What Goes Into a Blue Tarp?

What Goes Into a Blue Tarp?

As hurricane season heats up, many homeowners find themselves in the midst of an emergency roof repair.blue tarp Whether caused by a falling tree, flying debris or a damaged roof from an impending storm, these situations can often leave a homeowner with a temporary fix: the blue tarp. Blue tarps are easy to find, affordable and can be thrown up fast. But they’re not always the best option for your home and can actually be harmful in some cases. Let Protect Preserve Roofing show you what goes into a blue tarp, why they can fail and how to choose a stronger option.

Tarps are made from woven strips of polyethylene. This is the same basic plastic found in many everyday products such as grocery bags, but a tarp-grade poly is thicker and tougher. The tarp’s outer layers are then laminated to add durability. They’re also lightweight, making them easy to handle and install quickly.

When the manufacturer uses recycled or low-grade plastics, the tarp can easily degrade. The sun’s UV rays eat through these tarps in just 30 days, turning the water-resistant surface into an impromptu pool or creating holes that can lead to leaks.

Another issue is that these tarps can’t breathe and seal tightly to the roof, leading to moisture build up and mold. This can lead to roof deck damage, leaks and rot. They can also rip or puncture if they are nailed directly to the roof, which damages the roof and voids most insurance claims.

Lastly, these tarps are not designed to withstand the pounding of wind and rain during a tropical storm. The tarp can be torn or punctured by sharp objects and the heavy rain can cause it to blow off in strong winds.

If you’re looking for a better solution, we recommend Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) roofing systems. TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that’s extremely durable and withstands the harsh conditions brought on by tropical storms. It’s available in a variety of colors, sizes and patterns and can even be shaped for curb appeal. Contact us to learn more and schedule a free roof estimate today.

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