The first visit: stop the water
When wind tears off shingles or throws tiles into the yard, the roof deck is open and every rain shower after that does more damage than the storm did. The emergency visit is about getting it covered: a heavy tarp run past the damaged area, fastened through wood battens rather than nailed through the tarp itself, with the top edge tucked up-slope so water runs over it instead of under it.
On tile roofs this takes more care. Walking on concrete tile breaks it, so we plan a path, set the tarp so its weight doesn't crack more tile, and where we can, we dry-in with underlayment rather than relying on a tarp alone.
What to do before we get there
- Stay off the roof. Wet tile is slick and storm-loosened pieces shift underfoot.
- Catch water inside with buckets and towels, and move electronics and furniture out of the way.
- If a ceiling is sagging with water, keep people out of that room. Don't push it up.
- Take your own photos of the outside from the ground and of any interior damage, with the date visible on your phone.
Documentation for your insurance claim
We aren't public adjusters and we don't negotiate claims; Florida law keeps contractors out of that, and it should. What we do is give you clear evidence: dated photos of each damaged area, a written scope of what's broken and what it takes to fix it, and the repair price. That's the paperwork your adjuster asks for. We also won't offer to cover or waive your deductible, which is illegal for contractors in Florida and a red flag when someone at the door offers it.
The permanent repair
Once the opening is covered we come back with materials matched to your roof. On shingle that usually means replacing the damaged courses and any torn underlayment. On tile it means sourcing the closest profile and color still made, which can take a little time after a big storm when every roofer in Lee County is buying the same tile. On metal it's re-fastening or replacing lifted panels and trim.
Repair work after a hurricane needs a permit from the City of Cape Coral more often than people expect. Florida's 2026 small-project permit exemption doesn't reach most Cape Coral homes, because the city says more than 60% of Cape Coral sits in a flood hazard area. Where a permit is needed we pull it and book the inspection.
After a big storm, what timing looks like
After a named storm, calls come in faster than any crew can drive. Tarps go to the homes with open decks and water coming inside first, then the rest in the order they called. We'll be honest on the phone about when we can get there, rather than promising a time and missing it.
For a leak that isn't storm-related, see roof leak repair. Prices for tarping and the follow-up repairs are on the roof repair cost page.
Questions we get about emergency roof repair
How much does an emergency roof tarp cost?
Most run $250 to $900 for a single damaged area and $900 to $2,500 for a large opening or a tile roof, which takes more labor to cover safely. These are estimates; you get the price before we start.
Will my insurance pay for the tarp?
Many policies treat a tarp as a reasonable step to prevent further damage, but that depends on your policy and your insurer's decision, not ours. Keep the invoice and the photos we give you.
How long can a tarp stay on?
A well-fastened tarp is a stopgap for weeks, not months. Sun breaks it down and wind works the edges, so the permanent repair should follow as soon as materials and the permit allow.
Last updated October 9, 2026