In the construction world, there’s a big difference between fixing something and stopping it from getting worse. Emergency roof tarping falls squarely into that second category. It’s not a repair. It’s a pause button. It buys time. And in Southeast Louisiana, where weather can turn in a heartbeat, that time matters.
After a storm or structural failure, there’s often damage that needs attention—shingles ripped off, tree limbs punched through decking, flashing peeled back like a sardine can. When that happens, the last thing a structure needs is more rainwater getting inside. That’s where emergency tarping steps in.
What Emergency Tarping Actually Does
Tarping covers the damaged portion of the roof with heavy-duty, waterproof material. It’s meant to shield the building temporarily from rain, wind, and falling debris. It doesn’t fix the problem—it prevents the problem from growing.
Rainwater through a hole in the roof doesn’t just stay in the attic. It seeps into insulation, runs down rafters, finds its way into electrical systems, and stains ceilings. The longer that roof remains exposed, the more layers of damage start stacking up. Tarping interrupts that chain reaction.
When Tarping Becomes Necessary
Emergency tarping usually follows an event: a hurricane, a severe thunderstorm, high winds, or even a fire. In this part of the country, hurricane season tends to bring the biggest waves of calls. But year-round, there are fallen trees, blown-off shingles, and old roofs that finally give way after years of wear.
It’s not just residential roofs, either. Commercial buildings with flat roofs often develop punctures or separations during high winds. And unlike pitched roofs, flat systems can pool water if compromised. That standing water becomes a silent destroyer—eating away at membranes and creeping into seams.
What Tarping Involves
A good tarp job starts with assessing the situation. That means checking the size and location of the damage, evaluating the roof’s condition, and determining whether it’s safe to climb. Once that’s done, the damaged area gets covered with polyethylene tarp—usually 6 to 10 mils thick—secured with furring strips or sandbags, depending on the slope and materials.
For sloped shingle roofs, boards are used to hold the tarp in place without tearing it. For flat commercial roofs, weights or adhesives may be used to avoid further punctures. Each job is different, and the method has to match the structure.
Why Timing Is Everything
Roof damage is a race against time. The faster a tarp goes on, the more that structure is protected from compounding problems. Waiting days—or even hours—can mean the difference between drying out a room and replacing half a ceiling.
Tarping also plays a role in insurance claims. Most property insurance policies require steps be taken to “mitigate further loss.” If no action is taken after damage occurs, that can create complications during the claims process. Insurance adjusters expect to see that tarp, along with documentation of when it was installed.
What Tarping Doesn’t Do
Tarping isn’t a permanent solution. It’s not meant to last forever. The material can only withstand sun, wind, and rain for so long before it begins to degrade. In most cases, a properly installed tarp will hold for several weeks—but after that, it starts to weaken.
This makes follow-up crucial. Once the tarp is up, it’s time to start lining up repairs. That includes ordering materials, scheduling labor, and coordinating with adjusters if insurance is involved. The tarp gives breathing room—but it’s still a ticking clock.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes after roof damage is trying to tarp it without the right tools or training. Climbing onto a wet or storm-damaged roof is dangerous. If the decking has been compromised, one wrong step can result in serious injury. Even on stable roofs, the pitch can turn slippery fast.
Another mistake is under-securing the tarp. When winds pick up again, a loose tarp turns into a sail—and once it lifts, water has a clear path right back into the structure. It takes proper anchoring and attention to detail to get it right.
Tarping as Part of a Larger Plan
Emergency tarping is just one part of post-storm response. It’s a stabilizer. It protects what’s still intact and buys time for insurance, permits, inspections, and materials. Whether the final repair is a small patch or a full roof replacement, tarping lays the groundwork for that next step.
For businesses, it can also reduce operational downtime. Keeping rain out of inventory rooms, electrical closets, or offices allows operations to continue while repairs are lined up. For homeowners, it means protecting family spaces and limiting disruptions during an already stressful situation.
Final Thoughts
In a place like Slidell—or anywhere along the Gulf Coast—roof damage is a matter of when, not if. Wind, water, and trees don’t care about schedules or warranties. When damage happens, emergency tarping becomes the stopgap that keeps the problem contained.
It’s not flashy. It’s not permanent. But it’s necessary. It’s a way to protect property, satisfy insurance requirements, and maintain control over what could quickly become a chaotic situation.
Roof tarping isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of putting things back together.