Emergency Roof Tarping to Stop the Water Now
Tree on the roof, shingles torn off or water pouring in? We tarp and secure the damaged area so your home stays dry until the permanent repair.
Why a Proper Tarp Matters After Roof Damage
Once a roof is opened up, every rain adds to the damage. Water soaks insulation, stains drywall, swells decking and can reach wiring and flooring. A fast, well-secured tarp keeps that from happening while the roof waits for a permanent repair or an insurance decision.
A tarp only works if it's installed right. A tarp tossed over a hole and weighted with bricks will lift in the next gust and can channel water straight inside. HomePro Contractors runs the tarp up and over the ridge where possible, fastens it with wood battens so wind can't get under it, and makes sure water sheds off the roof instead of pooling.
We tarp homes and small commercial buildings across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and Prince George's counties after thunderstorms, nor'easters, tropical remnants and fallen trees. If the leak is active, call us and we'll prioritize it.
When You Need an Emergency Tarp
If water can reach the inside of your home, cover it now. Waiting for the next dry week usually costs more.
- Tree or limb on the roofAnything that punctured or cracked the roof needs to be covered as soon as it's safe.
- Missing shingle sectionsBare underlayment or decking won't hold up to more rain for long.
- Active leak insideDripping ceilings, wet attic insulation or water running down walls.
- Damaged flashing or ventsTorn chimney flashing or a broken vent leaves an open hole in the roof.
- Rain in the forecastA damaged roof with more storms coming should be dried in first.
- Waiting on an adjusterA tarp protects the home while your claim is reviewed and the repair is scheduled.
What Causes Emergency Roof Openings
Fallen trees and limbs: mature hardwoods near homes are common across Southern Maryland, and saturated soil plus high wind brings them down. A limb can punch through decking even when it looks like it just grazed the roof.
Wind blow-off: strong gusts from thunderstorms and nor'easters can peel shingles off in sections, especially along ridges, rakes and eaves on exposed, waterfront lots.
Flashing and vent failures: wind can rip loose chimney flashing, ridge vents or turbine vents, leaving an opening right where water collects.
Old roofs at the end of their life: brittle shingles on an aging roof can give way all at once in a storm. A tarp buys time to plan the replacement properly.
How We Tarp a Damaged Roof
- Check the roof and attic for safety and the extent of damage
- Photograph the damage before anything is covered
- Clear loose debris and small limbs from the work area
- Install a heavy-duty tarp secured with wood battens
- Confirm water sheds properly and schedule the permanent repair
Heavy-Duty Materials, Secured Against Wind
We use heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps sized to cover the damage with plenty of overlap, run over the ridge where the roof allows it. The edges are rolled around wood battens and fastened, so the wind pulls on the battens instead of tearing through grommets. Sandbags and loose weights aren't enough on their own in Southern Maryland wind.
A tarp is a temporary measure, not a repair. Depending on the weather it can protect the home for a period of time, but it should be checked after storms and replaced with a permanent fix as soon as practical. Large trees on a roof may need a tree service to remove them first; we'll tell you if that's the case.
Tarping and Your Insurance Claim
Most homeowner's policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered event, and an emergency tarp is often part of that. We photograph the damage before covering it so the adjuster can still see what happened, and we give you an itemized invoice for the tarping to submit with your claim. Whether it's reimbursed depends on your policy.
Need a Roof Tarp? Contact Us Now
Tell us what happened and where the damage is. For active leaks, calling (443) 771-0755 is the fastest way to reach us.
- Active leaks prioritized
- Photos taken before tarping
- Battened tarps that hold in wind
- Itemized invoice for your insurer
Emergency Roof Tarping Across Southern Maryland
Tap your town for local details.
Emergency Roof Tarping Questions
How fast can you tarp my roof?
We prioritize active leaks and storm openings. Response time depends on how widespread a storm was and how many homes were hit, so call (443) 771-0755 directly rather than only using the form.
Can I tarp the roof myself?
We don't recommend it. Wet, damaged roofs are slippery and may have weak decking. If you need to protect the inside right away, move belongings, put down buckets and towels, and leave the roof to a crew with the right gear.
How long can a tarp stay on?
A well-secured tarp is meant to protect the home until the permanent repair, not to replace it. Sun and wind wear tarps down, so it should be checked after storms and the repair scheduled as soon as practical.
Will insurance pay for emergency tarping?
Many policies cover reasonable emergency measures after covered damage, but it depends on your policy. We document the damage first and give you an itemized invoice to submit.
Do you remove trees from the roof?
Small limbs and debris we clear as part of tarping. A large tree resting on the roof usually needs a tree service with the right equipment first. We can coordinate timing so the roof is covered right after it's removed.
Water Coming In? Get It Covered Today.
Emergency roof tarping across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and Prince George's counties. Call (443) 771-0755.