Roof Tarping in Indianapolis, IN

When you need a roof tarp

Tarping is appropriate any time the roof has been breached or its protective layers are missing and water can get in before the permanent repair is done. Common situations include:

• Shingles blown off by wind, exposing the underlayment or decking
• A tree limb or debris that has punctured the roof
• Hail damage severe enough to leave bruised, cracked or missing shingles
• Storm damage to flashing, vents, chimneys or skylights
• A section of roof removed for repair when weather threatens
• A fire or water-damaged roof that must be protected while claims are processed
• A roof that is waiting for materials or for an insurance adjuster to inspect

If water is already coming in, call for emergency roof repair so we can prioritize protecting the home.

How a professional roof tarp is installed

A tarp that is simply thrown over the roof and weighed down with a few bricks will not survive the first wind. Proper installation looks like this:

1. Safety check. We assess the roof for slipperiness, steepness, structural weakness and electrical hazards before stepping on it.
2. Photograph the damage. Before covering anything, we take dated photos of the damage for your records and your insurer.
3. Clear debris. Loose shingles, broken wood and other debris are removed so the tarp lays flat and does not puncture.
4. Size the tarp. The tarp must extend well past the damaged area. On a sloped roof, it is generally run up and over the ridge so water cannot get underneath from above.
5. Lay the tarp and roll the edges. The tarp is unrolled from the ridge downward, with the upslope edge overlapping the downslope edge so water sheds over it.
6. Fasten with wood battens. The tarp is wrapped around a wood strip (a batten) and nailed or screwed through the batten into solid framing or sheathing. This spreads the load and prevents the fasteners from tearing the tarp.
7. Seal the exposed edges. Edges are secured to prevent wind from getting under the tarp and lifting it.
8. Inspect and photograph. We check the finished tarp and photograph it for your records.

How long can a tarp stay on?

A tarp is temporary. Depending on the quality of the tarp and weather, it may protect a roof for weeks to a few months, but the sun, wind and freeze-thaw cycles degrade it. Indianapolis averages about 25.5 inches of snow a year according to National Weather Service normals, and a tarp that sits through winter takes a beating. The sooner permanent repairs are done, the lower the risk of water damage, rot and mold.

Roof tarping and insurance

Many homeowner policies cover emergency tarping as part of a covered loss, because they expect you to prevent further damage. Whether the cost is covered depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. The Indiana Department of Insurance recommends that homeowners:

• Notify the insurance company as soon as possible
• Photograph damage before temporary repairs
• Keep all receipts for temporary repairs
• Not make permanent repairs before the insurer has inspected
• Ask for an itemized settlement explanation and, if a claim is denied, a written denial with the policy language

We provide documentation that you can give your adjuster. For the full process, see our roof insurance claim guide, and for hail-specific advice see hail damage roof repair in Indianapolis. Be cautious about any contractor who asks you to sign an assignment of benefits agreement; the National Association of Insurance Commissioners warns consumers about these agreements, and you should read any contract carefully before signing.

Storm-chaser caution

After major storms, out-of-town crews often go door to door offering quick tarp jobs and repairs. Not all are dishonest, but you should be careful with anyone who demands full payment up front, pressures you to sign immediately or has no local address. Ask for a written contract, proof of insurance, references and a local address. Our guide on how to choose a roofer in Indianapolis lists the questions to ask.

What happens after the tarp

Once the tarp is on, we recommend the following sequence. First, contact your insurance company if the damage came from a storm. Second, keep photos and receipts together. Third, schedule a full inspection so the full scope of damage is documented. Fourth, get a written estimate for the permanent repair. Fifth, schedule the work as soon as weather and materials allow, so that the tarp does not stay on longer than necessary. If you are dealing with leaks inside the home, our roof leak repair service finds the path the water took.

Questions to ask a roofer about tarping

Ask how the tarp will be fastened and whether wood battens will be used. Ask whether the tarp will extend over the ridge. Ask whether the roofer will photograph the work for your insurance claim. Ask what the tarp is rated for and how long it is expected to last. Ask how soon the permanent repair can be scheduled. A contractor who explains these details has done the work before.

How to get ready for a tarping visit

A few simple steps help the crew work faster and help your records if you later file a claim:

• Photograph the damage and any water inside the house before anything is covered, with the date visible.
• Move cars, furniture and fragile items away from the work area, and keep children and pets inside.
• Tell the crew where the leak shows up inside, so they can focus on the right section of the roof.
• Do not go on the roof yourself. A wet or damaged roof is dangerous, and a crew has the safety gear for it.
• Ask for the photos the crew takes of the damaged area and the finished tarp.

Once the tarp is on, plan the permanent repair soon. See roof repair and storm damage roof repair for the next step.