Storms & Insurance · 4 min read
Emergency Roof Tarping: What Good Work Looks Like
Published
A tarp is a temporary roof, and like a roof it either sheds water or it doesn't. The difference is entirely in how it's anchored.
Over the ridge
A proper tarp extends over the ridge and down the opposite slope. Water running down the far side then runs over the tarp rather than under it. Tarps that stop short of the ridge funnel water directly into the damage.
Battened, not weighted
Edges are wrapped around furring strips and screwed down. Weighted tarps shift in the first gust and are usually in the yard by morning.
Duration
A well-installed tarp lasts 30 to 90 days. UV degrades the material, so it's a bridge to the permanent repair, not a solution.
Insurance
Keep the invoice. Mitigation costs are generally reimbursable, and the photos taken during tarping become part of the claim record.
If any of this applies to your own home, our emergency roof repair crews handle it every week, and you can see how we work in your area on our Troy, Ohio roofing page. Inspections and written estimates are free either way — call 937-749-7767.