A branch comes through the shingles on a Sunday night, or a gust lifts a section of the ridge, and by morning there is a stain spreading across the ceiling. The repair will take a few days to schedule. The rain will not wait.
That gap is what an emergency roof tarp is for.
What an Emergency Roof Tarp Does
A roof tarp is a heavy sheet fastened over the damaged area so water runs off instead of in. It protects the decking, the insulation, and the ceiling below while the real repair is arranged.
It buys time. It does not fix anything, and it is not meant to stay on for long.
When an Emergency Roof Tarp Makes Sense
Tarping is usually the right first move when:
- Shingles are missing and the underlayment or decking is exposed
- A tree limb or other debris has punctured the roof
- Water is coming in and the repair cannot happen right away
- A claim or financing is still being worked out
That last one matters. We offer tarp service while a claim or financing is being worked out, so a damaged roof is not left open to the weather during the wait. The details are on our roof leak repair page.
Why Roof Tarp Work Belongs to a Roofer
A wet roof is slick, and winter light is poor. Climbing up with a tarp, a ladder, and a staple gun in the rain is how people get hurt, and a fall from a roof is a serious injury.
From the ground and the inside of the house, you can do plenty:
- Move belongings away from the wet area and set out buckets.
- Photograph the damage from the ground and inside, with the date.
- Keep any shingle pieces from the yard.
- Call a roofer and describe what you see.
What to Tell the Roofer on the Phone
Say where the water is showing up inside, when it started, whether shingles are visibly missing, and whether you have already called your insurer. That lets the crew bring the right materials. You can reach us at 360-726-0785.
Insurance and Your Roof Tarp
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner has clear advice on this.
Its page on winter weather and insurance coverage says that if it is safe, you should take steps to limit further damage, such as covering leaking roofs. It also says to save all receipts, including those for temporary repairs like tarps, and not to make permanent repairs until your insurer has seen the property and you have agreed on repairs.
The same page lists wind among the causes that homeowners insurance usually covers. Your own policy decides what applies to you.
For the full claim process, read what to do after a Clark County windstorm and our explanation of whether homeowners insurance covers roof replacement.
What Comes After the Tarp
Once the roof is covered, the real work starts. We inspect the damage, document it with photos and drone footage, and tell you whether a repair is enough or a replacement makes more sense. Homes along the Gorge in Washougal and Camas see strong wind exposure.
If the roof is also leaking while it rains, our post on what to do when a roof leaks in heavy rain covers the first hour. Roof repair and storm work are part of our roofing service across Clark County.