When a tree limb crashes through your roof during a storm, or you discover water pouring through the ceiling during a heavy rainfall, the immediate priority is stopping the water — and that means emergency tarping or temporary repair. Understanding what to do (and what NOT to do) in a roof emergency protects your home from further damage and positions you for the most efficient permanent repair.
When You Need Emergency Roof Service
- Active water entry: Water visibly entering the home through the ceiling, walls, or around windows during rain
- Storm damage: Missing shingles, exposed decking, or structural damage from wind, hail, or fallen trees
- Ice dam flooding: Water backing up under the roof edge during winter freeze-thaw events
- Animal penetration: Large openings created by raccoons or other animals that expose the attic to weather
Emergency Tarping: How It Works
A professional emergency tarp installation involves securing a heavy-duty UV-resistant polyethylene tarp over the damaged area, extending at least 4 feet beyond the damage in all directions, and anchoring it with 2×4 lumber screwed through the tarp into the roof deck. The tarp must extend over the ridge (peak) of the roof to prevent wind from lifting it. Properly installed emergency tarps can protect a damaged roof for weeks or even months while permanent repairs are planned and executed. Cost: $300-$1,000 depending on damage area and roof accessibility.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t go on the roof during a storm — wait until conditions are safe
- Don’t use household tarps or plastic sheeting — they tear in wind and degrade in UV within days
- Don’t attempt to nail tarps without lumber battens — nails alone pull through tarp material
- Don’t ignore the interior — move belongings, place buckets, and document damage for insurance
Emergency vs Permanent Repair Costs
| Service | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency tarp (after-hours) | $500 – $1,500 | Same day / next morning |
| Emergency tarp (business hours) | $300 – $1,000 | Same day |
| Temporary patch repair | $200 – $800 | Same day |
| Permanent shingle repair | $300 – $1,500 | 1-5 business days |
| Structural damage repair | $2,000 – $15,000+ | 1-4 weeks |
How much does emergency roof tarping cost in Toronto?
How long can a roof tarp last?
Emergency Roof Service — Call The Roof Technician Now
Call (416) 985-4328 for same-day emergency roof service across Toronto and the GTA.