How much does it cost to tarp a roof?
How much does it cost to tarp a roof?
$0.70 – $2.00 roof tarp cost per square foot
$175 – $700 average total cost to tarp a roof
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.
| 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.
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.
| 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.
| 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.
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.
| 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.
All tarp thicknesses are in “mils,” which is equivalent to 1/1000 of an inch.
Additional costs to repair a leaky roof
A leaking roof may require other repairs beyond tarp installation, including:
A roof inspection costs $100 to $400.
Roof leak repair costs $150 to $1,000 for minor leaks or $1,000 to $6,000 for leaks involving water damage or structural damage.
Skylight flashing repair costs $150 to $500.
Chimney flashing repair costs $200 to $500.
Waterproofing the chimney costs $150 to $400.
Vent boot repair costs $75 to $150.
Full roof flashing replacement costs $400 to $1,000.
Roof coating or sealing costs $500 to $2,000.
Gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250.
Gutter repair costs $100 to $450.
Gutter replacement costs $750 to $2,250.
Ceiling leak repair costs $400 to $1,500.
Roof shingle repair costs $200 to $600.
Tile roof repair costs $200 to $400.
Full roof replacement costs $4,700 to $10,500.
Roof tarp FAQs
What does a roof tarp installation include?
A roof tarp installation typically includes:
Roof damage evaluation
Debris removal
Repair estimate
Photographs for insurance purposes
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.
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?