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, we provide emergency tarping services across Stillwater, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and the entire Twin Cities metro. With 25+ years as a family-owned storm damage specialist, we understand 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 accumulates:
- 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 covered by your claim.
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 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 subsequent rain events.
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
Our 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, or lightning)
- You have heavy-duty tarps, 2x4 lumber, and screws available
How Professional Emergency Tarping Works
Weatherguard Construction's emergency tarping process includes:
Assessment
Our team assesses the damage extent, roof accessibility, and safety conditions. We document all damage for your insurance claim before tarping covers it.
Tarp Selection and Sizing
We use heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps rated for extended outdoor exposure. The tarp must extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area on all sides, ideally reaching over the ridge line on at least one side to prevent wind uplift.
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
Documentation
We photograph the tarped area and provide documentation for your insurance claim, including the scope of visible damage and the emergency repair measures taken.
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
- Address interior damage — Have water-damaged areas assessed for mold and structural integrity
Emergency Tarping Costs
Emergency roof tarping typically costs $200-$1,500 depending on:
- Roof accessibility and pitch
- Size of the damaged area
- Time of response (after-hours and weekend rates)
- Materials required
- Number of tarps needed
This cost is almost always covered by your homeowner's insurance as part of your storm damage claim. Weatherguard Construction bills tarping costs as part of your overall claim, keeping 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 handles the 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, and subsequent storms gradually degrade the tarp. If your permanent repair is delayed beyond 90 days, the tarp may need to be inspected and potentially replaced.
Can I do emergency roof tarping myself?
While DIY tarping is possible on low-pitch, easily accessible roofs with minor damage, we strongly recommend professional tarping for safety and effectiveness. Improper tarping can fail during the next rain event, cause additional roof damage, or result in serious injury from falls. 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.
