Climate change is a real thing and has resulted in changes to global weather patterns – hotter temperatures, severe storms, and increased chances of extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods. These changes in weather patterns have had dramatic impacts on our environment and society, destroying crops, causing structural damage to our dwellings and infrastructure. All of which are costly both financially and emotionally.

At ABC Tarps we have had an increasing need to cater for the growing number of incidents that cause structural damage to dwellings because of cyclonic winds, hail, torrential rain and trees falling through roofs. Make Safe providers are usually engaged by the client’s insurance company to make the property safe and minimise further loss and damage. One means of doing this is supplying Roof Tarps that are used to cover partially damaged roofs or in some circumstance whole roofs that have been removed or destroyed.

ABC Tarps have a range of products that can be used in these circumstances the key features and benefits of these are noted below.

Dura Tarp 5000 (DT5000) which is an Extra Heavy Duty 290 gsm Polyethylene Tarp these Tarps are used either with or without Tie Downs on the underside of the Tarp. In the circumstance where the roof is partially damaged either by partial roof removal or hail damaged, we would recommend the use of the Standard DT5000 without Tie Downs this will enable the roof to be covered and secured utilising the eyelets that are located on the meter interval on the outer perimeter. In the circumstance of the roof being fully removed we would recommend the use of the DT5000 with Tie Downs (refer to the picture here of a Tie Down), this enables the Make Safe operators to install the Roof Tarp over the damaged area securing the tarp on the underside utilising the Tie Down points as well as the outer perimeter.

When installing a Make Safe Roof Tarp, we would recommend a few key things to consider:

  • When installing the tarp cushion out any sharp edges including tin, nails, and sharp edges.
  • Minimise movement of the Tarp after it is installed – utilise all eyelets and Tie Downs if provided.
  • Ensure that the size of the Tarp is suitable – not too big but big enough to provide cover over the damaged area with excess to ensure no water can work through an unprotected area.
  • In the circumstance of a large area it may be wise to provide some cross structural support such as temporary beams to enable water runoff and stop pooling of water.

Why use Polyethylene (PE) as opposed to PVC?

A correctly sized and installed PE Tarp will perform just as well as a PVC tarp, from an installation and cost point of view there are benefits in utilising a PE Tarp over a PVC one. The cost of a PVC Tarp can be two to three times more expensive than a PE tarp and the weight of a PVC tarp is over twice the weight of a PE Tarp – and it certainly won’t provide twice the protection. Be smart and choose wisely.

As previously noted, ABC Tarps are being called upon by the Make Safe practitioners to provide cost effective strong Make Safe Tarps, we would welcome the opportunity to further discuss your specific requirements, ABC Tarps are able to provide Make Safe Tarps nationally and with the largest range of ready to go “off the shelf” range of products our ability to respond quickly is unparalleled in the Australian market.

For additional information or assistance at any stage with your Tarpaulin and Covers please contact ABC Tarps –   1300 656 211 or via email info@abctarps.com.au

Thank you for considering ABC Tarps.

Refer to our Roof Tarp Page on the ABC Tarps website: https://www.abctarps.com.au/tarpaulins/roof-tarps/

Refer to Tie Down placement link on the ABC Tarps website: https://www.abctarps.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/DURA-TARP-5000-TIE-DOWN-Placement.pdf