After a storm sweeps through Englewood—especially one of those intense summer squalls we see off the Gulf—tarping your roof may seem like a quick fix to protect your home. But here’s the thing: if you do it wrong, it can cause more damage than the storm itself.
We’ve seen it all across neighborhoods like Pine Cove, East Englewood, and even near Dearborn Street—well-meaning homeowners throwing up tarps with the best intentions, but making costly mistakes that leave their homes vulnerable to water intrusion, mold, and structural damage.
If you’re wondering whether you’re tarp-ready, here are the 9 most common mistakes Englewood residents make—and exactly how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways
- The wrong type of tarp or missing safety gear often causes more harm than the original roof problem itself.
- Debris left behind or poor tarp overlap allows rain and wind to create serious leaks and damage underneath.
- Nails, sagging areas, and loose edges make tarps fail quickly during storms across neighborhoods like Manasota Key.
- Quick repairs from Galloway Roofing offer long-term protection with honest pricing, full insurance, and lifetime roof guarantees.
1. Using the Wrong Type of Tarp
Not all tarps are created equal. Many Englewood homeowners grab the first blue tarp they see at the Home Depot on McCall Road, not realizing it’s often too thin to withstand days of rain or high coastal winds.
You need a heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarp—ideally at least 10-mil thick—to stand up to Florida’s punishing sun and unpredictable weather.
How to Fix It
Use a commercial-grade tarp rated for long-term outdoor use. Ask for UV-treated tarps at local supply shops like Gulf Coast Hardware.
2. Skipping the Safety Gear
Climbing on your roof during or right after a storm is dangerous, especially with slippery tiles common in areas like Rotonda West. Yet many homeowners skip proper footwear, harnesses, and ladders, leading to falls and injuries.
How to Fix It
Always wear slip-resistant shoes, use a safety harness, and avoid working alone. If your roof has a steep pitch or extensive damage, it’s smarter (and safer) to call professionals.
3. Failing to Clear Debris First
From palm fronds to loose shingles, debris left on your roof can tear your tarp or cause uneven coverage. In places like Old Englewood Village, we’ve seen tarps balloon or tear because of sharp tile fragments or leftover storm clutter.
How to Fix It
Clear the area of all debris before tarping. Use a broom or leaf blower to gently remove materials, and double-check for nails or sharp edges.
4. Overlapping Too Little—or Not at All
Your tarp needs to extend past the damaged area by at least 3–4 feet in every direction. But many Englewood residents simply slap the tarp over the visible hole, not realizing that water can still creep in underneath, especially during heavy rains off Lemon Bay.
How to Fix It
Always allow for generous overlap. For larger sections, overlap multiple tarps and seal the seams using waterproof roofing tape or adhesive.
5. Using Nails Instead of Screws with Caps
We’ve noticed this often in Manasota Key homes—nails are used to secure tarps, which easily rip through the fabric during windy days. Even worse, they create extra punctures in your roof, potentially voiding warranties.
How to Fix It
Use wood screws with plastic cap washers or 2×4 boards to evenly distribute pressure without tearing the tarp. This method is much more secure and protects your roofing materials.
6. Ignoring the Pitch and Drainage
Water pooling on your tarp is a recipe for disaster. Roofs in Englewood typically have moderate pitches, but a sagging tarp can still collect gallons of rainwater during one of our infamous afternoon downpours.
How to Fix It
Secure the tarp tightly so it conforms to the roof’s natural pitch. Add wooden slats underneath to elevate low points and help direct water runoff.
7. Leaving the Tarp Up Too Long
A temporary tarp is not a long-term solution. We’ve seen homeowners in areas like Groveland Avenue keep tarps up for months, only to end up with moldy insulation or weakened decking from prolonged moisture.
How to Fix It
Schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. A tarp should only serve as a short-term measure—ideally, less than 30 days.
8. Not Securing the Tarp at All Edges
In Englewood’s coastal zones, wind can gust unexpectedly—even on a sunny day. A loose corner flapping in the breeze might look harmless, but it can lift the tarp entirely during a surprise storm.
How to Fix It
Secure all four sides using 2×4 boards screwed down every few feet. Don’t leave any edge exposed, especially if you live close to Englewood Beach, where wind speeds pick up fast.
9. Forgetting to Check Local Building Codes
Some homeowners don’t realize that even temporary roof repairs may be subject to Charlotte County permitting rules or HOA restrictions, especially in gated communities like Bay Vista Boulevard.
How to Fix It
Before you tarp, check with your local building department or HOA. If your tarp is up longer than expected, you may need to notify code enforcement or secure a repair permit.
Protect Your Roof the Right Way—Before the Next Storm Hits
Tarping your roof might feel like a quick DIY job, but doing it wrong can cost you in water damage, repairs, and safety risks. Whether you’re dealing with hurricane fallout or unexpected leaks from Englewood’s heavy summer rain, we’ve got your back.
At Galloway Roofing, we offer emergency roof tarping, storm damage repair, and full roof replacements, all backed by transparent pricing, licensed and insured pros, and a lifetime guarantee on every new roof we install.
We even provide energy-efficient roofing solutions that can help reduce your utility bills—ideal for battling those rising Florida power costs.
Don’t wait for more damage.
Request a quote now, or contact us at 941-697-3737 for fast, professional help from a team that knows Englewood homes like the back of our hand.
