When a roof is damaged, whether from a storm or gradual wear, quick action is critical. An emergency tarp roof can be the first line of defense, protecting your home and belongings from further damage. This temporary solution buys you the time needed to arrange for a professional roof repair.
A roof tarp is simple, yet effective solution, helping keep your home safe and dry. Let’s take a look at why emergency roof tarps are so important, when they should be used, and how they can help protect your Maryland home.
What is an Emergency Tarp Roof?
In simplest terms, an emergency tarp roof is a temporary cover placed over a damaged roof. Whether it’s a result of a storm or a sudden leak, this tarp provides immediate protection until permanent repairs can be made.
Tarps are typically made from durable materials like polyethylene or vinyl. To secure the tarp to your roof, and prevent it from shifting or blowing away, you’ll need a few hardware items.
- Ropes and weights can be used to anchor the tarp to sturdy sections of the roof, preventing it from blowing away.
- Nails and screws will help hold the tarp in place, but be careful not to make things worse by puncturing your roofing materials.
- Adhesives can also be handy for extra reinforcement, especially in areas where nails or screws may not be effective.
Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Roof
When selecting a tarp, it’s important to consider a few factors to make sure it suits your needs. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Size Considerations
The tarp needs to be large enough to cover the damaged area of your roof. Measure the area that needs to be covered, marking the specific length and width to accurately measure the size tarp you’ll need. It’s always better to get a tarp that’s slightly larger than your roof damage to ensure full coverage and to prevent gaps.
Ensuring Proper Overlap and Tension
When you lay the tarp over your roof, make sure there’s an overlap of at least 12 inches where edges meet. The more tension you create on the tarp, the better it will stay in place during bad weather.
Common Situations Requiring Roof Tarps
- Storm Damage (Wind, Hail, Fallen Trees): Maryland homeowners know that storms can pop up without warning. Strong winds, hail, or fallen trees can cause extensive roof damage, leaving you exposed to the elements. In these situations, an emergency tarp roof can protect your home from rainwater entering through broken shingles, cracked tiles, or holes caused by debris.
- Leaks and Structural Issues: Sometimes, the damage is gradual. Roof leaks, particularly during heavy rain or snow, can lead to water slowly seeping into your home. If left untreated, it can cause mold, rotting wood, and even electrical hazards. A tarp can prevent further water from getting inside your roof.
- Delayed Roof Repairs: In some cases, money issues, specific roofing materials, or scheduling conflicts might delay permanent roof repairs. An emergency tarp roof provides a safeguard, ensuring that your home remains protected during this waiting period.
Signs You May Need an Emergency Roof Tarp
If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to call RoofPRO for a professional inspection and emergency roof repair.
- Debris Impact: Check for fallen branches, shingles, or other debris on your roof. These can cause punctures or displace shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to water.
- Punctures or Cracks: A sharp object like a tree branch can puncture your roof. Cracks or holes can also form in areas weakened by years of wear and tear.
- Water Entry Points: After a heavy rain, look for signs of water stains or leaks inside your home. If you spot water coming through the ceiling or walls, your roof is definitely in need of attention.
Immediate Steps After Identifying Roof Damage
- Safety First: Before doing anything, make sure that everyone in your household is safe. If the roof damage is extensive, it may be unsafe to stay inside the house until a professional has assessed the situation. Move to a safe area, away from any potentially dangerous structures or materials. Do not go on the roof yourself.
- Documenting Damage for Insurance: Take photos of the damage to your roof. This will be important for insurance claims and to document what happened. Be sure to capture wide shots and close-ups, especially of any holes, cracks, or displaced roofing materials. Do not go out on the roof yourself, have a professional take any necessary pictures from up there.
- Contacting a Roofing Professional: RoofPRO, with two decades of experience, offers free inspections and estimates, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with and how to move forward. Roof tarps are only a temporary fix, don’t wait too long before getting in touch with an expert who can help make permanent repairs.
Benefits of Installing an Emergency Roof Tarp
When your roof is damaged, water, debris, and wind can ruin the interior of your home. An emergency tarp stops that damage from getting worse. It buys you time to find a reputable roofing contractor, like RoofPRO, who can perform a thorough inspection and complete the repairs.
Using a tarp to cover your roof may seem like a quick fix, but it offers significant benefits that can’t be overlooked:
Prevents Water Damage
Water is one of the most destructive forces when it comes to roofing damage. An emergency tarp roof blocks rain, snow, and moisture from entering your home, minimizing the risk of water damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors. The last thing you want is to add water damage to your list of repair costs.
Protects Insulation and Interiors
Once water enters your home, it can quickly spread to insulation and wiring. The longer a leak goes unchecked, the more damage it can do. By applying a tarp immediately, you help protect the insulation in your attic and the interior of your home. This helps prevent mold and even more costly repairs down the line.
Minimizes Energy Loss
Got a hole in your roof? That’s heat or air conditioning escaping, leaving your HVAC system to work overtime. A tarp helps maintain indoor temperatures, sparing you from skyrocketing energy bills.
Prevents Pest Intrusion
Critters love an easy entry point. A well-secured tarp keeps squirrels, raccoons, and other unwanted guests from turning your attic into their new home.
From Temporary Protection to Full Roof Restoration
An emergency tarp is only meant to buy you time, not serve as a permanent fix. Once the immediate threat has passed, it’s essential to have your roof professionally inspected and repaired. RoofPRO’s Emergency Roof Repair and Tarping Services are available across Maryland to help homeowners stabilize and restore their roofs after sudden damage. Our licensed team responds quickly to assess the situation, remove debris, and install lasting repairs that protect your home against future leaks or structural issues.
Severe weather can leave hidden problems behind, so it’s important to understand how different conditions affect your roof. For instance, hail can cause more damage than you might expect—even small hailstones can loosen granules, bruise shingles, or crack flashing. Learn more in our blog, What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof, to help you recognize early signs of hail-related wear before they lead to leaks or insulation damage.
Responding to Major Storm Events in Maryland
When a severe storm hits, roof damage can happen fast—from wind-blown debris to fallen trees that puncture or collapse roofing sections. If this happens, your first step should always be ensuring safety and documenting the damage for insurance. Our article, What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof, walks you through the right steps to take, from contacting emergency services to arranging temporary protection. Once your home is secure, RoofPRO’s emergency team can handle the cleanup, tarping, and coordination with your insurance provider.
After the immediate danger is handled, full restoration may be necessary. RoofPRO’s Storm Damage Repair Services provide comprehensive recovery solutions—from repairing missing shingles and flashing to replacing entire sections of roofing. We inspect every layer, ensuring your home is watertight, structurally sound, and ready to handle whatever Maryland weather brings next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Roof Tarps
Emergency tarps are designed to be temporary. Ideally, a tarp should stay on your roof no longer than a few weeks, as it’s not a permanent fix. However, if the damage is extensive and repairs are delayed, the tarp can provide continued protection until professionals can make permanent repairs.
Many insurance policies will cover the full cost of installing a roof tarp, as it’s seen as part of the emergency repairs. Be sure to check with your insurance provider and keep receipts for any materials or labor related to the tarp installation.
While a tarp can prevent water from entering your home, it can’t prevent mold from forming if the damage is already extensive. However, a tarp can help stop additional moisture from getting inside, which gives you a chance to address the issue before mold becomes a concern.
How RoofPRO Can Help
Emergency roof tarps might not be glamorous, but they’re a lifesaver when you need them most. The important thing is to act fast and protect your home. With the right preparation and a reliable partner like RoofPRO, you’ll weather any storm Maryland throws your way.
RoofPRO offers emergency roofing services in Maryland, providing prompt and reliable tarp installation and repairs when you need it most.
With over 20 years of experience, our experienced team uses high-quality materials and tools to get the job done right. We’re available for emergency services across Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick county.
Author Bio
Tim Taylor – Owner & Founder of RoofPRO
Tim Taylor began his roofing career in 2003 and founded RoofPRO in 2004 with a mission to fix the poor workmanship that often causes roof leaks. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, he’s earned elite credentials like CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster Wizard certification, HAAG inspection certifications, and OSHA safety training. His expertise in leak repair, flashing repair, and post-storm restoration has made RoofPRO one of Maryland’s most trusted roofing companies. Tim continues to lead with the same principle that built his reputation—roof it right the first time