Emergency Roof Tarping: What to Do While Waiting for the Adjuster

When a severe storm tears shingles off your roof or sends a tree branch crashing through your decking, the clock starts ticking immediately. Water pouring into your attic can ruin insulation, destroy drywall, and cause mold growth in a matter of days.

The problem? After a major storm in Central Alabama, it can take insurance adjusters weeks to inspect your property. You cannot afford to wait that long with an exposed roof. Here is exactly what you need to do to protect your home and ensure your insurance claim goes smoothly.

Your Responsibility to "Mitigate Damage"

If you read the fine print of your homeowner's insurance policy, you will find a clause requiring you to "mitigate further damage."

This means if a storm blows off your shingles on Tuesday, and it rains on Thursday ruining your hardwood floors, the insurance company might pay for the roof, but they can deny the claim for the interior damage because you didn't take steps to cover the hole.

Emergency tarping is not optional—it is a requirement to protect your claim.

Will Insurance Pay for the Tarp?

Yes. Because emergency tarping prevents the insurance company from having to pay for much more expensive interior water damage, they will reimburse you for the cost of professional tarping.

When Crimson Roofing installs an emergency tarp, we provide you with a detailed invoice and photo documentation that you can submit directly to your adjuster for full reimbursement under your policy's emergency services coverage.

The 4 Steps to Take After a Storm Hits

• 1
  Document the Damage from the GroundBefore anyone touches the roof, take clear photos and videos from the ground. Capture any shingles lying in your yard, visible holes, or fallen trees.
• 2
  Call for Emergency TarpingContact a local, licensed roofing contractor like Crimson Roofing. We will dispatch a crew to safely secure a heavy-duty tarp over the exposed areas. We will also take professional photos of the damage before we cover it up, so the adjuster has proof.
• 3
  File Your ClaimCall your insurance agent to file the claim. Let them know the date of the storm, the type of damage, and that you have already taken steps to mitigate further damage by having the roof professionally tarped.
• 4
  Schedule the Adjuster MeetingWhen the insurance adjuster gives you a date for their inspection, notify your roofing contractor. At Crimson Roofing, we meet the adjuster on-site to remove the tarp if necessary, point out the damage, and ensure nothing is overlooked.

How Long Can a Tarp Stay on a Roof?

A properly installed, heavy-duty emergency tarp can protect your home for up to 90 days. However, strong winds and UV exposure will eventually degrade the material. The goal is to get your insurance claim approved and the roof replaced as quickly as possible.