A fallen tree. A hailstorm that punched through the shingles. A wind event that peeled back a section of your roof. Whatever the cause, an exposed roof means water is one rainstorm away from destroying your interior. Emergency roof tarping is the fastest way to protect your home while you arrange permanent repairs.
Here’s what to do in the first 24 hours—and who to call.
When You Need Emergency Tarping
Call for emergency roof tarping immediately if you see:
- Missing or displaced shingles over a large area (more than a few)
- Visible daylight from inside your attic
- Active water intrusion into living spaces during or after rain
- Impact damage from falling trees, branches, or debris
- Hail damage that has fractured the underlayment
- Flashing torn away at the chimney, ridge, or valleys
Do not wait to see if the next rain causes problems. Interior water damage to insulation, drywall, framing, and electrical can cost 3–10x more than a tarping job.
What Happens During Emergency Tarping
A professional crew arrives—often same day, including nights and weekends for true emergencies—and:
- Assesses the damage from a safe vantage point (ladder or drone inspection if available)
- Selects the appropriate tarp — 6-mil poly for temporary, 12-mil reinforced for multi-week coverage
- Installs anchor boards — 2x4s are secured along the tarp edges and fastened to the roof deck to prevent wind lift
- Secures the tarp — screwed and weighed to withstand 50+ mph winds
- Documents the damage — photos and notes for your insurance claim
A typical tarping job takes 1–3 hours depending on roof size and complexity.
Emergency Roof Tarping Cost
| Project | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small area (<200 sq ft) | $150–$400 |
| Medium area (200–500 sq ft) | $400–$800 |
| Large section (500–1,000 sq ft) | $800–$1,500 |
| Full roof tarping (rare, major damage) | $1,500–$3,000+ |
| After-hours / weekend emergency premium | Add $100–$300 |
Most homeowners pay $300–$800 for standard emergency tarping after a storm event.
Insurance note: Emergency tarping is typically covered under homeowners insurance as a “mitigation expense” when the original damage is from a covered peril (wind, hail, fallen tree). Keep all receipts and before/after photos. Some insurers want to be notified before tarping; check your policy or call your agent first if time allows.
DIY Roof Tarping: Should You Do It?
If you cannot reach a professional and rain is imminent, a temporary DIY tarp can buy time. But understand the risks:
Safety: Roof work after a storm is hazardous. Wet, damaged roofing is unpredictable underfoot. If you cannot safely access the roof, do not attempt it.
Effectiveness: Improperly secured tarps become sails in wind and can cause additional damage. Use anchor boards, not bungee cords.
Insurance: Improper tarping that allows further damage can complicate your claim.
When DIY is acceptable: Visible small breach, tarp on hand, single-story home, no active rain, and you’re comfortable on a ladder. Otherwise, call a pro.
How to Find Emergency Roof Help After a Storm
After a major weather event, roofing contractors fill up fast. Here’s how to get ahead of the queue:
- Call before the rain arrives if you see damage after a storm but before the next system.
- Call multiple contractors simultaneously—ask each their estimated arrival window.
- Beware storm chasers — out-of-state contractors who appear in your neighborhood after major events. They often do poor work and disappear before follow-up. Use local, licensed companies.
- Call your insurance as soon as you’ve arranged tarping. Start the claim process while the tarping is fresh.
What Comes After Tarping
A tarp is not a repair. It buys time—typically 30–90 days before UV degradation and wind stress compromise even a quality tarp.
After tarping, you need:
- Full roof inspection to assess total damage
- Insurance adjuster visit (schedule promptly; adjusters are backlogged after major events)
- Written repair or replacement estimate from a licensed roofer
- Permit for any repair exceeding your jurisdiction’s threshold (typically >25% of roof area)
Get Emergency Tarping Today
If you have visible storm damage, don’t wait. Water intrusion compounds every hour—insulation saturates, drywall molds, framing warps.
Request emergency roof tarping — same-day response available →
We dispatch licensed roofing crews for emergency situations across our service area. Available evenings and weekends. Most calls responded to within 2 hours.
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