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What Is an Emergency Tarp and When Do You Need One?

Last updated October 19, 2026

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The short answer

The Purpose of Emergency Tarping

Emergency tarping provides a critical temporary barrier against the elements. Its primary role is to prevent additional water from entering a home through a compromised roof or wall. This action helps limit the extent of water damage to your structure and belongings. It is a first-aid measure for your property, not a permanent fix.

The goal is to create a dry, stable environment so that subsequent restoration work can be effective. Without a proper seal, wind-driven rain can soak insulation, drywall, and flooring for days. This temporary cover buys you time to contact a roofer or water damage pros for a permanent solution. Acting quickly with a tarp can significantly reduce repair costs.

When Immediate Tarping Is Necessary

You need an emergency tarp anytime there is a visible breach in your home's exterior that allows water inside. Common scenarios include missing shingles from high winds, a hole punched by a fallen tree limb, or broken windows from hail. If water is actively entering during a rainstorm, tarping becomes an urgent priority to protect your interior.

Spring hailstorms in a humid subtropical climate can suddenly create multiple entry points. Even a small opening can funnel a surprising amount of water into attics and walls. You should also tarp after a fire where the roof was damaged by firefighters. The key is to address the opening before the next weather event causes a major indoor flood.

  • A section of roofing shingles is torn off by wind.
  • A tree branch falls and punctures the roof decking.
  • Hail breaks skylights, roof vents, or window panes.
  • A vehicle or debris impacts and cracks a wall.
  • Firefighting efforts create openings in the roof or siding.
  • An aging roof fails, creating a new, active leak.

How to Securely Install a Temporary Tarp

Proper installation is crucial for a tarp to hold. You must use a heavy-duty, woven polyethylene sheet, not a thin plastic one. Fully cover the damaged area and extend the tarp over the roof's ridge or onto undamaged siding. This directs water over the tarp and away from the breach. Secure all edges tightly to prevent wind from getting underneath.

Use long, sturdy wooden laths or two-by-fours to anchor the tarp's edges. Nail the laths directly into the roof sheathing or solid framing, not just into shingles. Place nails every foot or so for a tight seal. For safety, only attempt this if you can do so securely from a ladder; otherwise, it's a job for a professional with the right equipment.

The Risks of Delaying or Improper Tarping

Failing to tarp a hole quickly leads to extensive secondary damage. Water will migrate into insulation, drywall, and wooden framing, promoting rot and mold growth within days. The cost of repairs escalates from a simple roof patch to major structural drying and material replacement. Your personal belongings and electrical systems are also at risk from prolonged exposure to moisture.

An improperly installed tarp can cause more harm. If it billows in the wind, it can tear more shingles or siding. A loose tarp may channel water underneath it, directly into your attic. This gives a false sense of security while hidden damage continues. It is often wiser to have local water damage pros handle the tarping to ensure it's done correctly.

Next Steps After the Tarp Is in Place

Once the immediate leak is stopped, your focus shifts to permanent repair and water mitigation. Contact your insurance company to report the damage and start a claim. Document the damage with photos before and after tarping. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should also schedule a professional inspection to assess the full extent of the water intrusion.

The tarp is a temporary shield, so arrange for a qualified roofer to make permanent repairs. Simultaneously, water damage pros can inspect for hidden moisture in walls and ceilings using tools like moisture meters. They can begin structural drying to prevent mold. Addressing both the cause and the existing water is essential for a complete recovery of your home.

  • Contact your insurance provider to report the loss.
  • Schedule a permanent repair with a qualified roofing contractor.
  • Have a water damage inspection for hidden moisture.
  • Begin structural drying to protect against mold growth.
  • Keep all receipts for materials used in the temporary repair.
  • Remove any standing water inside the home promptly.

Water damage does not wait

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use any tarp from the hardware store?

You need a heavy-duty, woven polyethylene sheet. Thin plastic sheeting or lightweight tarps tear easily in wind and won't create a watertight seal. A thicker material provides more reliable temporary protection.

How long can a temporary tarp stay on my roof?

A well-secured tarp can last for several weeks, but it is not a permanent solution. UV rays and weather will degrade the material over time. Schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible to avoid the tarp failing and causing another leak into your home.

Does homeowners insurance cover emergency tarping?

Many policies cover the reasonable cost of emergency measures taken to prevent further damage, like tarping. However, you must keep receipts and document the need. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Always check your specific policy and report the damage first.

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