If it is a polyethylene tarp tar will not damage it . However if canvass tar will damage the fibres . Have you considered other treatments like Gorrillia tape or Flex Seal liquid sealants ?

hi, thanks for chiming in. it's a thicker silver/black tarp. i'm trying to avoid switching things up now because of the weather. I looked at the gorilla patch, and may go that route, but I have some of that tar and tape on hand and if it will get me through the winter and not eat big holes in my roof that would be great.

thanks again.

You should be fine !