Emergency Roof Tarping in Florida: Cost, Timeline, and What Insurance Covers
What to know before you call anyone for emergency tarping
Last updated: March 2026
If a storm just damaged your roof, an emergency tarp may be the first thing you need. Expect to pay $200–$1,500 depending on the size of the damaged area and roof complexity. Your homeowner’s insurance almost always covers it as part of your duty to mitigate further damage. But before you call anyone — especially someone who knocked on your door — here’s what you need to know about costs, who should do the work, how long tarps last, and how to avoid getting overcharged.
When You Need a Tarp (and When You Don’t)
Not every roof issue after a storm requires tarping. A tarp is an emergency measure to prevent water intrusion through an active breach. Here’s how to decide:
You Need a Tarp If:
- ✓ There’s a visible hole or opening in your roof where water can enter
- ✓ You see active water intrusion — dripping, staining, or pooling inside the home
- ✓ A large section of shingles is missing and the underlayment or deck is exposed
- ✓ A tree or debris has punctured through the roofing materials
- ✓ More rain is expected and your roof has any of the above conditions
You Probably Don’t Need a Tarp If:
- • A few shingles are missing but the underlayment is intact and there’s no leaking
- • Damage is cosmetic only (dents in metal, minor granule loss)
- • Gutters or fascia are damaged but the roof surface itself is intact
- • No rain is forecast and you can get a roofer out within 24–48 hours
Emergency Tarping Costs: What to Expect
| Damage Size | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small area (under 100 sq ft) |
$200–$500 | Single breach, accessible roof, one tarp |
| Medium area (100–300 sq ft) |
$500–$1,000 | Multiple sections, larger tarp, more labor |
| Large area (300+ sq ft) |
$1,000–$1,500 | Major damage, steep roof, or complex geometry |
| Scam territory | $2,000–$5,000+ | Overpriced by storm chasers — get a second quote immediately |
Watch for Overpriced Tarping
After a major hurricane, some contractors charge $3,000–$5,000+ for a basic tarp job that should cost a few hundred dollars. This is one of the most common post-storm scams in Florida. Always get a written estimate before any work starts. If someone quotes more than $1,500 for a single tarp installation, get a second opinion.
These costs include labor, materials (tarp, 2x4 battens, screws), and the trip out. After a major hurricane, prices may increase by 20–30% due to demand, but anything beyond that range is likely gouging.
Who Should Tarp Your Roof?
Hire a licensed roofer — not a handyman, not a general contractor, and definitely not someone who knocked on your door five minutes after the storm passed.
What to Look For
- ✓ Valid Florida roofing license (CCC or RCC) — verify at MyFloridaLicense.com
- ✓ Written estimate before work begins — never agree to “we’ll figure out the cost after”
- ✓ Proof of insurance — general liability and workers’ comp
- ✓ Local contractor with a verifiable address and phone number
- ✓ No pressure to sign anything else — a tarp is a tarp, not an excuse to lock you into a full replacement contract
Red Flags for Tarping Companies
- × They showed up at your door unsolicited
- × They won’t give a written estimate before starting
- × They want you to sign an AOB (Assignment of Benefits) for a tarp job
- × They quote $2,000+ for a single tarp installation
- × They demand full payment upfront before doing any work
- × They can’t provide a Florida license number
How Long Does a Roof Tarp Last?
A properly installed tarp is a temporary fix, not a permanent one. How long it lasts depends on the tarp quality, installation method, and Florida’s brutal sun.
| Tarp Type | Expected Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard blue tarp (5–6 mil) | 2–3 weeks | Very short-term only. UV degrades quickly. |
| Heavy-duty tarp (10+ mil) | 30–90 days | Standard for professional emergency tarping. |
| FEMA Blue Roof sheeting | 30 days (extendable) | Free program after federal disaster declaration. |
Don’t Let a Tarp Become Permanent
Driving through Florida after hurricane season, you’ll see blue tarps that have been up for months or even years. This is a problem. Tarps degrade, leak, and can cause more damage than the original storm if left too long. Use the tarp window to get your insurance claim moving and permanent repairs scheduled. If your claim is delayed, have the tarp inspected and replaced if necessary.
How Insurance Covers Emergency Tarping
Your Florida homeowner’s policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage — and tarping is the textbook example. Here’s how the reimbursement process works:
The Tarping Reimbursement Process
- 1. Document the damage with photos and video BEFORE the tarp goes on
- 2. Get a written estimate from the tarping contractor
- 3. Have the tarp installed and take photos of the completed work
- 4. Keep the receipt — itemized if possible (labor, materials, trip fee)
- 5. Submit the receipt with your insurance claim
- 6. Tarping cost is added to your total claim — not treated as a separate deductible
Key Point: Keep ALL Receipts
Emergency tarping costs are reimbursable as part of your total claim. This includes the contractor’s fee, tarp materials, and any supplies you bought yourself (tarps from Home Depot, lumber, screws). Take a photo of every receipt immediately — thermal paper fades fast in Florida’s heat.
FEMA Blue Roof Program: Free Emergency Covering
After a federally declared disaster, FEMA activates the Blue Roof program, run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It provides free temporary roof covering for qualifying homeowners.
Blue Roof Program Details
- ✓ Cost: Free to homeowners
- ✓ Duration: 30 days initially, extensions available
- ✓ Material: Fiber-reinforced sheeting (stronger than standard tarps)
- ✓ Eligibility: Primary residence in a declared disaster area
- ✓ How to apply: Online at the Blue Roof website or at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
Blue Roof Limitations
The program is only activated after a federal disaster declaration. It’s not available after every storm — only major events. Wait times can be long (days to weeks after declaration). If you need a tarp immediately and the Blue Roof program isn’t available or activated yet, hire a licensed roofer and submit the receipt to your insurer.
DIY Tarping vs. Hiring a Pro
Can you tarp your own roof? Technically, yes. Should you? In most cases, no. Here’s the honest comparison:
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$150 (materials only) | $200–$1,500 (labor + materials) |
| Safety risk | High — wet/damaged roof | Low — trained, equipped crews |
| Quality | Variable — may not hold | Reliable — proper anchoring |
| Insurance | Materials reimbursed with receipts | Full cost reimbursed with receipt |
| Liability | You’re on your own if it fails | Contractor is responsible |
If You Must DIY
Wait until the roof is completely dry. Never work on a roof alone. Use a 10+ mil heavy-duty tarp from a home improvement store. Here’s the basic method:
- • Unroll the tarp so it extends at least 4 feet past the damaged area on all sides
- • If possible, extend the tarp over the ridge (peak) of the roof
- • Anchor with 2x4 battens screwed into the roof deck (not just weighted down)
- • Wrap the bottom edge of the tarp around a 2x4 and screw it down
- • Avoid using nails directly through the tarp — they create leak points
The Bottom Line
Emergency roof tarping is a simple concept that gets complicated by overpriced storm chasers and post-storm panic. The actual cost is $200–$1,500, your insurance covers it, and a licensed roofer can have it done in a few hours. Don’t let anyone charge you $3,000+ for a tarp, don’t sign an AOB for emergency work, and don’t let the tarp become a permanent fixture. Get it on, document it, submit the receipt, and move to permanent repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency roof tarping cost in Florida?
Does insurance cover emergency roof tarping in Florida?
How long does a roof tarp last?
Can I tarp my own roof after a storm?
What is the FEMA Blue Roof program?
Need Emergency Tarping from a Licensed Roofer?
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