Covering a timber frame for winter

Hello!

One other question. In the midst of building a 20'x30' timber frame. The framing is basically all done, but I'm not sure how much of the roof will be able to be done before it gets wetter in the fall (then colder and snowier over winter, zone 4b here).

Last year, with a little less done, we covered the structure with 6 mil plastic, which sorta worked but ultimately got pretty shredded up with some high wind events. Barring completing the roof, I am looking for suggestions for how to best protect the structure in a cost-effective, environmentally conscious way. The covering can be temporary (I don't expect it to last more than a bunch of months) but should be a little more substantial than the plastic. And obviously, plastic sucks.

We *might* get to the point to get some kind of underlayment on, but I'm unsure if that in itself would be sufficient protection in snow/rain. Thoughts are appreciated!

Hi Will,
I think underlayment or house wrap might get you through a few months, but ideally you would really want to finish the envelope of the house before winter. I know, I know, building your own, it probably won't be possible, but I have to say it :)

I'm thinking tarps too. Perhaps you could get some cheap silage tarps from a farmer? Or buy new, but reuse in some other way? It's still plasticy, but would stand up better to storms.

With the roof decked, you could more securely fasten any "plastic" covering you choose (tarp, sheeting, billboard vinyl, etc...) because you can batten it down to the deck to prevent billowing in the wind, and you can wrap the edges and batten those to the frame so the wind can't get under.

Another option, if you are planning to use an "ice and water shield" membrane, you could apply that all over the roof, and cover with tarps. Following whatever the manufacturer says for exposure limits, since many products can't be left to UV/weather indefinitely.

1.) whatever you do, do a good job, so it won't come undone or need redoing. Think about how you will undo it as well... screws or nails? screw gun vs. hammer/prybar? pry off from down low vs. go back to the top to unscrew? maybe ropes you can cut free?
2.) move forwards with your plans as much as possible, to spend less time on temporary measures.
2.a.) some temporary measures, like covering overnight with a tarp to keep dew/frost off, lets you get more work done instead of waiting around for things to dry off.
3.) shortcuts, like sheathing right over window openings, could save time now, to get it closed in. The plastic or tarps will have more support, and you can do the cutouts in the Spring.
4.) if there's a prevailing wind direction, maybe focus on completing that side first?

No idea what your situation/location is, but any chance you could get help? You can get more built if some helpers carried materials up to the roof, for instance. (Spend tarp $ on pizza and beer instead?)

Thank you both for your input, it's appreciated.

Fortunately, have been working with a local guy who's good at this stuff and helps with my limited experience. Unfortunately, for personal reasons I'm also looking into selling this place. This adds an extra wrinkle as I want to have things secure, but based on 1) how someone else might want to finish the roof and 2) immediate costs, I'm mulling the best way to move forward.

Some photos would help a lot.
The idea of ber and pizza or even wages is a worthwhile idea.
The more complete the place is, the better the sale will probaly be.

Thanks again for the input. Haven't been able to make much progress with other stuff. Thinking a quick option that would provide more protection than nothing would be plywood with plastic sheeting over. I've got a lot of 6 mil plastic sheeting, would have to get the plywood.

Think that might survive, provide some protection through a winter?

Hi Will;
Plywood and tar paper would be my choice.
An important part of any wintertime/windy temporary roof is using Bailing twine!
Every edge & every seam should get a continuous run of twine tied off (nail) and pulled tight then stapled down securely.
Use the colored nylon twine, not the brown manila twine.
This trick works with whatever covering you use, plastic sheets, tarps, Tyvek house wrap, or tar paper.
The twine is very tough stuff, it will help keep your covering on the roof.  
 

Do you wrap the twine around each nail as it passes over the structure?

Usually just at each end of the run.
Staples hold it down in between.

I have a LOT of experience with temporary roof covering I like to use scrap lumber with a couple/few screws to batten down exposed edges. Also, for a very strong covering, you can get used billboard vinyl tarps. A 14' x 40 or 48' one can be gotten for around $100 or so.

Thank you for all these suggestions, much appreciated!