Emergency roof tarping

Signs you need it

• Active dripping or visible sky through the roof
• Missing shingles or exposed decking with rain in the forecast
• A fallen limb that punctured the roof
• You're waiting on an adjuster or a contractor with a backlog

What a good quote includes

• The tarped area size and how it's anchored (no extra holes in sound roofing)
• How long the tarp is rated to last
• Whether they photograph the damage before covering it (you need this)
• A price for the tarp job separate from the repair estimate

What it costs

Professional tarping averages about $450 nationally, with most jobs between $150 and $3,300 depending on the damaged area, roof slope and urgency (about $0.70-$2.80 per square foot; rush emergency work runs higher). Insurers often reimburse tarping as emergency mitigation - photograph before and after, and keep the invoice.

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