Emergency Tarping
Emergency Tarping | Roof Repair | Roofing | Philadelphia
When fierce Philadelphia weather tears away shingles or sends branches crashing through your roof, HEP’s rapid-response team is ready to roll. Our specialists arrive with heavy-duty tarps and the tools to secure them immediately, sealing out wind and water so interior damage stops in its tracks. From Center City rowhomes to sprawling suburban properties, we treat every call like an emergency because we know minutes matter when ceilings are dripping and valuables are at risk.
Once the storm has passed and your property is safe, we pivot from temporary protection to permanent solutions—thorough inspections, transparent estimates, and expert roof repair performed with premium materials that stand up to the Mid-Atlantic climate. Trust the local crew that keeps Philadelphia covered 24/7, restoring comfort, value, and peace of mind one rooftop at a time.
FAQs
What situations typically require emergency roof tarping in Philadelphia?
Emergency tarping is recommended any time your roof suffers sudden damage that leaves the interior of your home exposed to the elements. In Philadelphia, this is most often caused by wind-torn shingles, tree or limb impacts, heavy ice dams, hail punctures, or fire damage. Because our region experiences frequent nor’easters and summer thunderstorms, even a small opening can allow wind-driven rain to soak insulation, drywall, and electrical systems. A professionally secured tarp creates an immediate water-tight barrier that prevents escalating structural and mold problems until full repairs can be completed.
How quickly can your crew arrive for an emergency tarping call within the Philadelphia area?
We maintain a 24/7 on-call response team. For addresses within Philadelphia city limits we can generally have a certified crew on site within 1–3 hours of your call, day or night. For nearby suburbs—such as Upper Darby, Cheltenham, or Bala Cynwyd—arrival is usually within 2–4 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Our dispatchers will give you a real-time ETA and remain in contact until the crew arrives.
How does emergency tarping actually protect my roof and home?
A heavy-duty, UV-stabilized polyethylene tarp is carefully cut to overlap the damaged area by at least 3 feet in every direction. The tarp is then secured to sound roof decking or structural members using 1x3 or 2x4 anchor boards screwed through the tarp’s reinforced hems. All edges are tightened to prevent wind uplift. This method creates a temporary but durable seal that sheds rainwater, blocks debris, and reduces heat loss. It buys you crucial time to schedule a full inspection, material ordering, and permanent roofing repairs without incurring further interior damage or mold growth.
Will homeowners insurance cover the cost of emergency tarping and subsequent roof repairs?
In most cases, yes. Insurance policies that cover sudden or accidental roof damage (e.g., from storms, fires, or fallen trees) typically reimburse “reasonable emergency measures” such as professional tarping. We document the damage with photos, provide a detailed invoice, and can meet your adjuster on site. While every policy is different, insurers usually require that you act quickly to mitigate further loss, so arranging emergency tarping often improves the likelihood of full coverage for both the tarp and permanent repairs.
How long can a tarp remain on my roof before permanent repairs must be made?
A correctly installed tarp can safely protect your roof for 60–90 days, sometimes longer during mild weather. However, Philadelphia’s temperature swings, UV exposure, and wind can gradually weaken the material and fasteners. We recommend scheduling permanent repairs as soon as possible—ideally within 30 days—to avoid secondary leaks, insurance complications, or additional costs. We also offer periodic tarp inspections if repairs need to be delayed, ensuring continued protection.
Do you also handle the complete roof repair after the emergency tarping is done?
Yes. We provide a seamless service that starts with emergency tarping and progresses to a full roof restoration. Once the tarp is in place, our project manager performs a comprehensive damage assessment, prepares an itemized repair or replacement estimate, and assists with any insurance documentation. Our licensed and insured crews can handle asphalt shingles, EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, slate, and metal roofing common to Philadelphia homes. We coordinate all permits, material deliveries, and inspections, so you work with one trusted contractor from first response to final warranty.