Emergency Tarping
Emergency Tarping | Roof Repair | Roofing | Knoxville
When a Tennessee storm tears through Knoxville, every minute counts; that’s why HEP’s emergency tarping team is on call 24/7, ready to race to your address, secure the damage, and shield your home from further water intrusion. Our seasoned roofers arrive with industrial-grade tarps, specialized fasteners, and the know-how to anchor them safely—even in high winds or on steep pitches—so you can breathe easier until a permanent solution is in place. We document the condition of your shingles, flashing, and decking for insurance purposes, then walk you through next steps in plain, friendly language.
Once the skies clear, our crew transitions seamlessly from temporary protection to complete roof repair, using quality materials that match your existing roof and meet local codes. From asphalt shingles in Fountain City to metal panels in Farragut, HEP treats every Knoxville home as if it were our own, backing workmanship with solid warranties and the honest pricing our neighbors have trusted for more than two decades.
FAQs
What is emergency roof tarping and when is it needed?
Emergency roof tarping is the temporary installation of a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp over damaged sections of your roof to stop active leaks and prevent further water intrusion. It is typically needed after sudden events such as wind or hail storms, fallen tree limbs, fire, or any accident that creates openings in the roof decking or shingle system. Tarping buys critical time to schedule proper inspections, insurance assessments, and permanent repairs.
How quickly can you respond to an emergency tarping call in Knoxville?
Because storm damage can escalate rapidly, we maintain a 24/7 on-call crew dedicated to Knox County and surrounding areas. In most cases, we can arrive at your property within 1–3 hours of your call. Arrival times can vary slightly during widespread weather events, but our dispatch system prioritizes life-safety hazards and active leaks to get a crew on site as fast as road conditions allow.
How long can a tarp safely remain on my roof before permanent repairs are made?
A professionally installed roof tarp can protect your home for 60–90 days under normal weather conditions, but it should always be viewed as a temporary measure. UV rays, wind uplift, and pooling water will eventually weaken even the best tarp. We recommend scheduling a full repair or roof replacement as soon as possible—ideally within two weeks—once insurance approval, materials, and weather windows line up.
Will my homeowners insurance cover the cost of emergency tarping?
Most standard homeowners policies do cover reasonable emergency services that mitigate additional damage, including tarping. We document the damage with photos, provide a detailed invoice, and can interface directly with your insurer’s adjuster. Keep in mind you are still responsible for your deductible, and some carriers require the tarp to be installed promptly after the loss event, so it’s wise to start the claim process immediately.
Can a tarp be installed during severe weather or at night?
Yes. Our crews are equipped with safety harnesses, headlamps, and portable floodlights, allowing us to work after dark or during light to moderate rain. For safety reasons, we may pause operations during lightning, high winds (over 40 mph), or torrential downpours until conditions improve. If we can’t tarp immediately, we will secure interior leak points with plastic sheeting and return the moment it’s safe.
What should I do after my roof has been tarped?
1) Contact your insurance company if you haven’t already and file a claim. 2) Schedule a thorough roof inspection with a licensed contractor to assess the full scope of repairs. 3) Document any interior damage for the claim. 4) Avoid walking on or near the tarp to prevent tears or dislodging. 5) Monitor ceilings and attic spaces for new leaks—if water appears, let us know right away for a re-check or retarp. Finally, line up permanent repairs quickly; a tarp is just the first step to restoring your roof’s integrity.