Your roof is leaking. It is raining. You need to stop the water NOW. The question is: do you get up there and tarp it yourself, or do you call a professional? In Savannah, where storms can hit hard and fast, this decision matters.
DIY Tarping: When It Makes Sense
DIY Is Reasonable When:
- • Your roof is low-slope and easy to access safely
- • The damaged area is small (one section, under 100 sq ft)
- • Weather conditions are calm (no active lightning, wind, or heavy rain)
- • You have the right materials (heavy-duty tarp, lumber, screws)
- • It is daylight and you have help (never go on a roof alone)
How to DIY Tarp Properly
- Use a heavy-duty tarp (at minimum 6 mil thickness, blue tarps from hardware stores work)
- Extend the tarp at least 4 feet past the damaged area on ALL sides
- Extend the tarp over the ridge if possible — anchoring below the ridge leaves the top edge exposed to wind
- Anchor with 2x4 lumber screwed through the tarp into the roof deck — NOT with weights or cinderblocks that slide off
- Use cap nails or screws with washers to prevent tear-through
- The tarp must be taut — loose tarps flap in wind, tear, and let water pool
Professional Tarping: When to Call
Call a Pro When:
- • Your roof is steep (6/12 pitch or greater)
- • The damage is extensive (large sections, multiple areas)
- • There is structural damage (sagging, broken rafters)
- • Weather conditions are dangerous
- • Your roof is 2+ stories high
- • You do not have proper safety equipment (harness, anchor points)
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| DIY tarp | $50-$150 (materials) | Immediate (if safe) |
| Pro emergency tarp | $300-$800 | 2-4 hours |
| Pro tarp + temp repair | $500-$1,500 | Same day |
| ER visit from roof fall | $5,000-$50,000+ | N/A |
The Insurance Factor
Your homeowner's insurance requires you to mitigate further damage after a covered event. That means tarping is not optional — and the cost of professional tarping is typically reimbursable under your policy. Keep the receipt. If you do it yourself, photograph your work and document the materials you purchased.
Need emergency roof service? Call us — we respond within 2-4 hours for emergency situations in Savannah and surrounding areas.
