Emergency Roof Tarping and Storm Repair

What to Do Right Now

Move furniture and electronics away from the leak. Put a bucket under the drip. If the ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver so it drains into the bucket instead of falling in. Turn off lights in that room if water is near a fixture.

Do not climb on a wet roof. Most roof injuries happen to owners trying to stop a leak in the rain.

How We Tarp

We cover the damaged area and well past it, then fasten the tarp with wood strips so wind cannot get under it. A loose tarp in a Santa Ana wind does more damage than the leak. We take photos of the damage before we cover it.

On a tile roof we lift or set aside loose tile so the tarp lies flat on the paper and the tiles do not slide under the weight. On a flat roof we weight and fasten the edges so water cannot run under them.

How Long a Tarp Lasts

A tarp is a stopgap, not a repair. Sun breaks down a plastic tarp in weeks to a few months, and every windy night works the fasteners loose. Plan the real repair as soon as the roof is dry.

We check the tarp after a big wind if the repair is still waiting on parts or an adjuster. Most tarps we put on come off within a few weeks, when the fix goes in.

Storm Season Here

Our worst roof weather comes in a short window. Most of the year's rain falls from November through March, and so do almost all of the strong Santa Ana gusts at Ontario airport. A roof that lost a cap in October often leaks in the first big storm of December.

If a wind event took tile or shingles off and rain is coming, call before the storm, not during it. A tarp goes on faster on a dry roof.

Insurance Claims

Storm and wind damage is often covered by home insurance. Wear and old age usually are not. We give you photos and a written description of what we found so your adjuster has what they need. Your insurance company decides what is covered.