tarping a flat roof
Hi I have a flat (low sloped) roof that was damaged during the hurricane. Unfortunately no tarps were available in any hardware stores, so I ended up covering the damaged area with 6 mil plastic sheeting. I fastened it down with 2x4's laid on a slant to help with drainage. As expected there are still some leaks making its way into the building. (3 story multifamily home). Few days after I got my hands on a tarp, but never got around to placing it. The question I have is how do I tarp around the 2 chimneys, vent pipe and roof entry access (3x3 opening)... bearing in mind I will need to get back in through the roof access after tarping. I don't necessarily want to damage the tarp by cutting to drop over the chimney and other pertrusions. As mentioned its a 3 story home so access to the roof via a ladder kinda scares me. That is if I can even find a lader that reaches that height. Sorry for the long drawn out explanation.

PS pics taken prior to plastic covering.

 

I suspect you are going to have to cut the tarp to fit it around the items in needs to go around. I don't see anyway around this.

 

ok Mike, I figured that may be the case, which brings me to my next question... How to I ensure no leaking around those items. Would I have to go through the trouble of flashing? and if so what do you recommend to use for temporary flashing until the new EPDM roof is on?

 

one more thing... I guess the new roof will have to wait until spring? I read somewhere that you can't lay the rubber roof in 40 or below?

 

How long would temporary be (all winter)?

Unfortunately I'm not a roofer, so what I could suggest may not be the best option.

If it was fairly short term, you might be able to tightly frame everything with 2x4s and staple or nail the tarp ontop of the framing. This would provide a bit of slope away from the openings.
The small gap between the objects and the framing could be taped with duct tape or similar to further reduce the chance of leaking.
Again, only a thought of a non-roofer and should only be considered very short term solution.

Edit:
Seen your update after I posted. Hopefully one of the pros can provide you with a better solution.

 

thanks for the advice, I'll follow your suggestion. Think I will X cut and slide over each item. Then use a bungee cord to fasten around the items, hopefully that will give me a tight enough seal. I welcome any other suggestions from the pros though.

 

I'd wait on the pros to see if they have any better suggestions before making any cuts.
The X cut idea sounds good, but if it has to survive all winter, may or may not be the best method.

 

If you gotta wait til spring and you know where the trouble spots are, you might be better off getting some roll roofing and roof cement for a temporary patch. A couple of good windy days can rip a tarp to shreds. Maybe the roofers can do a quick and dirty temp job.

 

Not a roofer, but a naildriver, so here goes. It makes little difference except for direction we can guide you if this was an insurance job or not. What is the super structure with the OSB on the bottom? I gather the other structure is a skylight. Is the skylight damaged?

As the others have stated, a tarp will shred in the first windy storm and leave you just like you are, now. I would fasten a full 4x8 sheet of OSB over the skylight and super structure and staple 6 mil plastic over them so water will drain from them. If spring is going to be your earliest repair date, I would consider the roll roof and hot tar repairs in the problem areas to get you through. The 3 "v" metal is thin and may not take a bunch of walking on, so minimize it if possible. Seal around the chimneys with roll roof and tar and around the edges of the other higher points.

Good luck with this. Just wish we had more to add in the form of help.