Emergency roof tarping in Decatur, TX is the fastest way to stop rain from getting into a storm-damaged home while you wait for a permanent repair. A tarp done right is anchored past the damaged area, wrapped over the ridge and fastened so Wise County wind cannot peel it loose overnight.
If you have an open spot in your roof right now, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045. We are based on County Road 2130 in Decatur and answer emergency calls 24/7. You can also reach us on our contact page once things are calmer.
Why Decatur roofs end up needing a tarp
Decatur and the surrounding countryside get the full force of North Texas weather. Open pasture land west and north of town gives storm winds a long run before they reach a house, and spring supercells regularly drop hail across Wise County. Typical reasons a roof here needs a tarp include:
- Shingles and underlayment ripped off by straight-line wind
- A large oak or pecan limb puncturing the decking
- Hail that fractures shingles badly enough to let water through
- Ridge caps or flashing lifted along an exposed edge
In each case, the roof has lost its waterproof layer and the next rain will go straight into the attic. Older homes near the courthouse square and newer subdivisions on the edge of town are both vulnerable, because the weak point is usually the damaged section itself rather than the age of the house. Getting that section covered quickly is what limits the cost of interior repairs later.
What a proper emergency tarp job includes
Anyone can throw a blue tarp on a roof and weigh it down with a few bricks. That approach usually fails in the first gust and can damage more shingles as the tarp flaps. A professional tarp is a small construction job of its own.
Sizing and placement
The tarp should be large enough to extend well beyond the damaged area on all sides. Whenever the layout allows, it runs up and over the ridge so water sheds down the far slope instead of running underneath the top edge.
Securing it against wind
Crews typically fasten the tarp edges with wooden battens rather than nailing straight through the plastic. The battens spread the load and keep the edges tight. Fasteners go into areas that will be replaced or repaired anyway, so the temporary fix does not create new leaks.
Signs a tarp was installed poorly
- Loose corners or edges that lift in a light breeze
- Water pooling in folds of the tarp
- Bricks, tires or loose boards holding it down
- The top edge stops below the ridge with no overlap
Checking the attic
Tarping is only half the job. A good crew also looks inside the attic to see how far water has traveled, whether insulation is soaked, and whether any decking is soft. That information shapes the permanent repair plan.
Emergency roof tarping in Decatur, TX and your insurance claim
Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered event. A tarp is one of the clearest examples of that. Keep a record of when the damage happened, photos before and after the tarp went on, and any paperwork from the contractor. Our article on whether emergency mitigation is covered walks through this in more detail.
When it is time to file, Cannon Roofing can help with the insurance claim process by documenting the damage and being on site when the adjuster inspects the roof. Coverage decisions belong to your insurer, so we will not promise an outcome, but we can make sure nothing gets missed.
How long a tarp can stay on
A tarp is meant to buy time, not to replace roofing. In Decatur, intense summer sun breaks down plastic sheeting, and repeated wind wears at the fastening points. Plan for the tarp to stay only as long as it takes to finish the inspection, settle any claim questions and schedule the permanent work.
While it is in place, walk around the house after every storm and look for loose edges. If something has shifted, call your contractor rather than climbing up to adjust it yourself.
From tarp to permanent fix
Once the weather settles, a free inspection and estimate tells you whether a focused roof repair will do or whether the damage calls for a bigger conversation about replacement. Every Cannon Roofing employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety — background checked, drug tested, factory trained and insured — and the company was founded right here in Decatur in 1994.
When the permanent repair is complete, the tarp comes off, the fastener holes are covered by new material and the roof is back to shedding water the way it should.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tarp my own roof after a storm?
We do not recommend it. Storm-damaged roofs can have weak decking, and wet shingles are slippery even in daylight. A poorly secured tarp can also blow off and do more damage. Inside, buckets and moving belongings are the safest things a homeowner can do.
Does a tarp prevent all further leaks?
A well-installed tarp stops most rain from getting in, but it is still temporary. Heavy wind-driven rain can sometimes find a way around the edges, which is why the permanent repair should follow as soon as practical.
Do you tarp roofs outside Decatur?
Yes. We provide emergency tarping across Wise County, including Bridgeport, Boyd, Rhome, Chico, Paradise, Alvord and Newark, and in nearby North Texas communities.
Storm opened up your roof? Pick up the phone and call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, day or night. A crew will get your home covered, check the attic, and set up a free inspection and estimate for the permanent repair. For anything less urgent, use our contact page.