The construction industry is susceptible to extreme weather conditions, temporary roof cover is an excellent solution for construction sites located in areas characterized by adverse weather conditions, thanks to the waterproof fabric which protects equipment and materials against heavy rainfall, snow, wind chill, and dust. Apart from that, it eliminates hazards caused by slippery surfaces and debris.
Whether you need to cover a building’s roof during construction, building renovation, roofing, or repairs of a specific area, temporary roof cover ensures a dry construction area throughout the year. In this blog, we will take a closer look into the importance of temporary roof cover in the construction and building industry and how it contributes to construction work continuity despite the fluctuation caused by harsh weather conditions and other challenges.
What is a Temporary Roof Cover?
A temporary roof cover is mainly designed to meet the covering requirements of temporary roofing, regardless of the external environmental factors, temporary roof cover can protect under-construction areas from the effects of inclement weather, high wind, rain, snow, and dust, while it eliminates weather-related construction delays.
Temporary roof cover ensures weather protection and containment throughout the year, this provides builders and contractors a dry and comfortable environment. Besides this, Temporary roof cover waterproofing is lightweight making it ideal for a wide range of construction projects and temporary roofing applications. Temporary roof cover protects the construction material, equipment, and workmanship, which preserves the scaffolding structure, avoids delays, and contributes to project completion in all weather conditions.
Temporary roof covers are widely used to cover non-construction spaces including outdoor events venues, retail spaces, and churches, its functionality and versatility make them, preferred for suit small and large-scale residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Moreover, temporary roof cover can be easily erected, craned, or even dismantled.
Temporary roof cover is also referred to as Temporary Roofing Cover, Roof Covering, Waterproof Roof Tarp, Roof Sheet Cover, Plastic Cover, or PE tarpaulin Cover.
What is The Purpose of Temporary Roof Cover?
No matter what the weather is, temporary roof cover can ensure construction work continuity in virtually all weather conditions, while it can serve a wide range of purposes in construction and non-construction projects:
Scaffolding structures
Long-term or temporary roofing structure
Heavy-duty or light structure roof cover
On-site facilities roof covering
Storage space and warehouses
Workspace extension or additional work area
Heavy machinery and hazardous materials cover
Static or mobile shelters
Renovation projects
Roof Refurbishments
Emergency roofing solutions
Building repairs and maintenance
Roofing works and repairs
Containment applications
Temporary construction walls
Temporary stage roof cover
Temporary structure for events
Covered marquee structure
Exhibition booth roof cover
Trade show roof cover
Temporary event venues
Outdoor tent roof cover
Outdoor pavilion roof cover
Swimming pool cover
Car showroom roof cover
Why Temporary Roofing Cover is Vital in Construction
Construction sites are exposed to adverse weather conditions, water infiltration, and defects; temporary roof cover is manufactured to shelter construction worksites from unpredictable climates and weather-related hazards such as rain, snow, wind, hail, debris, and slippery surfaces. Despite the harsh climate conditions, temporary roof covers can protect the structural integrity of construction projects, while it can ensure continuous progress by minimizing downtime, and providing workmanship a comfortable working environment. Construction professionals can choose from industry-leading temporary roof covers that protect completely any type of roofing including building roofs, scaffolding, on-site facilities areas, or temporary structures.
Temporary roofing solutions are available in various materials such as corrugated iron sheeting, galvanized CI sheets, and PVC sheets; it is also available in a wide range of sizes, spans, and plenty of options that suit construction industry requirements and building codes. Besides this, temporary roof covers lightweight and easy installation making them suitable for large construction projects and scaffolding structures.
Advantages of Temporary Roof Cover
Nowadays, temporary roof cover has become indispensable for sheltering construction projects from adverse weather conditions, thanks to the weather-resistant material which can withstand harsh weather conditions in any region, while it can offer unique benefits to various industries including the construction and building industry:
Weather Protection
Temporary roof cover can shield your building against rain, snow, wind, sun, moisture, mold, and other weather-related factors from impacting the progress of your construction plan, regardless of the weather conditions, temporary roof cover can maintain a stable working environment on a scaffold which keep the area dry and protect structural integrity from damage during construction. Also, using temporary roof covers enables uninterrupted work and allows builders to keep projects on schedule. The degrees of weather protection vary according to the specific requirements of the project, for that, architects, engineers, and building owners can select the appropriate temporary roof cover from a large selection that includes corrugated iron roofing, keder roofing and shrink wrap sheeting.
Waterproof
Temporary roof covering solutions can ensure the continuity of construction work in virtually all weather conditions, due to their heavy-duty sheet, weather-resistant material, and waterproof properties, temporary roof covers can provide strong weatherproofing while it can deliver superior durability. Regardless of the challenges posed by the weather, temporary roof covers are 100% waterproof and can protect underlying structures from water infiltration, leaks, and other weather-related setbacks such as rain, snow, wind chill or waterproofing defects. Temporary roof cover enables deadlines to be met regardless of weather-related interruptions while it helps builders complete construction projects on time and within budget.
Cost-Effective
Temporary roof cover acts as an instant barrier against severe climate conditions, due to the waterproof material it can effectively prevent weather-related damage caused by rainwater or high wind, while it can ensure stable working climates on a scaffold. Thanks to the durable and affordable material that protects the roof structure from weather setbacks and helps keep the roof structure intact, therefore, temporary roofing solutions eliminate structural roof failures, and reduce costly repairs and replacements of material. Corrugated roof sheeting and Keder (PVC Sheet Tarpaulin) are often considered the most cost-effective choice for a wide range of construction projects, renovation buildings, and restoration sites, however, the cost of temporary roof cover depends ultimately on the climate conditions, roofing requirements, and building size.
Safety
Safety is paramount in the construction industry, work sites are undoubtedly hazardous environments, temporary roof cover helps implement good safety measures to roof structures, other than that, temporary roof cover is crucial for the safety and well-being of the workforce, contractors, and surroundings environment, due to its weather-resistant sheet, temporary roof cover forms a stable cover that reduces the risk of weather-related hazards and weather-induced accidents and injuries, besides this, temporary roof cover makes construction site free from falling debris, wet or slippery surfaces, electrocution, and incidents that occur on-site. However, to create a safe building environment, temporary roof cover is manufactured in compliance with construction industry standards and safety regulations, in addition to that, the installation of temporary roof cover installation should adhere strictly to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and best practices.
Versatility
Temporary roof covers are mainly designed to fit the specific requirements of roofing covering applications including residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and renovation projects, regardless of your project’s size or complexity, temporary roofing systems are highly adaptable and come in different sizes and extensive spans that suit small and large buildings, or steel structures. Besides this, these roofing systems can be designed based on the requirement of a specific area and can be also installed at elevated heights. Furthermore, there are a variety of features that meet the functional and performance requirements of scaffolding covering, building roof cover, construction roofing cover, and non-construction covering applications.
Customization
Temporary roof protective systems can be tailored to fit the specific needs of an array of roof coverings, temporary roof cover is made of reinforced heavy-duty HDPE, PVC, or PE materials; roofing sheets are completely waterproof, mildew-proof, windproof, UV-stable and fire-retardant. Regardless of the size, shape, configuration, or complexity of your construction project, temporary roof covers come in a variety of customization features:
Material: HDPE woven fabric, LDPE lamination on both sides, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PE (Polyethylene), Corrugated Iron, Cl sheets, Shrink Wrap Sheeting, Skylight Cover, and more.
GSM value: sheet material is available in various GSM values.
Types: corrugated tin roofing, shrink wrap roofing, proprietary temporary roof systems, industrial grade roofing sheet, or can be designed based on the desired area dimensions.
Configuration: the entire scaffolding or enclosure structure can be covered vertically or horizontally.
Accessories: rust-proof eyelets, strong aluminum grommets, rustproof brass grommets, double reinforced edges and corners, reinforced and hemmed edges, reinforced corners with plastic edges, etc.
Installation: depending on the type of material, temporary roof cover can be easily installed, erected on-site or craned into position for greater.
Colors: White, Black, Grey, Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, or as per your request.
Printing: The logo can be printed.
Types of Temporary Roof Cover
There are several types of temporary roof covers, depending on the project’s requirements, roofs can be sheeted with different materials such as corrugated iron, or aluminum cladding sheets, while they can be covered with other covering materials like roofing plastic sheet, flame retardant PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), UPVC roofing sheet (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), HDPE woven fabric coated double side, Polycarbonate roofing sheet, and more. However, by understanding the characteristics, advantages and drawbacks of each type, you can choose the right temporary roofing solution that can be used for temporary or permanent roofing protection. The most common types of roof covering options in the construction industry are as follows:
Corrugated Iron Roofing
Corrugated iron roofing is made of steel iron plate which is treated against corrosion and rust with hot-dip galvanization, galvalume protective layer, and aluzinc coating, this type of metal roofing sheet is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as snow storms, high wind, hail storms, heat waves, while its incredible strength, lightweight, and durability, making it preferred among scaffolders looking to create a reliable shelter for contemporary roofing projects. Corrugated iron roofing is also referred to as Corrugated iron sheets, Cl sheets, Scaffolding, or Tin hat scaffold.
Advantages:
Weather-proof and fire-proof
Thermal insulation, sound insulation
Anti-corrosion, anti-rust
The average lifespan can last up to 20 years
Corrugated iron sheets can be reused
DIY installation or can be fixed with a roofing coupler or screws
Features, edge protection, colors, and customization options
Can be tailored to meet any surface shape or size requirements
Disadvantages:
Corrugated iron sheets do not allow light to pass through
Clattering sounds occur when the wind or rain starts blowing out
Labor-intensive installation is required due to the complexity
Shrink Wrap Roofing
Shrink wrap roofing is widely used to cover the entire area of different types of roofs including scaffolding structures, compartmentalized structures, prefabricated metal buildings, steel buildings, and others. Also, shrink-wrap sheeting is suitable for roofs with short spans, complex temporary roofing systems, flat roofs, sloped roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs, TPO roofing systems, and EPDM roofing. Shrink wrap roofing offers excellent protection against wind, rain, snow, and UV rays, due to the large plastic membrane, shrink wrap can shrink tightly to the contours, apart from that, its 100% water-proof material and weather-resistant seal makes it perfect for areas prone to hail and high wind and resistant to natural hazard events such as severe weather events, storm, hurricane, tornado, disasters, and humanitarian emergencies.
Roof shrink wrap is made from a thick mil material which offers a clean white appearance and a neat professional look to residential buildings, commercial properties, and retail spaces. Roof shrink wrap comes on rolls for easy handling, it’s adaptable to scaffolding structures of any shape and can be installed using reinforcement scaffolding boards, a fall protection handle rail system, and a self-adhesive foam strip that eliminates water leaks and prevents water damage.
Advantages:
Suitable for spanning small and medium-sized roofs
Not suitable for large-scale roof covering
High-strength and puncture-resistant
Fire-resistant LDPE plastic material
Allows natural light to penetrate
Vertical or horizontal configuration
Easy handling, quick installation, and dismantling
A tight fit, secure wrap over your roof
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for all climates
One-time use material
Installation requires special equipment
Keder Roof Sheeting
Construction projects such as large-scale infrastructure, renovations, and roof trusses require protection year-round from the elements; keder roof sheeting creates a robust climate shield against inclement weather like dust, debris, rain, and wind. Keder (PVC roof sheet) Roof System is manufactured to ensure scaffold weather protection and containment for applications such as:
Temporary enclosure area, weather-protected area, or temporary roof
Civil works scaffolding, and temporary platforms and structures
Construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, storage areas
Renovation and restoration of existing buildings
Arched and domed installations, tents, and structures for concerts, fairs, festivals, and eventing projects, covered space for attendees.
Helicopter hangar, large area maintenance shelter, and aircraft maintenance shelters.
Advantages
Highly durable, lightweight, and practical PVC sheet
Watertight and rainproof roof covering
Modern and visually appealing
Flame retardant sheeting
Fully compatible with different scaffolding systems
Ideal for roof structures with extra wide spans
Creates a well-lit working place
Re-usable sheets and ideal for green construction
Disadvantages
Installation can be complex and time-consuming
Less versatile than shrink-wrap roof
Tarpaulin Roof Cover
Tarpaulin roof cover is a temporary roofing shelter used to protect a wide range of construction projects from rain, snow, and wind, thanks to the weather-resistant plastic sheet and heavy-duty PE or PVC coated fabric which acts as a weatherproof barrier, this allows project owners to complete the construction on time without any weather-related delays, or damage to the structure. Roof tarps are made from industrial grade PE (Polyethylene) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) tarpaulins which comply with international quality standards and flame-retardant regulations, it’s economical for large-scale projects and come in various materials, GSM values, sizes, colors, and features such as reinforced/hemmed edges, and corrosion-resistant eyelets.
Tarpaulin roof cover is also known as Tarp, Tarpaulin, Roof Tarpaulin, Roof Tarp, waterproof roof tarp, or Blue Roof.
Advantages
100% waterproof and water resistant
Heavy-duty UV-treated fabric
Fire Retardant PVC tarpaulin fabric
Coated or laminated
High Abrasion resistance
Lightweight and easy to install
Environmentally friendly and reusable
Readily available
Disadvantages
Short lifespan
Resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew
Prone to tears and punctures
Custom Made Temporary Roof Cover
Temporary roof cover can be tailored to perfectly fit your construction project’s and roofing/siding coverage specific needs, when it comes to temporary roof solutions; there are several options available to match the exact needs of different types of building roofs including clear-span roofs, suspended roofs, hoarding roofs, or inflatable roof, temporary roof cover, sloped roof, asphalt shingle, steel roof truss, EPDM roof, and others. Whatever the size or shape of your construction project, temporary roof covers can be custom-shaped to protect your sites from the elements. From temporary roof and dust containment systems to walls and facades, roof covering is available in plenty of architectural features that suit contemporary buildings such as including modern building styles, residential properties, condominiums, commercial facilities, industrial plants, and more.
Other Types of Temporary Roofing
Here are other types of temporary roofs:
Tin hat scaffolding
Proprietary temporary roof system
PVC fabric roofing systems
Double-skinned thermo roof
Dust containment system
Tips for Choosing a Temporary Roof Cover
Before selecting the right temporary roof cover, it is crucial to evaluate scaffolding and roofing covering needs, temporary roof cover should protect your construction project from adverse weather conditions, dust, and other elements, it is also important to consider the following factors:
Site location and local climate in your area
Material weather-resistance and waterproofing
Material properties and features
Roofing sheet/membrane weight
Roof size, span, shape, and slope
Determine material lifespan, cost, and budget constraints
Duration of construction project
Installation process, equipment, and assembly time
Ease of maintenance, disassembly, and reusability
Compliance with the International Building Code
Temporary roof coverings shall be installed according to the International Building Code (IBC) and industry best practices; temporary roof covers should comply with a comprehensive set of regulations addressing the following:
Roof system requirements
Structural performance and integrity
Wind load and seismic requirement
Roof cover weather protection
Material fire resistance
Safe installation procedure
Safety and health guidelines
Conclusion
The temporary roof cover is essential to protect construction sites, building structures, on-site facilities, and workers from rainy weather seasons and climates events year-round, whatever your roofing covering requirements, temporary roofing solutions are available in a wide range of materials and features that meet your project’s protection requirements, while it helps keep construction areas dry throughout the year, given its reinforced weather-resistant fabric, waterproof and UV-stable material, roofing covers can ensure a safe sheltered environment on a scaffold, while it prevents water leaks and protects roofs from structural damage caused by wind, rain, snow, hail, and storm. In conclusion, regardless of the weather-related hazards or project complexity, using temporary roof covers offers a multitude of benefits for modern construction projects, which ensure project continuity and construction site safety, this enables deadlines to be met and guarantees successful project completion.
