Emergency Roof Tarping
A tarp isn't a repair — it's a way to slow water down while a permanent fix gets scheduled. Here's what it actually does, and honestly, what it doesn't.
What a roof tarp actually does
A tarp is a temporary barrier, not a repair. Its job is to cut down on active water intrusion through missing shingles, exposed decking or a damaged section of roof while you wait on a permanent fix — whether that's scheduling, material availability, or an insurance inspection that needs to happen first. Done correctly, it substantially reduces how much water gets into the attic and living space. It won't perform like a finished roof, and in sustained heavy rain or high wind, some water intrusion is still possible even with a well-secured tarp.
When tarping makes sense
Tarping is worth arranging when a section of roof has missing shingles or exposed decking after a storm, when there's an active leak and permanent repair can't happen immediately, or when you're waiting on an insurance adjuster to see the damage before work begins. It buys time; it doesn't replace the inspection and repair or replacement that follow.
How we tarp a roof
We cover the damaged area with enough overlap to shed water away from the exposed section rather than pooling on it, and we secure the tarp in a way that avoids creating new penetrations in decking that's still sound — using battens, weights or fasteners placed carefully rather than driving nails wherever is convenient. The goal is protection that holds up through wind and rain without adding damage of its own.
Getting in touch when you have active damage
We're honest about this: we don't offer round-the-clock emergency response. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday, 9:00am to 12:00pm. If you have active roof damage, call us during those hours and we'll get temporary protection scheduled as quickly as we reasonably can — we just won't promise a response time we can't back up.
From tarp to permanent repair
A tarp is step one, not the finish line. Once the roof is protected, we schedule a full inspection, document the damage with photographs for your records or a claim, and scope out repair or replacement depending on what the roof actually needs. If a claim is involved, see Insurance Claims for how that process generally works.
Frequently asked questions
Is emergency tarping covered by insurance?
Often, as a reasonable measure to prevent further damage after a covered loss. Keep any receipts and photographs of the tarping work, since carriers generally want documentation of steps taken to limit additional damage.
How long can a tarp safely stay on my roof?
As briefly as possible. A tarp is meant as a short-term measure while permanent repair is arranged, not a long-term fix, and it should be checked periodically for wear or wind damage of its own.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency response?
No, and we'd rather tell you that directly than promise something we can't deliver. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm. Call during those hours and we'll schedule temporary protection as quickly as we can.
Will a tarp stop all interior water damage during a storm?
It reduces water intrusion significantly but can't guarantee zero leakage, especially in sustained heavy rain or high wind. It's a temporary measure meant to limit damage, not a substitute for the roof itself.
Want the number before anyone visits?
Type your address and we'll measure the roof from aerial imagery — area, pitch and every facet — then price it at our published rate per square. About fifteen seconds, and we don't need your phone number to show you the number.
Storm damage?
Get help restoring your property after damage
Our technicians will give you a detailed damage inspection report, so you have everything your insurance company needs to make a decision.