What counts as a roof emergency
Water coming into the house, or an opening in the roof with more rain on the way. Our first job on an emergency call is to stop the water. Most of the time that means a tarp. The permanent repair follows once the roof is dry and safe and, after a storm, once your claim is open.
Call right away if
- A tree or a big limb landed on the roof.
- Shingles, tile or metal panels tore away and you can see plywood or underlayment.
- Water is running through a ceiling, a light fixture or a wall.
- A hurricane or tornado just passed and the damage is plain from the yard.
Every hour rain pours through an opening, insulation, drywall and decking soak up more of it. The tarp buys time to file the claim and plan the permanent fix.
Until the crew arrives
- Kill the power to any wet area at the breaker.
- Catch the water with buckets and towels. A sagging ceiling can be drained through a small hole at its lowest point.
- Move what matters out of the wet room: electronics, papers, furniture.
- Photograph everything, inside and out, before cleanup.
- Report the damage to your insurer and write down the claim number.
- Stay off the roof.
Our roof leak guide covers protecting the inside of the house in more detail.
How our crew sets a tarp
A tarp that flaps in the wind lets water right back in. Our crew works through six steps.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Confirm the roof is safe to walk and find every opening |
| Document | Photograph the damage before it is covered |
| Clear | Pull off debris so the tarp lies flat |
| Cover | Run a heavy-duty tarp past the damage, over the ridge when we can |
| Secure | Fasten the edges so wind cannot get underneath |
| Record | Photograph the finished tarp for your insurance file |
Tarp pricing
Most tarps fall between $300 and $1,200. Bigger roofs, steeper slopes and more open area cost more, and you get the number before we start. Hold on to the invoice, since insurers often ask for it. Repair and replacement prices are on our roof replacement cost guide.
Once the tarp is up
We come back for a full inspection and a written repair estimate. If you filed a claim, we can be there for the adjuster visit, as explained on our storm damage page. Limited damage usually needs only a roof repair.
The crew that tarps is the crew that repairs
Our office has been in East Orlando since 2004, and the people on your roof work for Assure-U under license CCC1326792. You will not be handed off to a stranger for the permanent fix.
Before the next season starts, go through our hurricane roof preparation checklist and save (407) 970-9746 in your phone.
