If a storm just tore into your roof, the single most important thing you can do in the first 48 hours is get the opening covered to stop water from getting inside, and do it safely. An emergency roof tarp is a temporary fix that buys you time, protects your home from further damage, and strengthens your insurance claim. It is not a repair, but done right it can save you thousands in interior damage while you wait for a proper fix.
We have responded to storm calls across Irwin, the Norwin area, and greater Pittsburgh since 1995, and the pattern is always the same. The homeowners who act calmly and quickly in those first two days come out far better than the ones who wait. Here is exactly what to do.
First, Stay Safe
Before anything else, take a breath and put safety first. A roof after a storm is one of the most dangerous places on your property.
- Do not climb onto a wet, damaged, or steep roof. Falls are the real emergency here, not the shingles.
- Stay away from any downed power lines and assume every line is live.
- If you see sagging ceilings inside, standing water near outlets, or you smell gas, get everyone out and call the utility or 911.
- Watch for broken glass, nails, and debris in the yard.
Most homeowners should never get on the roof at all after a storm. The photos and the tarping can wait until it is safe, or better yet, they can be handled by professionals who do this every week.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
While the roof is compromised, water is your enemy. Move quickly indoors to limit the damage.
Move furniture, electronics, and anything valuable away from active leaks. Put buckets or bins under drips and lay down old towels. If water is pooling on a ceiling and starting to bulge, a small poke with a screwdriver from a safe position can let it drain in a controlled spot rather than collapsing the whole ceiling later. Turn off electricity to any room where water is near fixtures or outlets.
These small steps in the first hour prevent a leak from turning into ruined drywall, floors, and belongings.
Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim
This is the step people skip, and they regret it. Good documentation is what gets a storm claim approved, so treat your phone camera as an important tool right now.
Take wide photos and video of the whole roof from the ground, then close ups of the damaged areas if you can see them safely. Photograph every interior sign of water, including ceiling stains, wet insulation, and damaged belongings. Write down the date and time of the storm and keep any receipts for tarps, buckets, or emergency supplies you buy, because those costs are often reimbursable.
Do all of this before the tarp goes up, so the damage is on record. Then photograph the tarp too, so your insurer sees you took reasonable steps to prevent further loss. That single habit protects your claim. Our full storm damage checklist walks through the documentation process step by step so nothing gets missed.
When and How the Tarp Goes On
A proper emergency roof tarp is more than a sheet thrown over a hole. It needs to shed water and stay put through the next round of Pennsylvania weather. The tarp should be large enough to cover the damaged area with plenty of overlap, and it should extend up and over the ridge so water cannot run underneath it.
The right method anchors the tarp with boards rolled into the edges and secures them so the wind cannot lift it. A tarp that is simply weighted down with a few bricks often blows off in the next storm, leaving you worse off than before. Because this work happens on a roof that is already damaged, it is genuinely dangerous, and this is the point where most homeowners should call a professional rather than risk a fall.
If you are outside a normal service window or the damage is severe, cover what you can from inside the attic in the meantime, catching water and protecting the structure until help arrives.
When to Call a Professional
Call for professional help right away if any of these are true. The damage is large or you cannot see the full extent of it. There is any water near electrical systems. The roof is steep, wet, or you would have to climb to reach the damage. Or you simply are not comfortable and confident doing it safely, which is a perfectly good reason on its own.
Here in Westmoreland County, our summer storms can bring heavy wind, hail, and downpours that peel back shingles and drive water under the decking. When that happens, a fast response matters. You can learn about our emergency response and full restoration process on our storm damage services page.
For general preparedness and safety guidance around severe weather, the National Weather Service offers reliable, current information at weather.gov. It is a good bookmark for any homeowner in our area.
What We Do When You Call
When you call Bella Construction & Development Inc. after storm damage, we start by getting your home protected. Our crew installs a professional grade emergency tarp to stop the water, then we perform a full inspection to document the true extent of the damage. We photograph everything, prepare a detailed report, and can meet with your insurance adjuster so nothing gets overlooked or underpaid.
From there we handle the permanent repair or replacement, restoring your roof to full strength with quality materials and the workmanship we have stood behind since 1995. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor and James Hardie Master installer with a BBB A+ rating, we treat every storm job like it is our own home, because our name is on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an emergency roof tarp stay on?
A quality tarp installed properly can protect your home for up to about 90 days, though sooner is always better. It is a temporary measure meant to stop water while you arrange a permanent repair. Sun and wind wear tarps down over time, so do not treat one as a long term solution.
Will my insurance pay for emergency tarping?
In most cases yes. Homeowners policies generally cover reasonable steps you take to prevent further damage after a covered event, and that usually includes emergency tarping. Keep all receipts and photograph the damage before and after the tarp goes up to support your claim.
Should I get on my own roof to install a tarp?
We strongly advise against it for most homeowners. A wet, damaged roof is extremely slippery, and falls cause far more serious harm than the storm damage itself. Protect the inside of your home, document everything from the ground, and call a professional to handle the roof.
How fast can you respond to storm damage in the Irwin area?
We prioritize emergency storm calls across Irwin, the Norwin area, and greater Pittsburgh and aim to get your home protected as quickly as possible. Call us at 724.515.5163 and we will tell you exactly what to do next while we head your way.
We Are Here When the Storm Hits
Storm damage is stressful, but you do not have to handle it alone. Call Bella Construction & Development Inc. at 724.515.5163 for emergency tarping, a free inspection, and honest help with your insurance claim. We are local, we answer the phone, and we have been protecting homes from our base at 10561 Center Hwy, Irwin, PA 15642 since 1995.