Roof Leaking Right Now? Emergency Tarp Steps
Protect the inside first: move belongings, set out buckets and keep people away from sagging ceilings. Do not climb onto a wet roof. Call a roofer for an emergency tarp, which covers the opening until a permanent repair. Photograph the damage from the ground before and after the tarp goes on.
Rain is coming in? Call now. We tarp roofs around the clock.
Call now, any hour(305) 542-5253Call when
Call (305) 542-5253 if any of these apply.
- Water is dripping or running down walls during rain.
- Shingles, tile or flashing are missing or lifted.
- A tree limb or debris has landed on the roof.
- Another storm is forecast and the roof is open.
- You can see the sky or daylight from the attic.
Inside the house, right now
Move your things
Pull furniture, rugs and electronics away from the leak.
Collect the water
Place buckets or tubs under drips and lay towels at the edges of wet floors.
Watch the ceiling
If it is bulging or sagging, keep out from under it. Relieving it is a judgment call, so see our ceiling leak guide.
Power down wet circuits
If water is near fixtures or outlets, switch the breaker off from a dry spot.
Photograph and note the time
Record the damage and when the leak began, for your insurer.
Should I get on the roof to cover the leak?
No. Wet roofs are slick, damaged decking can fail under your weight, and falls from roofs cause serious injuries. Tile roofs break when walked on. The few minutes you might save are not worth the risk.
A trained crew arrives with harnesses, proper tarps and fasteners, and knows how to secure a cover without making the opening bigger.
How does an emergency tarp work?
An emergency tarp is a heavy, weather-rated sheet that is laid over the damaged area and fastened beyond the edges of the opening so wind and water cannot get under it. On a sloped roof it runs up and over the ridge when possible, so water runs over it, not into it.
It is a temporary measure that buys time. It does not repair anything, and the roof still needs a permanent fix. Because we also do roofing, Frontline can handle the repair afterward. Certified Roofing Contractor license CCC056370.
What we do when you call
- We ask where the water is entering, what type of roof you have and whether more rain is expected.
- A crew goes up, assesses the damage and tarps the opening.
- We photograph the roof before and after the tarp, and check the interior for wet materials.
- If water got in, we extract and dry it. We work with insurance companies for covered work. See roof damage claims.
Common questions
How fast can a roof leak be tarped?
Frontline Restoration answers calls around the clock and sends a crew as quickly as conditions allow. During major storms there is more demand, so we prioritize open roofs and active leaks. Tell us if rain is falling or forecast, and we will give you a realistic arrival window.
Can I put a tarp on my roof myself?
It is not recommended. Wet roofs are dangerous, and a poorly fastened tarp can blow off or make the opening worse. Tile roofs can crack under your weight. A professional crew has fall protection, the right materials and the experience to secure it correctly.
How long does an emergency tarp last?
A tarp is temporary protection, intended to hold until a permanent repair or replacement can be done. How long it lasts depends on the weather and how it is installed. Do not treat it as a fix. Schedule the permanent repair promptly, especially in hurricane season.
Will insurance pay for an emergency roof tarp?
If the roof was damaged by a covered event such as a storm, many policies cover reasonable emergency protection. Ask your insurer or adjuster before the work if possible, and keep the receipt and photos. Frontline works with insurance companies for covered work.
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