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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If a storm damages your roof, first follow local authorities’ safety and re-entry instructions. Once it is safe, document visible damage, contact your insurer promptly, take reasonable steps to prevent more damage without climbing onto an unsafe roof, and arrange a professional inspection.
1. Make sure the property is safe
Follow evacuation orders and re-entry guidance from local officials. Do not approach downed power lines or enter a home with obvious structural damage. From a safe location, look for warning signs such as loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams, or other signs the structure may be unsafe. The CDC’s disaster response guidance and the American Red Cross hurricane guidance advise caution when checking a damaged home.
- If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately and call emergency services from a safe distance.
- Do not climb onto the roof to inspect it, especially if it is wet, damaged, or unstable. A safe ground-level view is enough to note visible concerns; leave closer assessment to qualified professionals.
- If you are unsure whether the building is safe to enter, wait for local officials, a building inspector, or a qualified contractor.
2. Document the damage and notify your insurer
When it is safe—and without delaying urgent safety measures—photograph or record video of visible roof damage and related damage inside the home. Capture the affected rooms and belongings as well as the exterior, using a safe vantage point rather than going onto the roof.
Contact your insurance agent, broker, or company promptly to report when and where the damage occurred. Ask what documentation they need and how to submit it. Policies and claim procedures differ, so check your own policy rather than assuming a particular deadline, coverage decision, deductible, or payment.
#1 Best Overall
- SAFETYSEAL MICRO-GRIP ADHESIVE: Pressure-activated polymers conform to rough and textured substrates to form a continuous, high-tack perimeter seal that bonds in minutes without tools or fasteners.
- 100% WATERPROOF PROTECTION: All-weather resistant construction, providing complete protection for pitched, flat, or temporary roofs in any climate condition.
- FIRE RETARDANT CONSTRUCTION: Meets NFPA 701 flame-retardant standards for enhanced safety during installation and use on residential and commercial roofing applications.
- HIGH UV RESISTANCE: 80% UV resistance rated to ASTM D7238 standards ensures long-lasting outdoor installation and durability, manufactured with thick 8 mil 1000 denier PE woven fabric.
- MULTI-SURFACE COMPATIBLE: Adheres securely to metal, shingles, tile, slate, clay, concrete, and wood surfaces with reinforced rip and tear-resistant edges for maximum durability.
- Make an itemized list of damaged belongings and building areas.
- Keep copies of documents and messages you share with the adjuster, along with receipts for emergency repairs and supplies.
- When possible, retain damaged items or parts until the adjuster has visited. Before discarding anything you intend to include in a claim, ask the adjuster what to preserve.
The Red Cross hurricane guidance recommends documenting damage and retaining damaged items when possible. For claim-specific requirements, follow your insurer’s instructions and policy.
3. Keep rain out without taking a roof-access risk
Temporary protection may help limit additional damage. The Red Cross includes covering openings among possible temporary repairs, but that does not mean you should climb onto a damaged roof. A tarp is an option only if it can be put in place safely; if access is wet, unstable, high, or otherwise hazardous, call a qualified roofing contractor or emergency mitigation provider.
Rank #2
- SAFETYSEAL MICRO-GRIP ADHESIVE: Pressure-activated polymers conform to rough and textured substrates to form a continuous, high-tack perimeter seal that bonds in minutes without tools or fasteners.
- 100% WATERPROOF PROTECTION: All-weather resistant construction, providing complete protection for pitched, flat, or temporary roofs in any climate condition.
- FIRE RETARDANT CONSTRUCTION: Meets NFPA 701 flame-retardant standards for enhanced safety during installation and use on residential and commercial roofing applications.
- HIGH UV RESISTANCE: 80% UV resistance rated to ASTM D7238 standards ensures long-lasting outdoor installation and durability, manufactured with thick 8 mil 1000 denier PE woven fabric.
- MULTI-SURFACE COMPATIBLE: Adheres securely to metal, shingles, tile, slate, clay, concrete, and wood surfaces with reinforced rip and tear-resistant edges for maximum durability.
Document the temporary work and keep receipts for labor, materials, and emergency supplies. Ask your insurer how it wants mitigation work recorded, and avoid treating a temporary cover as a permanent repair.
4. Arrange a professional inspection and compare repair estimates
If the storm may have affected the structure, a building inspector or contractor may need to assess safety before you enter or begin repairs. A roofing professional can inspect suspected roof damage. Louisiana’s insurance department describes signs worth having checked, including missing or damaged shingles, hail damage or holes, tree limbs, broken gutters, damaged skylights or vents, and water in the attic or home. See the Louisiana Department of Insurance roofing and insurance guidance.
Rank #3
- EXCELLENT WATERPROOFING: The Self-Adhesive Roof Tarp is suitable for roofs repair, stops leaks fast and keeps them sealed for the long run
- ALL WEATHER PROTECTION: Rain or shine, snow or wind this roof waterproof cloth can handle it all. It offers resistance to tears, alkali, chemicals, UV radiation, and aging, maintaining its sealing and bonding properties
- LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The Self-Adhering Tarp is a 10’x10’ tarp made of durable polyethylene membrane with 50ft adhesive butyl tape and a wheel roller. Lasting weatherproof protection. It is also easy to keep clean
- EASY INSTALLATION: Just peel off the release film and apply the butyl sealant tape around the tarp's perimeter. Then cover the area requiring roof repair and use the wheel roller and press down around makes it impermeable to water
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: Our roof tarp cover suits for covering various objects such as roofs, boats, pools, and outdoor furniture. Additionally, it can be utilized to facilitate camping adventures, provide floor protection during painting projects, use as a chicken coop cover or garden tarp, and so much more
For proposed repairs, compare more than the bottom-line price. Texas Department of Insurance guidance recommends obtaining multiple contractor bids and comparing them with the adjuster’s report. Review:
- Whether each estimate describes the same damage and scope of work.
- The contractor’s applicable local credentials and insurance.
- Proposed start and completion timing.
- Written contract terms, including what is and is not included.
- How the estimate aligns with the adjuster’s report, and what differences need explanation.
Verify licensing, insurance requirements, contract rules, and consumer protections with your state or local authorities. Rules are location-specific. For example, Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving an insurance deductible, according to the Texas Department of Insurance contractor guidance; do not assume that exact rule applies everywhere.
Rank #4
- PACKAGE INCLUDES (1) 10' W x 10' L Roof Tarp
- TARP THICKNESS is 7 mil with application temperature of -5°F (-20°C) to 120°F (48°C)
- ADHERES TO ANY FIXED ROOF SURFACE; can be used on wet damp surfaces; Colder weather will require the need for more force for adhesive to seal
- PROPRIETARY PEEL-AND-STICK ADHESIVE STRIP around the perimeter makes it impermeable to water
- ELIMINATES DAMAGE FROM NAILS, SCREWS AND SANDBAGS that can occur with traditional tarps
5. Treat coverage and deadlines as policy-specific
Prompt notice, clear records, and reasonable efforts to prevent further damage are useful steps, but they do not guarantee that a claim will be covered or that an insurer will pay for a particular repair. Coverage, claim deadlines, deductibles, additional living expenses, and when to sign a repair contract depend on the policy and applicable state rules. Review your policy, ask your insurer about the next steps, and consult your state insurance department if you need local consumer guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Permanent seal: This Gorilla tape creates a permanent bond that instantly seals out air, water, and moisture
- All-purpose: Patch & Seal waterproof tape works wherever the work is; Indoor and out, rain or shine, or even under water
- All surface: Our specially formulated adhesive tape conforms to the surface to repair holes, cracks, gaps, and tears
- Weather resistant: The backing of this heavy duty tape is designed to withstand moisture and UV rays
- Fixes leaks: A waterproof tape for leaks in roofs, rubber, plastic or vinyl pool liners, and so much more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
