When a storm tears off shingles or a branch punches through the roof, the goal for the next few hours is simple: stop more water from getting in until a permanent repair is possible. A properly installed emergency tarp does that. Here's what a good tarp job looks like, what you can safely do yourself, and how to avoid the problems that follow big storms in Marin County.
When you need an emergency tarp
- Missing or lifted shingles, tiles or panels after high wind
- A tree or large limb that has hit the roof, even if it has been removed
- An active leak you can't stop from inside, especially with more rain in the forecast
- Exposed underlayment or roof deck you can see from the ground
If a tree is resting on the house or on power lines, stay out of the affected rooms and call PG&E or 911 before anyone goes near it.
What to do right now (from the ground and inside)
- Stay off the roof. Wet, windy roofs are where storm injuries happen. A tarp is a job for a roofer with fall protection.
- Contain the water inside. Buckets, towels and plastic sheeting. Move electronics, rugs and furniture away from the leak.
- Shut off power to any room where water is near light fixtures or outlets.
- Photograph everything before and after the tarp goes on: the roof from the ground, the ceiling, the attic and damaged belongings.
- Call for a tarp. Calls to us are answered 24/7, and we pass urgent tarp requests to available local roofers right away.
What a proper tarp job looks like
- Heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarp sized to extend well past the damage, ideally over the ridge so water can't run under the top edge
- Fastened through wood battens (boards) screwed or nailed to the roof framing, not just weighted with bricks or sandbags that slide off in wind
- Edges sealed and wrapped so wind can't get under and peel it back
- Debris cleared first, so the tarp doesn't hold water against branches or broken material
- A photo record from the roofer showing the damage under the tarp, which helps with your insurance claim
A loose tarp held down with a few bricks often fails in the next gust and can do more damage than the storm did.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Storm damage patterns on Marin roofs
- Tall trees over roofs in Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Fairfax and Kentfield mean falling limbs are a leading cause of storm punctures.
- Exposed hillside and ridge homes in Tiburon, Belvedere, Sausalito and Novato take the brunt of southerly winds during atmospheric rivers, lifting shingles and ridge caps.
- Steep driveways and narrow roads in the hills can slow access, so describe the access when you call.
- Coastal West Marin homes get salt air and wind that wear tarps faster, so they need checking after every storm.
Insurance and documentation
Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered loss, and an emergency tarp is usually part of that. Keep the tarp invoice, the roofer's photos and your own photos together, and call your insurer as soon as you can. Ask your insurer what they need before the permanent repair starts.
Hiring after a storm
After big storms, unlicensed and out-of-area contractors show up quickly. Before anyone gets on your roof:
- Check the license on the CSLB license check. Roofing contractors hold a C-39 Roofing license.
- Don't overpay up front. CSLB says a down payment on a home improvement contract can't exceed 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.
- Be careful in declared disasters. CSLB warns that contracting without a license in a declared disaster area is a felony (CSLB).
Dealing with this right now?Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local provider.
How long a tarp lasts
A tarp is a temporary fix. Sun, wind and repeated storms wear it down, and water can still find its way under a tarp that has shifted. Book the permanent repair promptly, and have the roofer check the tarp after each big storm until then. If the damage is extensive, the repair may turn into a reroof that needs a permit: see roof replacement permits in Marin County.
If water already got inside
Wet drywall, insulation and flooring need to dry fast. The EPA says drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours usually prevents mold growth (EPA). Our sister sites can help with water damage and, if mold shows up later, mold inspection after water damage.
Related reading
- Emergency roof tarping service
- Roof leak detection
- El Niño roof prep for Marin
- Roof repair and replacement in Marin: the complete guide
Have a question about your situation?Call or text and a person or our answering assistant will take your details, 24/7.
Sources
- CSLB: license check
- CSLB: disaster information
- EPA: A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home
- Ready.gov: Power outages
Sources checked October 29, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can someone tarp my roof?
We answer calls 24/7 and pass urgent requests to available local roofers right away. Roofers won't work in high wind or lightning, so some jobs wait until conditions are safe.
Should I tarp the roof myself?
It's safer not to. Wet, windy roofs are dangerous. Contain water inside and let a roofer with fall protection install the tarp.
Does insurance pay for an emergency tarp?
Policies usually expect you to prevent further damage after a covered loss, and a tarp is commonly part of that. Check with your insurer and keep the invoice and photos.
How long can a tarp stay on?
It's meant to be temporary. Sun and wind wear it down, so schedule the permanent repair promptly and have the tarp checked after each storm.
What license should the roofer have?
A California C-39 Roofing license. You can check it on the CSLB website.