How much does it cost to tarp a roof?
Columbus, OH

How much does it cost to tarp a roof?

Columbus, OH

How much does it cost to tarp a roof?

$0.70 – $2.00roof tarp cost per square foot
$175 – $700average total cost to tarp a roof

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$0.70 – $2.00 roof tarp cost per square foot

$175 – $700 average total cost to tarp a roof


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
Written by
Sarah Noel
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Roof tarp cost

The average cost to tarp a roof is $175 to $700. Installing a roof tarp costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot for materials and labor. Emergency roof tarping costs $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot for after-hours service. Roof tarp material prices alone are $0.10 to $0.40 per square foot.

Average cost to tarp roof - chart
Average cost to tarp roof - chart
Average cost to tarp a roof
National Average Cost $450
Minimum Cost $70
Maximum Cost $5,000
Average Range $175 to $700

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Get free estimates from roof repair companies near you.

Roof tarp cost per square foot

Installing a roof tarp costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot on average for most 1-story homes. This price includes the tarp, job supplies, and labor. Total costs depend on the size and roof accessibility.

Roof tarp cost per square foot
Square feet of coverage Total cost to tarp
100 $70 – $200
250 $175 – $500
500 $350 – $1,000
1,000 $700 – $2,000
1,500 $1,000 – $3,000
2,000 $1,400 – $4,000
2,500 $1,750 – $5,000

Standard vs. emergency roof tarp cost

Standard roof tarping costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. Emergency roof tarping costs $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot for after-hours service.

Standard vs. emergency roof tarping cost
Job type Cost per square foot installed
Standard installation $0.70 – $2.00
Emergency installation (after-hours) $1.00 – $2.80

*An extra $100 to $200 call-out fee may apply outside of regular business hours.

Emergency roof tarp installed
Emergency roof tarp installed

Roof tarping cost calculator

The following cost factors impact total roof tarp installation costs:

  • Anchoring materials – Roof tarp installation requires extra supplies like 2’x4’ plywood, screws, or sandbags to secure the tarp.

  • Labor – General roof work costs $30 to $80 per hour. Some contractors charge setup fees in addition to square footage pricing.

  • Short-term vs. long-term tarps – A heavy-duty 10-mils tarp is necessary to secure the tarp for up to 2 years, while thinner ones last up to 3 months.

  • Roof pitch & size – Prices increase for high-pitched roofs with larger surface areas that need bigger tarps.

  • Roofing type – Tarping over asphalt shingles costs less than tarping over thick materials like tiles that installers cannot nail through.

  • Roof design – Costs increase with the number of peaks, planes, and valleys.

  • One-story vs. two-story – Multi-story homes take more time and safety equipment for a crew to install a roof tarp.

  • Damage severity – Extra charges apply for extensive debris removal before tarp installation. Tree removal costs $320 to $800 on average.

  • Insurance coverage – The reimbursement from homeowners insurance varies according to the deductible amount and the policy coverage limit.

Roof tarp material prices

Roof tarp prices are $4 to $25 for sizes up to 10’x20’ and up to $250 for tarps that cover an entire roof. Material prices increase according to the square footage and thickness. Heavy-duty tarps cost up to 3 times as much as standard 5- to 6-mils tarps.

Roof tarp prices by size
Tarp size (feet) Tarp material cost
6’x8’ $4 – $14
8’x10’ $5 – $16
10’x12’ $9 – $17
10’x20’ $15 – $25
12’x16’ $17 – $30
16’x20’ $20 – $35
20’x25’ $35 – $45
30’x40’ $55 – $115
40’x60’ $100 – $250

*Prices for standard 5- to 6-mils thick tarps, excluding installation.

Get free estimates from roof repair companies near you.

Additional costs to repair a leaky roof

A leaking roof may require other repairs beyond tarp installation, including:

Roof tarp FAQs

What does a roof tarp installation include?

A roof tarp installation typically includes:

  1. Roof damage evaluation

  2. Debris removal

  3. Repair estimate

  4. Photographs for insurance purposes

  5. Tarp selection & installation

How long will a roof tarp last?

A temporary roof tarp lasts 60 to 90 days on average. Long-term roof tarping lasts 1 to 2 years. How long you can leave a tarp on depends on the tarp material, installation method, and weather conditions.

Where to buy roof tarps?

Buy roof tarps at local hardware stores, home improvement shops, and online retailers. Professional installers buy tarps at these locations or purchase them directly from suppliers at wholesale prices.

Can you put a tarp on a flat roof?

You can put a tarp on a flat roof, but it requires more work to stop water from pooling under the tarp. First, manually remove the water and apply a silicone sealant to seal smaller holes. Then wrap the tarp over the eaves and secure it to the fascia board.

Get free estimates from roof repair companies near you.

Does insurance pay for tarping roof leaks?

Standard homeowners insurance pays for tarping roof leaks as long as the policy covers the cause of the leak. Insurance companies want you to tarp your roof to prevent further water damage and reduce health risks from mold.

Getting tarping quotes from roof repair contractors

Before hiring a roof repair contractor near you to install a tarp, be sure to:

  • Compare three or more estimates.

  • Confirm the company’s licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.

  • Check online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Select a company with 5 years of experience or more.

  • Beware of companies who want to manage your insurance claim.

  • Ask for a clear written estimate that includes all costs.

  • Be cautious of the lowest quotes that may signal low-quality work standards.

  • Avoid large upfront payments.

Questions to ask

  • Do you have experience in roof repairs?

  • How long have you been in business?

  • What is the extra cost for debris removal?

  • Can I get an emergency roof tarp installation outside of regular business hours, and how much is it?

  • What are my roof tarp options, and can you install a tarp I bought?

  • Do you offer long-term roof tarping options?

  • Can I see a detailed estimate of what the payment includes?

  • What other incidental fees may apply?

  • How long should the tarp last?

  • What do you do if additional roof damage happens during tarp installation?

  • How often should I inspect my roof tarp?

  • What should I do if my roof tarp detaches?

  • When can roof repairs begin?