Terra Nova Roofing & ConstructionEmergency Roof Tarping
Tree on the roof, shingles blown off, water pouring in? A properly secured tarp stops the water and protects your house and your insurance claim until the roof can be repaired.
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google • Free estimates • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700
Call 973-200-1617 for emergency service.
- ✓ Same-day appointments often available
- ✓ Licensed & insured in NJ
- ✓ Homes & businesses
- ✓ English & Español
How long can a tarp stay on a roof?
An emergency roof tarp is meant to stay on for days to a few weeks, and a well-secured heavy-duty tarp can last a few months, but it's a temporary fix until the roof is repaired or replaced. Sun, wind and snow wear tarps out, and a loose tarp can let water in or damage shingles. Terra Nova secures tarps over the ridge and fastens them so they stay put.
How we tarp a roof
Check it's safe
We go up when wind and lightning allow.
Clear debris
Branches and loose material removed from the damaged area.
Cover past the damage
Tarp runs over the ridge and well past the opening.
Secure it
Fastened with boards along the edges so it doesn't lift or leak.
Tarping and insurance
Most policies expect you to prevent further damage after a storm. A tarp does that. Keep the receipt and take photos before and after. Does insurance cover roof leaks? → · Storm damage claims →
What a proper tarp job looks like
Over the ridge
Water can't run under the top edge.
Well past the damage
Covers more than the hole itself.
Boards along the edges
Holds the tarp down in wind.
Smooth surface
No pockets that collect water.
Storm season in North Jersey
Nor'easters in fall and winter and thunderstorms in summer bring most of our tarping calls: trees on roofs, shingles torn off, and flashing lifted by wind. After a big storm, roofers get busy fast, so a tarp buys you time to get a proper inspection and insurance documentation instead of rushing into the first offer.
More roof leak answers
What homeowners say about us
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Get a free estimate
Tell us what's going on. We usually reply the same business day.
Why homeowners call Terra Nova
- Free on-site estimates, price in writing first
- Licensed & insured, locally owned in Garfield
- Manufacturer-backed warranties and a workmanship guarantee
- Roofing, gutters and siding from one contractor
Request your free estimate
Fill this out and a member of our team will follow up within one business day.
✓ No-obligation quote · ✓ Licensed & insured · ✓ Your info is never shared
Questions homeowners ask
How fast can you tarp my roof?
We respond to emergencies as fast as we can and tarp as soon as it's safe to be on the roof. Call 973-200-1617.
Will insurance pay for an emergency tarp?
Many policies cover reasonable emergency repairs after covered damage. Keep the receipt.
How long can a roof stay tarped?
Days to weeks is typical. Heavy-duty tarps that are well secured can last a few months, but plan the permanent repair.
Can I tarp my own roof?
It's risky, especially wet or steep. A tarp that isn't secured can blow off or tear more shingles.
Does tarping damage the roof?
Done right, no. Fastening is kept to areas that will be repaired anyway.
What happens after the tarp?
We inspect the damage, document it for insurance and give you a written price for the repair or replacement.
Can a tarp go on in the rain?
Once wind and lightning allow it to be done safely, yes.
Does a tarp stop all leaks?
A well-secured tarp stops most water until the permanent repair.
What size tarp does a roof need?
Large enough to go over the ridge and well past the damage.
Do you remove the tarp?
Yes, when we do the permanent repair.
Updated October 2026 by the Terra Nova Roofing & Construction team, Garfield, NJ • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700