Defer to an emergency roofing company for roof tarping
The last thing any homeowner wants to find is a roof leak, but if you do see signs of water damage, knowing who can tarp your roof and having an expert on-call can help reduce the damage you experience.
Your best option for roof tarping is an emergency roofing company, as they have the experience necessary to get a temporary solution in place that won’t lead to further water damage. They’ll also be able to get to your property more quickly than a traditional roofer.
There are a few key upsides to hiring an emergency roofing company for your roof-tarping project:
Fast solution: The primary benefit to hiring an emergency roofer to tarp your roof is that they’re more likely to be able to get to your property on an emergency basis. A traditional roofer may prioritize other jobs, while an emergency roofer often has a crew dedicated solely to emergency repairs. Many can get to your home within 24 to 48 hours. Even if your roof is actively leaking in heavy rain, an emergency roofer can get a fix in place.
Professional results: Since emergency roofing companies specialize in roofs, they’ll know what they’re looking for when they arrive. They should be able to find the affected area and focus their efforts there. On older roofs with multiple leaks, their experience may even lend itself to locating other problem areas that might not be showing signs of leaking inside yet.
Lower risk of ongoing leaks: For the same reasons, your risk of the damage recurring or the tarp blowing off after tarping is low. Emergency roofers know how to install tarps to stay securely in place and offer the protection you need while you prepare for a roof replacement or permanent repair.
Potential for permanent fix: To that end, many emergency roofing companies also have a crew dedicated to non-emergencies. While on-site, some emergency roofers can get an estimate together for the permanent repair you’ll need. This saves you time and energy, and it can bring down roof repair costs since you won’t have to coordinate removing the tarp and reinstalling it for another contractor to get an estimate. They may also be able to provide add-on services, like installing roof heat cables, gutters, and more, to make your life after the repair easier.
Low risk for mistakes: It’s dangerous to cover up chimneys and certain vents that exit from your roof. Professional emergency roofers will know what they can and can’t cover, which will help keep your home safe from further damage.
It’s technically possible to install your own roof tarp, but it’s not a good idea for a few reasons. First, it’s easy to make mistakes if you don’t know how to tarp a roof. DIYers rarely have the experience necessary to identify the exact location of a roof leak, so you may not focus on the entire portion of the roof that’s leaking, leading to additional water damage.
Second, you’ll likely need to pay a professional to uninstall the tarp, assess the roof to get a quote for the permanent repair, and then reinstall it until they can service your property. If you have a professional emergency roofer do the tarping, they can often get an estimate for the repair before the tarp even goes on.
Finally, making mistakes when tarping your own roof can lead to further signs of storm damage or put your home in danger if you cover a chimney or roof vent. It’s also dangerous to work on your roof, especially a damaged one. It’s best to leave the work to an emergency roofing company near you for the best results.
Roof tarps should only be used temporarily, as most only last safely for about 90 days. After that, you should address the needed repairs or replace the tarp.
Yes, most standard roofing companies that don’t specialize in handling emergency roof services will be able to tarp your roof, and they’re unlikely to make mistakes in the process. However, they’re less likely to be able to get to your property on an emergency basis, as they often have other roofing projects that they might not be able to reschedule.
An emergency roofing company can prioritize your tarping and get it done within 24 to 48 hours to minimize property damage. They also have the tools and tarps on hand, so it’s possible they can get to your property within just a few hours.
Additionally, standard roofing companies are sometimes unavailable on weekends, holidays, and weekdays after normal business hours. An emergency roofing company can have someone available 24/7, and the cost to tarp a roof on an emergency basis will be lower with a company that specializes in emergency services, as they need to make fewer adjustments to their work schedule to accommodate you.
The process of installing an emergency roof tarp is relatively simple. First, your roofer will choose a tarp that will cover the affected area and then lay it out over the roof. They will cut out holes for chimneys or roof vents that must remain uncovered.
Next, they’ll wrap the ends of the tarps around a two-by-four or similarly-sized piece of lumber and nail it to your roof. The lumber helps spread the pressure on the tarp if the wind gets underneath it, making it less likely to rip off. They’ll use additional lumber to secure the middle of the tarp, too.
Finally, your professional will tape around chimneys and vents to prevent water from getting in around them.
