Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do When Your Roof Fails

A roof emergency does not wait for business hours. Whether it is 2 AM during a thunderstorm with water pouring through your ceiling, the aftermath of a hurricane with large sections of roofing material missing, or a tree that just crashed through your roof, you need to know exactly what to do, right now, to protect your home, your family, and your insurance claim.

This guide covers every step of an emergency roof situation in Pinellas County, from the first five minutes to the final permanent repair.

What Counts as a Roof Emergency?

Not every roof problem is an emergency. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately and communicate effectively with contractors and insurance companies.

True Emergencies (Act Immediately)

• Active water intrusion during rain: Water pouring, streaming, or steadily dripping into your living space, especially near electrical fixtures, panels, or wiring
• Large sections of roofing material missing: Multiple square feet of exposed decking or structure, leaving the home open to weather and wildlife
• Tree or branch impact: A tree or large limb has penetrated the roof, creating an opening and potentially compromising the structure
• Structural damage visible: Sagging roof sections, cracked trusses visible from inside, or any indication the roof structure may be failing
• Fire damage to the roof: Even if the fire is out, the structural integrity may be compromised and the opening must be secured

Urgent But Not Emergency (Schedule Within 24-48 Hours)

• Small drip that only appears during heavy rain and can be contained with a bucket
• A few missing shingles after a storm (no exposed decking)
• Minor flashing damage at a wall junction
• Cracked or displaced roof tile (no visible decking exposure)
• Gutter damage or detachment from the fascia

Non-Emergency (Schedule a Standard Inspection)

• Granule loss on aging shingles
• Minor ceiling stain that appeared after a storm but is no longer growing
• Suspected damage from a recent storm with no visible interior signs
• Age-related wear you noticed during a routine check

Immediate Steps: The First 30 Minutes

When a roof emergency happens, follow these steps in order. Speed matters, but safety comes first.

Step 1: Ensure Personal Safety

• Do NOT go on the roof. This is the most important rule. A damaged, wet roof is extremely dangerous, especially during a storm or at night. People die every year falling from storm-damaged roofs.
• If you see structural sagging, hear cracking sounds, or see the ceiling bowing, evacuate the room immediately. The ceiling or roof section could collapse.
• If water is near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or your breaker panel, turn off power to the affected area at the breaker box. Water and electricity are a lethal combination.
• If a tree has penetrated the roof and you are unsure about structural stability, leave the home and call 911 if needed.

Step 2: Protect Your Interior

• Place buckets, trash cans, or any large containers under active drips
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area
• Lay down towels, plastic sheeting, or tarps on the floor to protect flooring
• If water is pooling on a ceiling (creating a visible bulge), carefully puncture it with a screwdriver at a low point and let it drain into a container. This prevents the weight of pooled water from bringing down the entire ceiling.
• Close doors to the affected room to limit the spread of moisture to other areas

Step 3: Document Everything

This step is critical for your insurance claim. Before you start cleaning up or making temporary repairs, document the damage:

• Take photos and video of all water intrusion points, from multiple angles
• Photograph any damage to belongings, flooring, walls, and ceilings
• If safe, photograph the exterior roof damage from ground level
• Note the date, time, weather conditions, and what happened
• Keep all damaged materials (do not throw away wet carpet, damaged drywall, etc.) until your insurance adjuster has seen them
• Save every receipt for emergency supplies (tarps, buckets, fans, etc.)

Step 4: Temporary Interior Mitigation

If you can safely access the attic, you can redirect water flow to minimize interior damage:

• Place a tarp or heavy plastic sheet under the leak area in the attic, angled to direct water into a container
• If you can see daylight through the roof from the attic, mark the location with spray paint or tape so it is easy to find from outside when tarping
• Do not attempt to patch the roof from the attic side. This is a temporary water redirect, not a repair.

Emergency Roof Tarping

Tarping is the standard emergency response for roof damage. It creates a temporary waterproof barrier over the damaged area to prevent further water intrusion until permanent repairs can be made.

Professional Emergency Tarping

For most homeowners, professional tarping is the safest and most effective option. Here is what the process looks like:

• A roofing crew arrives with commercial-grade tarps, 2x4 lumber, and fasteners
• The tarp is positioned over the damaged area, extending at least 4 feet beyond the damage in every direction
• 2x4 boards are used to secure the tarp edges, nailed or screwed through the tarp and board into the roof deck (not just the shingles)
• The tarp is pulled taut to prevent wind from catching and lifting it
• The top edge of the tarp extends over the ridge if possible, or is sealed with additional lumber to prevent water from flowing under it

Emergency Tarping Costs

Emergency tarping costs are typically reimbursable by your homeowners insurance as a "reasonable mitigation expense." Save the receipt and include it in your claim.

DIY Emergency Tarping (Only When Safe)

If you cannot reach a professional immediately and conditions allow safe roof access (no rain, no wind, daylight hours, dry surface), a temporary DIY tarp can limit damage. However, this is NOT recommended during active storms, on steep roofs, or at night.

• Use a heavy-duty blue poly tarp from a hardware store (minimum 10 mil thickness)
• The tarp should extend at least 4 feet beyond the damaged area in every direction
• Secure with 2x4 lumber and screws (not just sandbags, which blow off in wind)
• Extend the top edge over the ridge or secure it with sealed lumber
• Material cost: $50-200 depending on tarp size and lumber needs

Even with a DIY tarp in place, schedule a professional assessment as soon as possible. DIY tarps are temporary and often fail in subsequent storms.

Filing Your Insurance Claim: Timing Matters

In Florida, how quickly you file your insurance claim can affect whether it is accepted and how much you receive. Here is the timeline you should follow.

Within 24 Hours

• Call your insurance company to report the damage and open a claim
• Provide initial documentation (photos, description of what happened)
• Ask about emergency mitigation reimbursement (tarping, water cleanup)
• Request the claim number and adjuster assignment

Within 48 Hours

• Schedule a professional roofing inspection if you have not already
• Begin more detailed documentation of all damage
• Compile receipts for any emergency expenses
• Review your policy for deductible amounts and coverage details

Within 1 Week

• Meet with the insurance adjuster on-site (your roofing contractor should be present)
• Provide the contractor's scope of work and estimate to the adjuster
• Begin getting repair or replacement estimates if you have not already

Florida law allows insurers to deny claims filed "unreasonably late." While there is no specific day count in the statute, 24-48 hours is the standard expectation. Waiting weeks or months to file gives your insurer grounds to question the claim. For full details on the claims process, see our roof insurance claim guide.

Important: Florida Hurricane Deductible

If the damage is from a named hurricane, your hurricane deductible applies instead of your standard deductible. Florida hurricane deductibles are typically 2-5% of your insured dwelling value. On a $400,000 home, that means $8,000-20,000 out of pocket before insurance pays. This catches many homeowners off guard. Know your hurricane deductible before storm season.

Temporary Repair vs Permanent Repair

Understanding the difference helps you manage expectations and plan your timeline.

The critical point: a tarp is not a repair. It is a stopgap. Tarps degrade in UV exposure, can blow off in subsequent storms, and typically last 30-90 days before needing replacement. Do not let a tarp sit on your roof for months. Schedule permanent repair as quickly as your insurance claim and contractor availability allow.

Emergency Repair vs Full Replacement: Making the Decision

After the immediate emergency is handled, you face a decision: repair the damaged area or replace the entire roof. Several factors influence this decision.

Repair Is Likely Sufficient When:

• Damage is isolated to one section (less than 25% of the roof surface)
• The rest of the roof is in good condition with remaining useful life
• Structural damage (trusses, decking) is limited or nonexistent
• Matching materials are available for a seamless repair
• The roof was installed within the last 10 years

Full Replacement Is Likely Needed When:

• Damage exceeds 25% of the roof surface (Florida's 25% rule triggers full code compliance)
• The roof was already near end of life before the damage occurred
• Significant structural damage to decking or trusses
• Multiple areas of damage across the roof
• Matching materials are discontinued or unavailable
• The insurance payout covers full replacement

The 25% rule is especially important in Florida. If storm damage affects more than 25% of your roof, the entire roof must be brought to current Florida Building Code standards. This often makes full replacement more practical and cost-effective than trying to repair only the damaged section. See our roof repair cost guide for detailed pricing on both options.

Avoiding Storm Chasers After an Emergency

After every major storm in Pinellas County, out-of-state contractors flood the area looking for emergency work. While some are legitimate, many are scam operators who take advantage of desperate homeowners. Protect yourself with these guidelines.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Door-to-door solicitation within hours of a storm. Legitimate local roofers are already busy with their existing customers. They do not need to canvass neighborhoods.
• "We will handle your entire insurance claim." Florida's 2022 insurance reform restricts Assignment of Benefits (AOB) on new policies. Any contractor pushing to take over your claim is either uninformed or predatory.
• Asking for a large upfront deposit. Florida Statute 489.126 limits deposits to 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. A contractor demanding $5,000 upfront is violating state law.
• No local address. Ask where their office is. Verify it. A PO Box or out-of-state address means they will not be around when warranty issues arise.
• Pressure to sign today. "The price goes up tomorrow" or "We only have two spots left" are manipulation tactics. No legitimate contractor pressures you during an emergency.
• Offering to waive your deductible. This is insurance fraud. Any contractor who offers this is breaking the law and putting you at legal risk.

How to Find a Legitimate Emergency Roofer

• Verify the Florida contractor license at MyFloridaLicense.com
• Confirm a physical business address in Pinellas County or the Tampa Bay area
• Ask for proof of workers compensation and general liability insurance
• Check online reviews (Google, BBB) that predate the storm. Storm chasers do not have a local review history.
• Ask for local references from projects completed in the last 12 months
• Get a written contract with a clear scope of work before any permanent repairs begin
• Never sign a contract the same day someone knocks on your door. Take at least 24 hours to research the company.

For more on choosing the right contractor, see our guide on how to find a roofer in Florida.

FEMA Assistance for Roof Damage

After a federally declared disaster (which most major hurricanes hitting Pinellas County qualify for), FEMA offers several assistance programs:

FEMA Individual Assistance

• Grants for temporary housing and home repairs (not a loan, does not need to be repaid)
• Available to homeowners and renters
• Does not duplicate insurance coverage, only covers gaps
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Apply within 60 days of the disaster declaration (the sooner the better)

FEMA Blue Roof Program

• Free temporary roof covering installed by Army Corps of Engineers contractors
• Available after major hurricane declarations
• Covers your roof with a reinforced sheeting (not a standard tarp) that can last several months
• No cost to the homeowner
• Must register at a FEMA disaster recovery center or online
• Availability depends on the disaster declaration and is not guaranteed for every storm

SBA Disaster Loans

• Low-interest loans (typically 2-4%) for home repair and rebuilding
• Available when insurance does not cover the full repair cost
• Up to $500,000 for homeowner property damage
• Long repayment terms (up to 30 years)
• Apply through the SBA at sba.gov/disaster

Hurricane Season Preparedness: Preventing Roof Emergencies

Pinellas County's hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The best emergency roof repair is the one you never need. Here is how to prepare:

Before Hurricane Season (April-May)

• Get a professional roof inspection. Identify and fix vulnerable areas before a storm tests them.
• Trim trees near your roofline. Keep branches at least 6 feet from the roof surface. Remove dead trees entirely.
• Clear gutters and downspouts. Clogged drainage causes water backup under roofing materials during heavy rain.
• Check your attic. Look for existing leaks, daylight through the roof, or signs of previous water damage.
• Assemble an emergency kit: Heavy-duty tarps (10 mil+), 2x4 lumber, screws, a battery-powered drill, flashlights, and buckets

During Hurricane Watch/Warning

• Bring in or secure all outdoor items that could become projectiles (patio furniture, grills, planters)
• Document your roof's current condition with dated photos (for insurance comparison if damage occurs)
• Know your insurance policy details: deductibles, coverage limits, and your agent's emergency contact number
• Have your emergency roofing supplies accessible (not buried in the garage)

Long-Term Mitigation

• Install hurricane straps connecting trusses to walls ($1,500-3,500 for a whole-home retrofit)
• Upgrade to impact-rated roofing materials during your next replacement
• Install full-deck peel-and-stick underlayment for secondary water resistance
• Consider a wind mitigation inspection ($75-150) for insurance premium discounts

What to Do After the Emergency: Next Steps

Once the immediate crisis is handled (interior protected, tarp in place, claim filed), here is your roadmap:

1. Get a professional damage assessment. Have a licensed roofer inspect the entire roof, not just the obvious damage. Hidden damage is common after storms.
2. Get multiple estimates. Even in an emergency, get at least two permanent repair estimates before committing. Three is better.
3. Meet the insurance adjuster with your contractor. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure the scope of work is complete.
4. Review the insurance offer carefully. If it seems too low, you have the right to dispute it. A public adjuster can help if needed.
5. Schedule permanent repair. Once the claim is approved and you have selected a contractor, get the work scheduled. Remember: the tarp is temporary.
6. Keep records of everything. Photos, receipts, contracts, correspondence with insurance, inspection reports. Store copies digitally (cloud backup) in case of further damage to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my roof is leaking right now?

Place containers under drips, move valuables away from the affected area, and protect your flooring with towels or plastic sheeting. Do NOT go on the roof during rain or high winds. If safe, place a tarp under the leak in the attic to redirect water. Document everything with photos and video. Call a licensed roofer for emergency tarping as soon as conditions allow, and contact your insurance company within 24 hours.

How much does emergency roof tarping cost?

Emergency tarping in Pinellas County runs $200-600 for a standard residential area. Larger or multiple damage areas cost $600-1,500. After-hours and post-hurricane emergency calls may carry a 25-50% surcharge. These costs are typically reimbursable by your homeowners insurance as mitigation expenses.

Does homeowners insurance cover emergency roof repair?

Yes, for sudden accidental events like storms, wind, fallen trees, and hail. Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage (tarping), and those costs are reimbursable. File within 24-48 hours. Note that your deductible applies, and for hurricane damage, the separate hurricane deductible (2-5% of insured dwelling value) kicks in. See ourroof insurance claim guide for the full process.

When is a roof leak considered an emergency?

A roof leak is an emergency when water is actively entering your living space, large sections of roofing are missing, a tree has penetrated the roof, structural damage is visible, or electrical wiring is exposed to water. Minor drips during heavy rain that you can contain with a bucket are urgent but can typically wait for next-business-day service.

How do I find a legitimate emergency roofer and avoid storm chasers?

Verify the Florida contractor license at MyFloridaLicense.com. Confirm a physical local address. Ask for workers comp and liability insurance certificates. Check for reviews that predate the storm. Never pay more than $1,000 or 10% deposit (Florida law). Be wary of door-knockers after storms, and never sign a contract the same day someone solicits you. Read our guide onroofing scams in Florida for more protection tips.

Get Emergency Roof Help in Pinellas County

If you are dealing with a roof emergency right now, we are here to help. We provide emergency tarping and damage assessment across all of Pinellas County, work directly with your insurance company, and deliver permanent repairs with licensed crews and full code compliance. Whether it is a midnight leak or post-hurricane damage, contact us for immediate assistance and honest guidance on protecting your home's roof.