Emergency Tarping
Emergency Tarping | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Harriman
When violent winds or hail pound Harriman, every minute counts. HEP’s emergency tarping roofing crew is ready 24/7 to race to your property, secure heavy-duty tarps, and halt leaks before they ruin drywall, flooring, or treasured belongings. We navigate dark nights, soaked shingles, and tricky insurance calls so you don’t have to, arriving with the materials, manpower, and local know-how to protect your home in a single visit.
Once the storm passes, our certified roofers shift seamlessly from quick containment to comprehensive storm damage restoration. We perform a meticulous inspection, document everything for your adjuster, and replace or rebuild shingles, decking, and flashing with industry-leading warranties. From that first urgent call to the final sweep of debris, HEP keeps Harriman families safe, dry, and confident their roof is truly ready for the next round of weather.
FAQs
What is emergency roof tarping and why is it critical after a storm?
Emergency tarping is the rapid installation of heavy-duty, waterproof tarpaulin over compromised sections of a roof to keep out rain, wind, and debris. After a Harriman storm, exposed decking, holes, or missing shingles can allow water to pour into your attic and living spaces, leading to mold, electrical hazards, and structural rot in just hours. A professionally secured tarp buys time—usually several days to a few weeks—so your insurance adjuster can inspect the damage and permanent repairs can be planned without additional interior losses.
How quickly can you get to my Harriman property for temporary roof protection?
Because storm damage escalates rapidly, we maintain 24/7 on-call crews for the Harriman area. In most cases we can dispatch a certified team within 1–3 hours of your call, day or night. During widespread regional events we triage by severity, prioritizing homes with active water intrusion. Our trucks arrive fully stocked with commercial-grade tarps, 2×4s, sandbags, anchors, and fall-arrest safety gear so we can start work immediately.
What materials and methods do you use to tarp a storm-damaged roof?
We use 8-mil to 10-mil reinforced poly tarps rated for UV resistance and high tear strength. The damaged area is first cleared of loose shingles and debris. We then create a wooden perimeter frame or "anchor board" using 2×4s screwed into the rafters or trusses—not just the sheathing—to withstand high winds. The tarp is stretched taut over the frame and secured with cap nails or screws every 8–12 inches. On low-slope sections we may add sandbags or weighted batten strips to prevent ponding. All penetrations are sealed, and the edges are tucked under intact shingles where possible to create a water-shedding overlap.
Will my homeowners insurance cover the cost of emergency tarping and restoration?
Most standard homeowners policies that include wind or hail coverage reimburse reasonable emergency mitigation costs, including professional tarping. We document the damage with photos and provide an itemized invoice coded to Xactimate pricing so your insurer can process the claim quickly. Some carriers require you to act within 24–48 hours to minimize additional loss, so arranging tarp service immediately not only prevents interior damage but also keeps you compliant with policy terms.
How long can a tarp safely stay on my roof and what are the next steps?
A correctly installed tarp can remain effective for 30–90 days, depending on weather exposure. However, tarps are temporary by design; UV rays and wind will eventually degrade them. After the tarp is in place, we schedule a full roof inspection, develop a repair or replacement estimate, and help you coordinate with your adjuster. Once insurance approval is received and materials are on site, we remove the tarp and perform permanent repairs, often within 2–3 weeks of the initial storm event.
Is it safe for me to inspect or tarp the roof myself after storm damage?
We strongly advise against DIY roof tarping. Storm-soaked shingles are slippery, underlying decking may be weak, and high winds can make footing unpredictable. Falls from just one story can cause severe injuries. Our technicians use OSHA-compliant harnesses, anchor points, and ladder stabilizers, and they’re trained to identify hidden structural hazards. If you must assess damage for insurance photos, do so from the ground with binoculars or a drone and let professionals handle any work at height.