Roof Tarping & Board-Up

Roof Tarping FAQ

My insurance company said you can't nail down a tarp on the roof. Is that true?

While it is very true that you can't just drape a tarp over a gap in the roof, tack down some nails and call it good enough, some form of fastener is required to secure the tarp while causing the least damage to the "healthy" areas of the roof. The owner of Bros. Roofing & Repairs LLC is a preferred contractor with most insurance companies in South Carolina, though, and our method for securing the tarp is always accepted and appreciated by insurance companies. We wrap the edges of the tarp around boards to pull it taught and then carefully screw the board itself into the roof deck or the underside of the eaves.

Can you tarp my roof even if it's still raining?

Generally, we'll wait for a break in the rain before climbing onto a roof when the rain is still sheeting due to the safety risk. One of the best benefits to choosing Bros. Roofing & Repairs LLC is that we live right here in Columbia, so we'll be watching the weather along with you. Just give us a call, and together we'll determine the best time to tarp your roof.

Do I have to hire you to fix my roof if you tarp it?

Absolutely not, but you should. Temporary roof tarping is generally covered by your homeowner's insurance policy, but choosing multiple contractors for the same claim may delay the process. Insurance companies refer their clients to us all the time, though, because they trust us to get the job done right at a reasonable price. We can be on our way to tarp your roof, and we'll come back and meet with your insurance adjuster to discuss our recommendations for the repairs. One-stop-shopping!

A tree fell on my roof. Can you remove it, too?

Yes! We can arrange for tree removal prior to roof tarping. We'll coordinate the entire project for you.

There's moisture in my attic from the roof damage. Will it dry out on its own?

Probably not. Most attics lack the ventilation or air movement to draw moisture out. If your roof is leaking, there is probably some water damage as well. Not to worry; our team includes IICRC-certified water damage restoration technicians who will use moisture meters to determine the scope of the roof leak and place air movers and dehumidifiers. Because we're licensed general contractors, too, we can handle any of the repairs inside the house as well as the ones on your roof!

What's the difference between tarping and boardup?

They often go hand-in-hand, depending on the extent of the damage. If your roof deck was compromised by the impact of a heavy branch or tree, we'll install a plywood board over the gap before securing a tarp across the roof. Boardup is required whenever there is damage that reduces the structural integrity of your house until permanent repairs can be made. Roof tarping, on its own, is only meant to keep out rain or other weather from causing more damage. We'll know the best course of action when we get to your place for the free inspection.