Emergency roof repair in Fayetteville when water is coming in now
When a limb comes through the roof or a storm strips a section of shingles, the first job is to keep the next rain out. We tarp it, batten it down so it stays put, and then plan the real repair.
The calls come at bad hours: a pine limb crashes through the roof during a summer storm, a ceiling starts dripping at midnight, or a hurricane's remains peel back a section of shingles. Calls to us are picked up at any hour. Tell whoever answers that water is coming in, and a roofer calls you back to plan the earliest safe window to get up there. Wind, lightning and darkness can make a roof too dangerous; if so, we tell you what to do inside until we can climb.
A proper emergency tarp is more than a sheet of plastic tied to a downspout. We stretch a heavy tarp well past the damaged area, run it over the ridge where we can so water can't get under the top edge, and screw wood battens along the edges into the roof so the wind can't pull it loose. If a limb has broken through, we cut it off and remove it first, then cover the hole. Inside, we tell you what to move and where to put buckets.
North Carolina's roofing contract law allows for this. Since October 1, 2024, most residential roof contracts must give you five business days to cancel after an insurance claim is denied, and the seller can't start work or take payment in that window, but emergency work to stop further damage is the exception. So getting the house covered doesn't have to wait for an adjuster's decision.
A tarp is meant to hold for days or a few weeks, not a season. Once the weather clears, we come back to inspect properly, photograph everything for your claim, and price the permanent repair or replacement. See storm damage repair and insurance claim help.
What the job covers
Calls taken at any hour
Your call is picked up at night and on weekends, and a roofer calls back to plan the earliest safe time to climb.
Tarp done right
Heavy tarp carried over the ridge where possible and screwed down with wood battens so wind can't get under it.
Limbs removed
Branches on or through the roof cut and lowered before the opening is covered.
Inside first aid
What to move, where to put buckets, and when a sagging wet ceiling needs a small drain hole.
Photos for the claim
The damage photographed before it is covered, so your adjuster can see what was there.
Permanent repair next
A return visit in dry weather to inspect, scope and price the real repair or replacement.
Emergency tarping prices around Fayetteville
| Work | Budget range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency or after-hours premium | adds $100 – $300+ | Angi national figure; told to you on the call |
| Tarp and batten | Quoted on the phone | Depends on size, pitch and stories |
| Permanent repair afterwards | $395 – $1,967 | Typical national repair range |
| Leak repair at the source | $360 – $1,550 | Once the roof is dry and safe |
| Decking around a limb strike | Priced per sheet | Photographed before replacement |
| Follow-up inspection | Free | Included with the tarp visit |
These ranges come from national cost guides and are here so you can plan. Your own number arrives in writing after a roofer has been on the roof and in the attic, with photos of what needs doing and why.
On the job
Emergency tarping: what people ask us
Will you come out during the storm?
Not onto the roof while there is lightning or strong wind. We'll plan the first safe window and tell you what to do inside until then.
How long will a tarp last?
A well-battened tarp holds through days to a few weeks of normal weather. It is a stopgap, not a repair, so we schedule the permanent fix as soon as we can.
Can I tarp it myself?
Only if you can do it safely from a ladder at the eave on a low-pitched roof in calm weather. Don't climb on a wet roof, and don't go up in wind. If in doubt, call.
Does insurance pay for emergency tarping?
Many policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and tarping usually counts. Keep the invoice and photos for your claim, and check with your agent.
Do I have to sign a full contract for a tarp?
No. Emergency work to stop more damage is its own job. The permanent repair is a separate written price you can take your time with.
A tree is on the house. Who do I call first?
If it is on power lines, call the utility and stay away. If people are hurt or the structure looks unsafe, call 911. Then call a tree service for the trunk and us for the roof.