Living in Fargo means dealing with all kinds of weather, from heavy snowfalls in the winter to thunderstorms rolling across the plains in the summer. When your roof gets damaged—whether from hail, wind, or ice—the last thing you want is water leaking into your home before a pro can fix it. That’s where a temporary roof tarp comes in.
Tarping a roof isn’t a permanent solution, but it can buy you time to prevent further damage until expert roofers like Allstar Construction arrive to handle the real repairs.
Here’s a local’s guide to protecting your home in Fargo with a quick, temporary roof tarp setup.
Let’s break down the essential steps.
Key Takeaways
- Safety comes first in Fargo, with weather risks and unstable roof conditions, before trying to tarp anything.
- A strong tarp from local hardware stores should fully cover the roof damage with extra overlap for protection.
- Temporary tarping is just a stopgap, so monitor and adjust it regularly for shifting weather until experts arrive.
- Allstar Construction offers professional repairs with no hidden fees, lifetime guarantees, and energy-efficient solutions.
1. Stay Safe and Assess the Damage First
Before you even think about grabbing a tarp, make sure you’re safe. Fargo’s unpredictable weather and icy conditions—especially in neighborhoods like Horace or along University Drive—make climbing onto your roof risky.
Wait for a break in the weather and check for hazards like loose shingles, unstable surfaces, or ice patches from the last storm. Only if it’s safe should you inspect the damage.
Remember, this step is just to assess. If the damage looks severe or if you feel uneasy, wait for the roofing pros. A tarp is only a temporary fix, and safety comes first.
2. Choose the Right Tarp Material and Size for Fargo’s Weather
Not all tarps are created equal, especially when you’re dealing with Fargo’s stiff winter winds and summer thunderstorms.
Head to a local hardware store like Scheels Home & Hardware on South University Drive to pick up a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp large enough to fully cover the damaged area.
Make sure it extends at least three feet beyond the damage on all sides. Reinforced edges and UV resistance are a must in our ever-changing climate.
This tarp will only hold up temporarily, but a quality material gives you a fighting chance until Allstar Construction can take over.
3. Clear Debris and Loose Shingles
Before laying down the tarp, clear any debris from the damaged area.
In Fargo, debris might include broken branches blown in from the last Red River Valley storm, or shingles that have been lifted by gusty prairie winds.
Be careful not to damage the roof further while removing debris. Use a broom or your hands to clear the area, and avoid using sharp tools.
This isn’t a long-term cleanup. It’s just a quick prep step to ensure the tarp lays flat and doesn’t tear or flap in the wind while you wait for expert repairs.
4. Secure the Tarp’s Edges with 2x4s or Heavy Boards
Once the area is clear, it’s time to lay down the tarp.
Start from the roof’s peak and drape the tarp over the damaged area, ensuring it covers the ridge to prevent water from seeping underneath.
Then, using 2x4s or similar boards (which you can find at local stores like Fargo’s Menards on 13th Avenue), sandwich the tarp’s edges. Secure these with screws or nails into the boards, not the roof itself—this way, you’re not causing more damage.
Remember, this is just a temporary barrier until Allstar Construction arrives, not a substitute for professional roof repairs.
5. Use Roofing Nails or Screws at the Tarp’s Corners
If boards aren’t available, or you need extra security against Fargo’s unpredictable winds, use roofing nails or screws at the tarp’s corners.
Drive them through the tarp into the roof deck, but only at the very edges and as few as possible to minimize further damage. This is especially important if you live in older Fargo homes where the roof deck might already be compromised.
This step will keep the tarp in place temporarily, but it’s no replacement for a full repair.
Call the pros as soon as you can.
6. Double-Check for Loose Spots or Gaps
Once the tarp is secured, walk around your property (from the ground) to look for any loose edges or gaps where water might sneak in. Pay attention to areas where Fargo’s strong winds, like those that rip across Main Avenue or near Lindenwood Park, could lift the tarp.
If you see gaps, tighten the boards or add extra fasteners. Remember, this setup is a stopgap—it won’t stand up to prolonged exposure or heavy weather.
Get Allstar Construction on the job as soon as possible for a lasting solution.
7. Monitor and Adjust Until the Pros Arrive
After you’ve done your best to secure the tarp, don’t walk away and forget it.
Fargo’s weather can change rapidly, and a storm tonight might loosen what you set up this afternoon. Keep checking for movement or leaks, especially around the edges. Adjust as needed, but know this is just a temporary fix.
Only a professional repair from Allstar Construction can ensure your roof’s integrity through the next storm—or the next big melt when spring comes to Fargo.
Don’t Wait—Get the Experts on Your Roof
Tarping your roof in Fargo might buy you some time, but it’s no substitute for expert repairs.
At Allstar Construction, we’re ready to handle roof damage with transparent, comprehensive pricing—no hidden fees—and quality craftsmanship built to last through Fargo’s toughest winters and hottest summers. Plus, we’re fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind while we restore your home’s protection.
Call us today at 218-209-4699 (MN) or 701-409-2709 (ND) to schedule a roof inspection, request a free quote, or learn more about our lifetime guarantees and energy-efficient roofing solutions.
Don’t wait for the next storm to make things worse—let’s get your roof back to top shape today.
