The first hour after roof damage is about limiting what the water can reach, not fixing the roof. Here is what we tell homeowners to do before we arrive:
- Move family members and pets away from the damaged area, especially if a tree limb has come through the decking or the ceiling is sagging.
- Contain the water inside. Put buckets under active drips and pull furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the wet zone.
- If water is running near light fixtures or outlets, shut off power to those rooms at the breaker panel.
- Stay off the roof. A wet, damaged roof is dangerous even for professionals without the right equipment.
- Take photos and video of the damage from the ground and from inside the house. This documentation helps if you end up filing an insurance claim.
- Then call us so we can get a crew scheduled.
How Our Emergency Response Works
Our office is staffed Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm, and emergency tarping calls are prioritized ahead of routine work. When you call, we ask a few quick questions about the damage, the roof access, and whether water is actively entering the home, then we get a crew scheduled. In most cases we can have a tarp installed within 24 hours of your call, and we often respond the same day.
Our crews arrive with heavy duty tarps, lumber, and fasteners so the covering is built to hold, not just draped over the ridge. Every tarp is anchored to resist wind lift and channel water off the damaged area, and we photograph the finished installation so you can see exactly how your home is protected.
A Note on Insurance
Most homeowner insurance policies treat emergency tarping as a reasonable step to prevent further damage, and many cover the cost as part of a storm damage claim. Every policy is different, so we cannot promise what yours will pay, but we document the damage and the tarping work with photos so you have a clear record for your adjuster. Keep your receipts and the photos you took when the damage happened.
After the Tarp Is On
A tarp is a bridge, not a fix. Once your home is secured, we assess the full extent of the damage and walk you through the next step. If a storm caused the damage, we handle storm damage inspections and insurance claims and can meet your adjuster on site. If the problem is isolated wear, like failed flashing or a handful of missing shingles, a straightforward roof repair may be all you need. Either way, our tarps are rated for 90 days or more, so you have time to make the right decision instead of a rushed one.
