When Emergency Tarping Is Necessary
Not every storm event requires emergency tarping, but some absolutely do. The situations that call for immediate action include a tree falling through the roof, severe wind that removed large sections of shingles, tornado damage, hail that compromised the structural integrity of the decking, and any situation where there is an active interior leak with more rain in the forecast.
The rule is simple: if the interior is exposed to sky or water is actively entering the structure, you need a tarp fast. Every hour of rain entering an open roof can cause $5,000 to $20,000 in additional water damage to insulation, drywall, electrical systems, and structural components. What starts as a roofing claim can quickly become a mold remediation project if water intrusion is not stopped within 24–48 hours.
If you have experienced storm damage in the Arkansas River Valley, do not wait for your adjuster to schedule an inspection before protecting the structure. Mitigation is your responsibility as a homeowner — and your insurance policy expects it.
DIY Tarping: If You Can Do It Safely
In some situations, a homeowner can tarp their own roof safely — but only under specific conditions. Only attempt DIY tarping if the roof is dry and accessible, it is not raining or icy, the damaged area is not so large that walking near it creates structural risk, and you have a second person to assist from the ground.
Materials needed: a 6-mil polyethylene tarp that extends at least 4 feet beyond the damage on all sides, 2x4 lumber to anchor and weight the edges, roofing nails or heavy-duty staples, and sandbags or additional lumber for wind resistance. The method: drape the tarp over the damaged area, lap it over the ridge if possible, and secure the edges with 2x4s nailed into the decking — not just draped loosely. A tarp that blows off in a subsequent storm provides no protection and can itself cause additional damage.
Do NOT attempt to tarp a roof during or immediately after rain, during any icing conditions, or if the damaged section has compromised the roof's structural integrity. The risk of a fatal fall is real. If there is any doubt about safety, call SMI at (501) 464-5139 rather than putting yourself in danger for a tarp.
Professional Tarping: What You Get That DIY Cannot Match
Professional emergency tarping by a licensed contractor provides more than just a tarp on the roof. A qualified roofing crew uses heavier-duty materials (typically reinforced polyethylene or poly-woven tarps rated for extended outdoor use), secures the installation without causing additional shingle or decking damage, and gets the job done faster and more safely than a homeowner working alone.
More importantly for your insurance claim: professional tarping creates a documented paper trail. SMI provides a written damage assessment at the time of tarping, which establishes the pre-repair condition of the roof for the adjuster. We photograph the damage before covering it — capturing the evidence your claim depends on. That documentation often makes the difference between a smooth claim and a disputed one.
SMI's emergency team can typically respond within 2–4 hours of a major storm event affecting the River Valley. Most insurance policies cover emergency tarping costs as part of the overall storm damage claim, so the out-of-pocket cost to you is typically zero beyond your deductible.
Documenting Damage Before and During Tarping
Before any tarping takes place — whether you do it yourself or have SMI do it — photograph everything you can safely access. Take photos from the ground looking up, from any upper windows or balconies with a view of the damaged area, and from inside the attic if you can access it safely. Note the date and time. If possible, screenshot a weather report or news alert confirming the storm event in your area — this establishes the cause of loss.
Keep all damaged material. Do not throw away fallen shingles, debris, or torn underlayment until your insurance adjuster has inspected the property. These physical samples are evidence. A shingle with hail impact craters or torn wind-lift tabs is proof of covered damage.
After tarping, the tarp itself serves as documentation that emergency mitigation was required and performed. SMI provides a written scope of the emergency tarping work including materials used, area covered, and date of service. This documentation is submitted alongside your insurance claim to ensure tarping costs are included in the settlement. When you are ready for permanent repairs, we are ready to schedule the full inspection and replacement.