/12 shingle roof after a branch punched through, and honestly, they held up better than I expected for a couple weeks. The trick was making sure the area was bone dry before sticking it down—otherwise it just peeled right off after the first rain. Still, nothing beats screwing down some 2x4s over a tarp if you want to sleep at night. Cap nails alone never lasted for me either, especially with our Midwest winds. I’ve also learned the hard way that cheap tarps just aren’t worth it... they shred fast and make a mess.
Still, nothing beats screwing down some 2x4s over a tarp if you want to sleep at night.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve tried every “quick fix” under the sun—those peel-and-stick patches, roof cement, even duct tape in a pinch (don’t judge, it was 2am and raining sideways). But honestly, Midwest winds will laugh at cap nails and cheap tarps. I learned that lesson after waking up to a blue tarp flapping like a flag and water dripping onto my kitchen table.
One thing I’ll add: if you’re using a tarp, get one that’s actually rated for outdoor use. The ones from the bargain bin at the hardware store are basically disposable. And yeah, dry surface is key for those membranes, but I’ve had mixed luck with them sticking long-term, especially if temps drop below freezing.
If you can get a couple 2x4s screwed down tight, and maybe even sandwich the tarp edges under them, you’ll buy yourself some real peace of mind until you can get a pro out. Just watch your step up there—wet shingles are no joke.