Skip to content 
Project Background
After hurricanes and severe windstorms, many homeowners contact Rose Roofing in a state of urgency.
Common issues include:
- Missing shingles
- Active roof leaks
- Water entering the attic
- Ceiling stains appearing shortly after the storm
- Visible roof damage from wind uplift
In these situations, the priority is not immediate full replacement—it is preventing further damage to the home.
What We Found
When we arrived on-site after a recent storm event, we found multiple homes with exposed roof decking and torn shingles caused by high wind gusts.
Some areas were left vulnerable to ongoing rain exposure, which can quickly lead to:
- Exposed roof decking
- Interior drywall damage
- Insulation damage
- Electrical and structural risks if left untreated
In emergency situations, time is critical. Even a small delay can turn minor roof damage into major interior restoration costs.
Why Emergency Tarping Matters
Emergency tarping is a temporary protective solution used to stop active water intrusion until permanent repairs can be completed.
Its purpose is not to fix the roof, but to stabilize it.
Proper tarping helps:
- Prevent additional water damage
- Protect exposed roof decking
- Give homeowners time for insurance inspection
- Reduce overall repair costs
- Keep the home safe until permanent repairs are approved
Our Emergency Response Approach
When responding to storm damage calls, Rose Roofing provides same-day emergency tarping whenever possible.
We secure affected roof areas using a method designed to withstand wind and rain, including:
- Heavy-duty plastic tarps
- 1” plastic cap nails
- 1×2 wood strips (batten boards)
- Proper fastening techniques to secure edges
- Strategic placement to cover all exposed or damaged areas
This method helps ensure the tarp remains in place during additional wind or rain events while waiting for insurance inspection or repair authorization.
Safety Considerations for Homeowners
While some homeowners attempt to tarp their own roofs, this can be extremely dangerous.
Risks include:
- Falls from steep or wet roofs
- Slipping on damaged shingles or decking
- Injury from unstable roof surfaces
- Improper tarp installation leading to further leaks or wind damage
For this reason, emergency tarping is best handled by trained roofing professionals with proper safety equipment and experience working on storm-damaged roofs.
Temporary Protection vs Permanent Repair
It is important to understand that tarping is not a permanent solution.
Once the home is protected, the next steps typically include:
- Insurance inspection and documentation
- Assessment of repair vs. replacement options
- Permanent roof repair or full roof replacement if necessary
In some cases, if the roof still has usable life remaining, only targeted repairs may be needed. In other cases, storm damage may justify a full replacement.
The Outcome
By installing emergency tarps immediately after storm damage, homeowners were able to:
- Stop active leaks into the attic and home
- Prevent further interior damage
- Safely wait for insurance adjuster inspections
- Gain time to evaluate repair options without pressure
Most importantly, the homes were stabilized and protected from additional weather exposure while permanent solutions were planned.
What Homeowners Can Learn
After a major storm, fast action is critical.
Even small roof damage can quickly turn into expensive interior repairs if water is allowed to continue entering the home.
Emergency tarping provides a temporary shield that protects your home while you determine the best long-term solution.
If you experience storm damage, it is best to have a roofing professional inspect the roof as soon as possible. A trained contractor can determine whether a repair, tarp, or full replacement is needed and help guide the insurance process.
At Rose Roofing, we focus on protecting the home first, then building a long-term solution that fits the homeowner’s situation and the condition of the roof.
