Emergency Roof Tarping: What to Expect in Dalton, GA

When a storm tears through Dalton, the damage can leave your home exposed to the elements. A tree branch through the roof, shingles torn off by high winds, or a sudden leak can all create an emergency situation. You need to stop the water from coming in while you figure out the permanent fix. That's where emergency roof tarping comes in. Professional tarping protects your home from further water damage until your roof can be repaired or replaced. Here's what to expect from the process.

What Is Emergency Roof Tarping?

Emergency roof tarping is exactly what it sounds like, a temporary covering applied to a damaged roof to prevent further water intrusion. It's not a permanent fix, but it buys you time.

What it is: A heavy-duty polyethylene tarp is secured over the damaged area of your roof. The tarp creates a temporary waterproof barrier that protects your home from rain and weather.

When it's used:

• After storm damage (hail, wind, fallen trees)
• When shingles are missing or damaged
• When there's an active roof leak
• While waiting for a full roof replacement
• When insurance claims are being processed

What it does:

• Prevents water from entering your home
• Protects your interior from further damage
• Buys time for permanent repairs or replacement
• Protects your property value

What it doesn't do: Tarping is not a permanent fix. It's a temporary measure to protect your home until the roof can be properly repaired or replaced.

The goal of tarping is to stop the water, not to solve the underlying problem. Once the tarp is in place, you have time to plan your permanent solution.

What Does the Tarping Process Look Like?

Professional tarping is a systematic process that ensures your home is properly protected. Here's how it works:

1. Safety assessment: The crew assesses the situation and identifies any safety hazards. They check for unstable structures, power lines, and other dangers before beginning.

2. Debris removal: Any loose debris, branches, broken shingles, or other material, is carefully removed from the damaged area.

3. Measure and cut: The crew measures the damaged area and cuts the tarp to size. The tarp should extend at least 3-4 feet beyond the damaged area to provide adequate coverage.

4. Install the tarp: The tarp is placed over the damaged area. The crew ensures it's centered and covers the entire damaged section.

5. Secure the tarp: The tarp is secured using wood strips (called "wooden furring strips") that are placed over the tarp edges and nailed into the roof structure. This prevents the tarp from blowing off in the wind.

6. Nailing pattern: The crew uses a specific nailing pattern to ensure the tarp is secure. Nails are driven into the roof decking, not just through the shingles.

7. Edge sealing: The edges are sealed with roofing cement or similar material to prevent water from getting under the tarp.

8. Final check: The crew inspects the tarp to ensure it's properly secured and covering the damaged area.

9. Interior check: The crew checks the interior for water intrusion and makes sure the tarp is stopping the leak.

Professional tarping usually takes 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the damaged area and the complexity of the roof.

How Long Does a Roof Tarp Stay in Place?

A professionally installed tarp can stay in place for several weeks or even months if needed. Here's what to know:

Duration: A tarp can remain for 1-3 months without significant deterioration. The exact duration depends on the tarp quality, weather conditions, and how well it was installed.

Weather exposure: Georgia's sun, rain, and wind can degrade a tarp over time. If the tarp needs to stay for a longer period, it should be inspected periodically to ensure it's still secure.

When to replace: If the tarp shows signs of wear, tearing, UV degradation, or loosening edges, it should be replaced or repaired.

The goal: The tarp is temporary. The goal is to schedule your permanent repair or replacement as soon as possible.

Insurance timing: If you're filing an insurance claim, the tarp allows time for the adjuster to inspect and for you to schedule the permanent fix.

What happens if you wait too long: A tarp that's been in place for too long can fail, allowing water to enter your home. Don't delay your permanent repair or replacement.

Most homeowners have their permanent repair or replacement scheduled within 1-4 weeks of the tarp installation. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you have full protection.

What Determines the Cost of Emergency Tarping?

The cost of emergency tarping depends on several factors, not a fixed number. Here's what drives it:

Size of the damaged area: Larger damage requires a larger tarp and more labor.

Roof pitch and complexity: Steeper or more complex roofs are more difficult and time-consuming to tarp.

Accessibility: Roofs that are hard to access may require more equipment and time.

After-hours response: Emergency calls outside of regular business hours may involve additional considerations.

Tarp material quality: Higher-quality tarps cost more but last longer and hold up better to Georgia weather.

Labor: Labor is the primary cost factor, securing a tarp properly takes skill and time.

What's included: The service typically includes the tarp material, wood strips, nails, and labor for installation.

Insurance coverage: Most homeowners policies cover emergency tarping as part of your loss mitigation efforts. You may need to pay your deductible.

The value: While tarping has a cost, it's far less expensive than the water damage that would occur without it. Tarping prevents mold, structural rot, and interior damage.

If you need emergency tarping, call Dalton Roofing Co immediately. We'll walk you through exactly what's involved before we start work.

What Should I Do Before the Tarping Crew Arrives?

While you wait for the tarping crew to arrive, here's what you can do to prepare:

1. Stay safe: Don't go on the roof. Stay inside or at a safe distance. If there are downed power lines, stay away and call your utility company.

2. Move furniture: If the leak is indoors, move furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the affected area.

3. Place buckets: Put buckets, trash cans, or other containers under active leaks to catch water.

4. Take photos: Document the damage with photos and videos for your insurance claim.

5. Cover belongings: Use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover furniture and belongings in the affected area.

6. Turn off electricity: If water is near electrical outlets or fixtures, turn off power to that area if safe to do so.

7. Call your insurance: Start the claims process as soon as possible. Let them know you're scheduling emergency tarping.

8. Provide access: Make sure the crew can access your roof safely. Move vehicles and clear a path to the area.

9. Stay available: Be available to answer questions and provide access to your home if needed.

The faster the crew can get to work, the sooner your home is protected. Call Dalton Roofing Co at (706) 508-6547 for 24/7 emergency roof tarping.

Frequently Asked Questions