Emergency Roof Tarping: What to Do After Storm Damage

Emergency roof tarping is often the most critical first step after storm damage strikes your home. When severe weather tears away shingles, breaks through decking, or allows water into your attic and living spaces, a properly installed tarp is the barrier between manageable repairs and catastrophic water damage. At Weatherguard Construction, emergency tarping services are available across Stillwater, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and the entire Twin Cities metro—and throughout Weatherguard’s Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado service areas. Family-owned since 2001 and an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor with a BBB A+ rating, Weatherguard understands the urgency of protecting your home after a storm.

Why Emergency Roof Tarping Matters

Every minute that your roof remains exposed after storm damage, additional damage can accumulate:

• Water intrusion saturates insulation, drywall, and framing
• Mold growth can begin within 24–48 hours in wet conditions
• Electrical hazards develop when water contacts wiring and fixtures
• Structural damage worsens as wood framing absorbs moisture
• Personal property damage extends to furniture, electronics, and belongings
• Insurance complications arise if you fail to mitigate further damage

Most insurance policies include a provision requiring homeowners to take “reasonable steps to prevent further damage.” Emergency tarping fulfills this requirement, and the cost is typically included in covered storm claims. Acting fast can also help prevent ice-dam leaks and freeze–thaw damage common in Upper Midwest and Front Range winters.

When to Tarp Your Roof

You need emergency tarping whenever storm damage creates an opening in your roof system. Common scenarios include:

• Missing shingles exposing underlayment or decking
• Torn or peeled-back roofing material from high winds
• Tree impact damage creating punctures or structural breaks
• Tornado or derecho damage removing sections of roofing
• Hail damage severe enough to penetrate through shingles and underlayment
• Flying debris impacts that create holes or breaches

Even if the damage appears minor, any breach in your roof’s weather barrier can allow significant water intrusion during the next rain or snowmelt event.

Professional Tarping vs. DIY

When to Call a Professional

For most homeowners, professional emergency tarping is the safest and most effective option. Call Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 when:

• The roof is steeply pitched (7/12 or greater)
• Damage is located on upper stories or difficult-to-access areas
• Structural damage makes the roof surface unsafe to walk on
• You don’t have proper safety equipment (harnesses, ladders, anchor points)
• Damage is extensive requiring large-area coverage
• Weather conditions make roof access dangerous (wind, lightning, snow, or ice)

Weatherguard’s emergency response team serves homeowners throughout St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, and all metro communities with rapid tarping services.

When DIY May Be Appropriate

If all of the following conditions are met, careful DIY tarping may be reasonable:

• The roof is low-pitched and easily accessible
• Damage is small and localized
• You have a sturdy ladder, non-slip footwear, and a helper
• Weather conditions are calm (no rain, wind, lightning, snow, or ice)
• You have heavy-duty tarps, 2x4 lumber, and screws available

In winter conditions, avoid adhesives—mechanical fastening is required for cold-weather tarping, and snow/ice should be carefully cleared from the work area.

How Professional Emergency Tarping Works

Weatherguard Construction’s emergency tarping process includes:

Assessment

The team assesses the damage extent, roof accessibility, and safety conditions. All damage is documented for your insurance claim before tarping covers it. When appropriate, Weatherguard may use drone imaging for safe, detailed documentation.

Tarp Selection and Sizing

Heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps rated for extended outdoor exposure are used, or in some cases a shrink-wrap or synthetic temporary roofing membrane for longer protection. The tarp should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides, ideally reaching over the ridge line on at least one side to reduce wind uplift. For multi-week protection, reinforced tarps or temporary membrane systems withstand sun, wind, and snow better than thin “blue tarps.”

Secure Installation

Professional tarping uses proven securement methods:

• 2x4 nailer boards screwed through the tarp into the roof decking to create wind-resistant attachment points
• Ridge-line draping that extends the tarp over the peak to prevent wind from catching underneath
• Edge sealing with additional lumber or sandbags to prevent wind entry at the perimeter
• Overlapping coverage when multiple tarps are needed for large damaged areas

Fasteners are placed to minimize additional roof penetrations, and any temporary holes are addressed during permanent repairs. Loose objects like bricks or rocks are never used for weighting, as they can become dangerous projectiles.

Documentation

The tarped area is photographed and documented for your insurance claim, including the scope of visible damage and the emergency repair measures taken. You’ll receive photos and an itemized invoice for claim submission.

What to Expect After Tarping

A professionally installed emergency tarp provides temporary protection, typically for 30–90 days depending on weather exposure. During this period:

• Schedule your permanent repair — Book a full inspection with Weatherguard Construction to plan your roof repair or replacement
• Monitor the tarp — Check periodically for loosening, tears, or shifting, especially after additional storms
• File your insurance claim — Include the tarping cost and documentation in your claim; keep all receipts and photos
• Address interior damage — Have water-damaged areas assessed for mold and structural integrity; use fans/dehumidifiers as needed

Avoid walking on the tarp—it is extremely slippery when wet or icy. Keep gutters and downspouts clear to promote proper drainage around the tarped area.

Emergency Tarping Costs

Emergency roof tarping typically ranges from $300–$2,000+ depending on:

• Roof accessibility and pitch
• Size of the damaged area
• Time of response (after-hours and weekend rates)
• Materials required (standard tarp vs. reinforced/synthetic wrap)
• Number of tarps needed

This cost is commonly covered by homeowner’s insurance as part of a covered storm damage claim, often subject to your wind/hail deductible. Weatherguard Construction can bill tarping costs as part of your overall claim to keep the process simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover emergency roof tarping?

Yes, virtually all homeowner’s insurance policies cover emergency tarping as a “reasonable measure to prevent further damage.” Keep your receipt and documentation—the tarping cost is included in your storm damage claim. Weatherguard Construction provides photos and an invoice and can coordinate billing and documentation as part of your overall project.

How long does an emergency tarp last on a roof?

A professionally installed heavy-duty tarp typically provides reliable protection for 30–90 days. UV exposure, wind, snow/ice, and subsequent storms gradually degrade the tarp. If permanent repair is delayed beyond 90 days, the tarp should be inspected and potentially replaced or upgraded to a longer-term temporary membrane.

Can I do emergency roof tarping myself?

While DIY tarping is possible on low-pitch, easily accessible roofs with minor damage, professional tarping is strongly recommended for safety and effectiveness. Improper tarping can fail during the next rain event, cause additional roof damage, or result in serious injury from falls—especially in winter conditions. Call Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 for prompt emergency service.

What should I do while waiting for the tarping crew?

Place buckets under active leaks, move furniture and valuables away from water entry points, turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near electrical fixtures, and take photos of all active water intrusion for your insurance documentation. If safe, cover belongings with plastic sheeting and ventilate damp rooms to reduce moisture.