Temporary Protection
Temporary Protection | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Sewanee
When violent winds, pounding hail, or falling limbs leave your Sewanee roof gashed and vulnerable, HEP’s Temporary Protection Roofing team moves fast. Our experts arrive with reinforced tarps, shrink-wrap membranes, and emergency decking to seal out the rain, secure loose shingles, and prevent interior water damage—often within hours of your call. Every solution is designed to hold strong until permanent repairs can be scheduled, giving you priceless peace of mind during Tennessee’s unpredictable weather.
We pair rapid response with clear communication and help you navigate insurance paperwork, photos, and estimates related to storm damage restoration. From historic cottages near the University to cabins overlooking the Plateau, homeowners trust our licensed, local crew to safeguard investments and keep families safe while the skies settle and long-term roofing plans take shape.
FAQs
What counts as “temporary roof protection” after a storm in Sewanee?
Temporary roof protection is any short-term measure that stops water intrusion and secures the structure until full repairs can be made. In Sewanee we typically install heavy-duty 6-mil or 8-mil polyethylene tarps, reinforced shrink-wrap, or emergency plywood/OSB decking over holes created by wind, hail, or fallen limbs. The coverings are fastened with cap nails, batten strips, and sandbag anchors that can withstand the Cumberland Plateau’s frequent high winds and heavy rain while you work through the insurance and repair process.
How fast can your crew arrive when my roof is damaged by a storm?
We maintain an on-call emergency team for the Sewanee area 24/7. In most cases we can be on site within 1–3 hours of your call—often sooner if weather and road conditions allow. Arriving quickly lets us prevent additional interior damage, begin photos and moisture readings for your insurance file, and give you peace of mind that the situation is under control.
What materials do you use for temporary roof tarping and why?
For pitched roofs we use UV-resistant polyethylene tarps rated at 120–180 lbs tear strength, secured with 1×3 battens and galvanized cap nails so wind can’t catch an edge. On flat or low-slope roofs we may apply commercial shrink-wrap heat-sealed around penetrations, creating an almost seamless membrane. Where decking is missing, we first install exterior-grade plywood or OSB patches. All seams are sealed with butyl tape or polyurethane roof cement to keep Sewanee’s driving rain out.
Will installing temporary protection hurt my insurance claim?
No—insurers actually require policyholders to take “reasonable steps” to mitigate further loss. Promptly covering storm openings shows you acted responsibly, which can speed claim approval. We document every step with date-stamped photos, material invoices, and a written remediation report, all of which you can forward to your adjuster. The cost of emergency tarping is normally reimbursable under standard homeowners and commercial policies in Tennessee.
How long can a temporary roof covering safely stay in place?
Quality tarps and shrink-wrap are rated for up to 90 days of exposure, but we recommend scheduling permanent repairs within 30–45 days whenever possible. Prolonged UV exposure, temperature swings, and Sewanee’s frequent thunderstorms can degrade even heavy tarps, increasing the risk of leaks. We perform free weekly check-ups while the temporary protection is in place and re-secure or replace materials if needed.
What happens after the temporary protection is installed?
1) Detailed Inspection: Once the roof is watertight, we perform a full structural and moisture assessment. 2) Scope & Estimate: You receive a line-item estimate for permanent roof repair or replacement, including decking, underlayment, shingles/metal, and gutter work. 3) Insurance Coordination: We meet on site with your adjuster, supply our photos and measurements, and help negotiate fair coverage. 4) Scheduling Repairs: When the claim is settled, we order materials and set a production date that works for you. 5) Final Restoration: The damaged roofing system is rebuilt to current code, followed by a cleanup and a workmanship warranty certificate—returning your Sewanee home or business to pre-loss condition.