- HEP Roofing
- Emergency Tarping

Emergency Tarping
Emergency Tarping | Roof Repair | Roofing | Gatlinburg
When fierce mountain storms or fallen branches leave your home exposed, HEP’s emergency tarping team moves fast to lock out rain, pests, and further structural damage. Our Gatlinburg technicians arrive 24/7 with commercial-grade tarps, anchoring systems, and the know-how to protect every vulnerable ridge and valley until full roof repair can be scheduled. We photograph and document all work for insurance claims, and we never leave until your property is watertight and your questions are answered.
As a locally owned, fully licensed contractor, HEP understands the unique challenges of Smoky Mountain weather. Whether you need immediate tarping after high winds, a temporary patch during snowmelt, or seamless coordination with your insurer, we handle the emergency now and the roof repair later—so you stay secure, dry, and stress-free. Call us any time, day or night, and let our experts cover you.
FAQs
What situations typically require emergency roof tarping in Gatlinburg?
Emergency tarping is recommended any time your roof has sudden damage that exposes the interior of your home to water, wind, or wildlife. Common causes include fallen trees or branches, wind-blown shingle loss, punctures from hail, fire damage, or leaks that suddenly worsen after a heavy rain. Because Gatlinburg sits in the Smoky Mountain region, high winds and pop-up storms can arrive quickly, making fast temporary protection critical to prevent drywall collapse, mold growth, and structural rot.
How quickly can your team reach my property for an emergency tarp installation?
We maintain on-call crews 24/7 and aim to arrive anywhere in Gatlinburg or surrounding Sevier County within 1–2 hours of your call, weather and road conditions permitting. Our dispatch system tracks the closest available technicians, allowing us to mobilize ladders, fall-protection gear, and commercial-grade tarps immediately. During widespread storm events we triage based on severity to ensure the most vulnerable homes are secured first, and we keep homeowners updated by text or phone on our estimated arrival time.
What does the emergency tarping process involve?
1) Rapid damage assessment from the ground and, when safe, the roof surface. 2) Removal of loose shingles, limbs, or debris that could puncture the tarp. 3) Measurement of the affected area to cut an oversized, heavy-duty polyethylene or PVC tarp. 4) Placement of wooden 1×3 or 2×4 anchor boards along all tarp edges, then screwing those boards into solid rafters or trusses to avoid further roof damage. 5) Sealing exposed nail or screw heads and creating water channels so rain drains off the roof instead of pooling. The entire procedure usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on slope and complexity, and is designed to last until permanent repairs can be scheduled.
Will you work with my homeowner’s insurance on the emergency tarping and final roof repair?
Yes. We document the damage with photos and video before, during, and after tarping, then supply a written emergency service invoice that most carriers reimburse under the ‘reasonable steps to mitigate further damage’ clause. We can meet with your adjuster on-site, provide a detailed repair estimate, and bill your insurer directly if your policy allows. Having a local Gatlinburg contractor familiar with regional adjusters speeds up approval and reduces out-of-pocket costs for you.
How long can a tarp safely stay on my roof before permanent repairs are made?
A professionally secured tarp can protect your home for 60–90 days, sometimes longer during mild weather, but it is intended as a temporary measure. Sun UV exposure, wind uplift, and temperature swings common in the Smokies eventually degrade even high-quality tarps. We recommend scheduling the permanent repair or replacement as soon as your insurance claim is approved or materials arrive. We conduct periodic check-ups if repairs are delayed, tightening fasteners and replacing worn sections when necessary.
Why should I choose your Gatlinburg-based roofing company for emergency tarping and roof repair?
• Fast local response: Being headquartered in Gatlinburg means no long travel times. • Certified & insured: Our technicians are OSHA-trained, carry fall-protection certification, and we hold full general liability and workers’ comp coverage. • Materials on hand: We stock multiple tarp sizes, boards, and repair supplies year-round for rapid deployment. • Storm-damage expertise: We’ve handled hundreds of claims after wind, hail, and wildfire events across Sevier County. • Seamless transition to permanent repair: The same team that tarps your roof can perform shingle replacement, decking repair, or full reroofing, ensuring consistent workmanship and warranty coverage.