Project Gear
Best Roof Tarps While You Wait for a Roofer, Compared on What Makers Publish
Heavy-duty roof tarps and a roof patch sealant compared on their paperwork: thickness, real finished size, grommet spacing, weather limits, and what to save for your insurer and the reroof permit.
Updated Oct 5, 2026
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A roof tarp keeps water out until the roof is properly repaired or replaced. It is temporary protection, not a repair. In many places an emergency tarp needs no permit, but the new roof covering or structural repair that follows usually does.
Key takeaways
- A tarp or patch buys time. The real repair or reroof is the work a permit office reviews, so check the rule for your address before the roofer starts.
- Photograph the damage before you cover it, keep your receipts, and hold off on permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has seen it.
- Roof work is dangerous. If the roof is wet, steep, damaged or near power lines, call a roofer or an emergency tarping service.
- Buy by finished size. Some tarps are sold by cut size and finish several inches smaller.
How we compare roof tarps and patch products
We did not test these products. We read each maker's product pages and data sheets, compared what they publish on thickness, size, grommets and weather limits, and checked that each Amazon listing is sold by Amazon itself or by the brand. Where a maker publishes two different numbers, we use the lower or more cautious one.
Our picks
- 1Best heavy-duty tarp
Kotap 8 oz Ultra Heavy-Duty Poly Tarp, 12 x 16 ft
Model TUH-1216
Permit paperwork: Mostly completeThe thickest tarp on this list, and Kotap measures it to finished size, so you get the full 12 by 16 feet. Its grommets are spaced wider than the other tarps here.
Why we picked it: The thickest tarp here at 16 mil, and Kotap measures it to finished size, so a 12 by 16 foot tarp is really 12 by 16 feet. Its brass grommets sit 24 inches apart, wider than the others.
Permit paperwork
- Yes:Material and thickness or type published (16 mil, 8 oz woven and coated polyethylene)
- Yes:UV or weather resistance published (UV resistant stated; no test data)
- Yes:Finished size or coverage stated (Measured to finished size)
- Yes:Fastening or application limits published (Brass grommets every 24 in. and at corners)
- No:Maker publishes roof directions (No roof directions on the maker page)
- No:Data sheet, SDS or warranty published (No data sheet or warranty found)
Specs
- Material
- Woven and coated polyethylene, 16 mil, 8 oz
- Size
- 12 x 16 ft, measured to finished size (maker)
- Grommets
- Rust-proof brass, every 24 in. and at each corner
- Edges
- Heat-sealed, polyethylene rope in the hem, plastic corner bars
- Color
- Silver/white
Maker documents
Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05 - 2Best for matching a measured opening
Kotap Heavy-Duty Silver Poly Tarp, 10 x 20 ft
Model TRS-1020
Permit paperwork: Mostly completeA heavy silver tarp whose maker publishes both the cut size and the finished size, so you can match it to a measured opening. The 10 by 20 foot tarp finishes at 9 feet 4 inches by 19 feet 6 inches.
Why we picked it: Kotap publishes a cut-size and finished-size table, so you know this 10 by 20 foot tarp finishes at 9 feet 4 inches by 19 feet 6 inches. Grommets every 1.5 feet give plenty of tie points.
Permit paperwork
- Yes:Material and thickness or type published (10 mil (lower of two published numbers), 5.3 oz)
- Yes:UV or weather resistance published (Black yarn and coatings block sunlight; no test data)
- Yes:Finished size or coverage stated (Cut and finished sizes published)
- Yes:Fastening or application limits published (Aluminum grommets every 1.5 ft and at corners)
- No:Maker publishes roof directions (No roof directions on the maker page)
- No:Data sheet, SDS or warranty published (No data sheet or warranty found)
Specs
- Material
- Woven and coated polyethylene, 10 mil, 5.3 oz per sq. yd. (maker also lists 11 mil)
- Size
- Cut 10 x 20 ft; finished 9 ft 4 in. x 19 ft 6 in.
- Grommets
- Rust-proof aluminum, every 1.5 ft and at each corner
- Edges
- Heat-sealed, polyethylene rope in the hem, plastic corner bars
Maker documents
Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05 - 3Best large tarp
Tarps Now 12 Mil Super Heavy Duty Silver/Brown Poly Tarp, 16 x 30 ft
Model 16 x 30 ft, 12 mil (imported line)
Permit paperwork: Mostly completeA large 12 mil tarp sold on Amazon by the maker, with the fullest spec list of the tarps here. It is sold by cut size, so the finished tarp is about 6 to 8 inches smaller than 16 by 30 feet.
Why we picked it: Sold on Amazon by the maker, with the fullest spec list of the tarps here and grommets about every 18 inches. It is sold by cut size, so plan for a finished tarp about 6 to 8 inches smaller.
Permit paperwork
- Yes:Material and thickness or type published (12 mil, 7 oz, 3-ply, 1200 denier)
- Yes:UV or weather resistance published (UV, rot and mildew resistance stated; no test data)
- Yes:Finished size or coverage stated (Cut size; finish about 6 to 8 in. smaller)
- Yes:Fastening or application limits published (Aluminum grommets about every 18 in.)
- Partly:Maker publishes roof directions (Maker says it can be used as a roof tarp; no directions)
- Partly:Data sheet, SDS or warranty published (Return policy covers defects at purchase; no data sheet)
Specs
- Material
- 12 mil, 7 oz per sq. yd., 3-ply, 1200 denier, coated polyethylene
- Size
- Cut 16 x 30 ft; finished about 6 to 8 in. smaller (maker)
- Grommets
- Aluminum, about every 18 in. around the perimeter
- Edges
- Reinforced rope hems
Maker documents
Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05 - 4Smaller tarp for a small damaged area
Xpose Safety 10 Mil Heavy Duty Tarp, Silver/Black, 9 x 12 ft
Model STH-912
Permit paperwork: LimitedA smaller tarp for a small damaged area, sold by the brand owner and made in many sizes. The maker publishes less than the others: no weight, and no word on whether 9 by 12 feet is the cut or the finished size.
Why we picked it: Sold by the brand owner, in many sizes, with aluminum grommets spaced 18 inches. The paperwork is thin: no weight, no data sheet, and no word on cut or finished size, so measure it before you go up.
Permit paperwork
- Partly:Material and thickness or type published (Polyethylene; 10 mil only in a heading, no weight)
- Yes:UV or weather resistance published (UV treated stated; no test data)
- No:Finished size or coverage stated (Nominal sizes only; cut or finished not stated)
- Yes:Fastening or application limits published (Aluminum grommets spaced 18 in.)
- No:Maker publishes roof directions (No roof directions on the maker page)
- No:Data sheet, SDS or warranty published (No data sheet or warranty found)
Specs
- Material
- Polyethylene, 10 mil (maker's heading)
- Size
- 9 x 12 ft nominal; cut or finished not stated
- Grommets
- Aluminum, spaced 18 in.
- Edges
- Poly rope sewn into the hem
Maker documents
Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05 - 5Best caulk-gun patch for small gaps
Red Devil Blacktop and Roof Repair Sealant
Model 0636
Permit paperwork: Mostly completeA caulk-gun asphalt sealant for a small gap at a shingle, chimney flashing or skylight edge, best used in dry, mild weather. Red Devil's own documents differ on wet surfaces, so follow the label on the can.
Why we picked it: For a small gap at flashing, a vent or a skylight edge in dry, mild weather. Red Devil publishes a data sheet, safety data sheet and warranty, but its own sheets differ on wet surfaces, so follow the label on the can.
Permit paperwork
- Yes:Material and thickness or type published (Petroleum asphalt blend, about 83% solids)
- Yes:UV or weather resistance published (No cracking at 5,000 hours QUV weathering test)
- Yes:Finished size or coverage stated (10.1 fl. oz, about 30 linear ft)
- Partly:Fastening or application limits published (40°F to 90°F; maker pages differ on wet surfaces)
- Partly:Maker publishes roof directions (Lists shingles, flashings and skylights; general caulking steps only)
- Yes:Data sheet, SDS or warranty published (Data sheet, SDS, FAQ and limited warranty)
Specs
- Type
- Petroleum asphalt blend, caulk-gun cartridge
- Size
- 10.1 fl. oz cartridge, about 30 linear ft
- Apply at
- 40°F to 90°F
- Weather
- Keep rain and freezing off for 72 hours; full cure about 1 week
- Warranty
- Limited replacement warranty, residential use only
Maker documents
Check price on AmazonChecked 2026-10-05
Side by side
| Product | Paperwork | Material | Size | Grommets | Edges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotap 8 oz Ultra Heavy-Duty Poly Tarp, 12 x 16 ft | Mostly complete | Woven and coated polyethylene, 16 mil, 8 oz | 12 x 16 ft, measured to finished size (maker) | Rust-proof brass, every 24 in. and at each corner | Heat-sealed, polyethylene rope in the hem, plastic corner bars |
| Kotap Heavy-Duty Silver Poly Tarp, 10 x 20 ft | Mostly complete | Woven and coated polyethylene, 10 mil, 5.3 oz per sq. yd. (maker also lists 11 mil) | Cut 10 x 20 ft; finished 9 ft 4 in. x 19 ft 6 in. | Rust-proof aluminum, every 1.5 ft and at each corner | Heat-sealed, polyethylene rope in the hem, plastic corner bars |
| Tarps Now 12 Mil Super Heavy Duty Silver/Brown Poly Tarp, 16 x 30 ft | Mostly complete | 12 mil, 7 oz per sq. yd., 3-ply, 1200 denier, coated polyethylene | Cut 16 x 30 ft; finished about 6 to 8 in. smaller (maker) | Aluminum, about every 18 in. around the perimeter | Reinforced rope hems |
| Xpose Safety 10 Mil Heavy Duty Tarp, Silver/Black, 9 x 12 ft | Limited | Polyethylene, 10 mil (maker's heading) | 9 x 12 ft nominal; cut or finished not stated | Aluminum, spaced 18 in. | Poly rope sewn into the hem |
| Red Devil Blacktop and Roof Repair Sealant | Mostly complete | Does not apply | 10.1 fl. oz cartridge, about 30 linear ft | Does not apply | Does not apply |
A tarp is temporary, and the reroof usually needs a permit
Rules vary by place, but the pattern is common: covering the damage is treated as an emergency step, and replacing the roof is permitted work. Escambia County, Florida, for example, lists "emergency temporary application of tarps" among post-storm work that does not need a permit, while roof covering replacement and roof structure repair are permitted there. Missoula, Montana asks owners to tarp the roof if needed to prevent interior water damage, says patching in a few shingles needs no roofing permit, and says "a permit IS required for more extensive roof damage."
Deadlines and size limits differ, so check the rule for your address and ask your roofer who will pull the permit for the permanent work.
Talk to your insurer before and after
State insurance departments give the same advice. The Texas Department of Insurance says to make temporary repairs to prevent more damage, keep a list of repairs and save receipts, and not to make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. The North Carolina Department of Insurance says to photograph and list the damage before any temporary repairs, and that reasonable expenses to protect your property, such as a roof tarp, may be reimbursed. Your policy and your insurer decide what is covered.
One warning from Texas: state law there makes it illegal for contractors or roofers to offer to waive your deductible or promise a rebate for it. Be wary of a "free tarp" that comes with that pitch.
How professionals hold a tarp down
FEMA describes Operation Blue Roof, run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after declared disasters, as reinforced plastic sheeting held by "strips of wood secured to the roof with nails or screws." USACE calls them furring strips, and it does not install blue roofs on some metal, flat, tile or slate roofs because nailing through them could do more harm. FEMA says blue roofs are "designed to last for 30 days," so plan for a permanent fix.
FEMA also hands out free self-help tarps after some disasters. It describes them as loose-fitting sheets "tied to structures with grommets," and the homeowner installs them. That is why grommet spacing and real finished size matter when you buy your own.
Safety comes first
OSHA's guidance for roof tarping crews describes roof surfaces that "can be steep, slippery, and/or deteriorating." For workers on roofs with unprotected edges 6 feet or more above a lower level, OSHA requires fall protection such as guardrails, safety nets or a personal fall arrest system. That rule is written for employers, but a fall is just as dangerous for a homeowner. OSHA also says to:
- Assume power lines are energized, and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.
- Use a non-conductive ladder, such as fiberglass, near power lines, and set it 1 foot back for every 4 feet of rise.
- Let a damp tarp dry before walking on it. OSHA suggests sheeting that is non-reflective and textured to reduce slips.
- Mark spots where the roof deck is weak "Danger - No Step."
If the roof is wet, steep, damaged or near power lines, hire a roofer or an emergency tarping service and keep the receipt for your insurer.
Patches are for small spots, in the right weather
A sealant like Red Devil 0636 suits a small gap, not a missing section of roof. Its data sheet gives an application range of 40°F to 90°F and says to keep rain and freezing off for 72 hours. Red Devil's product page says it sticks to wet or dry surfaces, but its data sheet says damp surfaces and a clean, dry surface to start, so the maker's own sheets differ. Follow the label on the can.
What to keep for your insurer and roofer
- Photos of the damage before you cover it, and after.
- Receipts for the tarp, fasteners and any patch product.
- The model, size and maker page or data sheet for what you used, so the roofer knows what is on the roof.
- A short list of the temporary repairs and the dates.
Also considered
Products we looked at and left out, as of Oct 5, 2026. No links, because we would not recommend buying them through us.
Henry 208R Rubberized Wet Patch
It has the best paperwork of the roof patches we read, including a data sheet with wet-surface and temperature limits, but the Amazon listings we found were sold by resellers, not Henry or Amazon.
Gardner Leak Stopper Rubberized Roof Patch
Good data sheet and warranty, but we found no Amazon offer from Gardner or from Amazon.
Flex Tape
The maker says to use it on smooth, clean, non-porous surfaces, which most shingle roofs are not.
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape
The maker's product page does not mention roofs.
Grizzly Tarps by B-Air
We could not find a maker page for these tarps, so there was nothing to check the Amazon listings against.
Before you order, check your address
Permit rules change from one city to the next. The free check tells you what your building department requires, the documents to prepare and who to call.
Check my projectFrequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to put a tarp on my roof?
- Often not for an emergency tarp, but it depends on where you live. Escambia County, Florida, for example, lists emergency tarps as work that needs no permit. Replacing the roof covering is permitted work in most places, so check your address before the reroof starts.
- Will my insurance pay for a roof tarp?
- It may. The North Carolina Department of Insurance says reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and may be reimbursed. Photograph the damage first, keep receipts, and do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it. Your policy decides what is covered.
- Is it safe to tarp my own roof?
- It can be dangerous. OSHA's roof tarping guidance warns that roofs can be steep, slippery and deteriorating, calls for fall protection at 6 feet and up, and says to stay at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. If the roof is wet, steep, damaged or near power lines, hire a roofer or an emergency tarping service.
- How long can a tarp stay on a roof?
- Treat it as short term. FEMA says the blue roofs installed after disasters are designed to last for 30 days. A maker's UV or weather statement tells you what a tarp was built for, not how long it will hold on your roof, so schedule the permanent repair.
- What does cut size mean on a tarp?
- It is the size of the fabric before the edges are hemmed, so the finished tarp is smaller. Tarps Now says its finished tarps are about 6 to 8 inches smaller than the cut size, Kotap publishes a cut and finished size table for its 10 mil tarp, and Kotap measures its 16 mil tarps to finished size.
- Why are the prices not listed?
- Prices change often, so the buttons take you to Amazon for the current price. PermitRoadmap earns a commission on qualifying purchases, which does not change our ratings or the permit information.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.