How to Protect Your Roof After a Storm Before Repairs Begin

What Should You Do Immediately After Storm Damage to Your Roof?

As a commercial property owner, one of the most vulnerable moments you face is after a major storm when your roof has been compromised—and you're waiting on a repair crew to arrive. Whether you've suffered hail damage, high winds, or roof penetration from debris, the clock starts ticking on potential leaks, interior damage, and costly disruptions.

At WaterTight Roofing, we often respond to properties where damage worsened simply because no temporary protection was in place. So here's what you need to know about protecting your building while you wait for full repairs.

Why Is Temporary Storm Protection Critical?

When your commercial roof suffers damage from a storm, every minute counts. Taking swift action with temporary protection isn't just about weatherproofing—it's about protecting your entire operation from escalating loss. That's where commercial roofing repair services, like those offered by WaterTight Roofing, play a critical role.

Prevents Water Intrusion: Even a small tear in a TPO membrane or lifted flashing on a metal roof can allow gallons of water to seep inside. This leads to mold, insulation saturation, ceiling collapse, or electrical issues.

Preserves Building Integrity: Temporary protection like tarping or sealing prevents damage from spreading. Once the roofing system is breached, the surrounding area becomes more vulnerable to stress and further compromise.

Protects Equipment and Inventory: If your building houses retail inventory, electronics, or industrial machinery, even minimal exposure to rain or humidity can cause significant loss. Temporary roof coverage keeps those assets protected.

Supports Insurance Claims: Demonstrating that you took immediate steps to mitigate damage can support your insurance claim. It shows due diligence and can reduce the risk of denial for negligence.

What Are Some Effective Temporary Roofing Solutions?

When you call WaterTight Roofing, our emergency crew may use any combination of the following temporary solutions to stabilize your roof:

Tarping: Heavy-duty waterproof tarps are placed over torn or exposed areas of the roof. These are secured with sandbags, nails (in non-penetrative systems), or weighted lines to prevent flapping in the wind.

Plastic Sheeting or Underlayment: In certain cases, interior leaks can be stopped by applying plastic sheeting or roofing underlayment beneath ceiling cavities to redirect water away from electrical panels or sensitive areas.

Sealants: For small punctures or flashing separations, elastomeric sealants or roof cement can temporarily close gaps and stop water entry until full repairs are made.

Drainage Management: Clearing gutters, scuppers, and downspouts is essential if water is pooling. Sometimes, storm debris can clog these systems, accelerating roof damage. We prioritize restoring water flow.

Roof Deck Bracing: If the roof structure has partially collapsed or softened, temporary framing and support systems may be installed to hold it until full replacement or structural reinforcement is completed.

What Safety Precautions Should Property Owners Take?

Please don't attempt to tarp or walk on your roof after a storm without proper training and equipment. Damaged roofing is often unstable and slippery, and falls or electrical exposure injuries are common.

Instead:

• Document damage from the ground using a smartphone or camera
• Place buckets or tarps indoors to catch active leaks
• Shut off affected power zones if water is leaking near fixtures
• Avoid moving or touching structural elements unless directed by professionals

Contact an emergency commercial roofer like WaterTight Roofing immediately so we can assess the damage and dispatch a team safely.

How Long Can Temporary Roof Protection Last?

Temporary roof protection is designed as an emergency measure, meant to stabilize your commercial building in the immediate aftermath of a storm, not serve as a permanent solution. Typically, temporary protection can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the materials used. At WaterTight Roofing, we aim to provide quick relief from active leaks, prevent further structural degradation, and give you time to plan the next steps for full repair or replacement.

Depending on the type of damage, we may apply heavy-duty tarps, reinforced seam tape, or moisture barrier coatings to safeguard vulnerable areas. In cases where wind uplift or flashing separation has occurred, interim sealing or fastener adjustments may be necessary to hold components in place until full service.

However, it's important to remember that even the most durable temporary solutions degrade over time, especially under continued exposure to wind, rain, and UV rays. Relying on them long-term increases the risk of additional damage, especially in systems already stressed by severe weather.

Strong winds, in particular, can worsen minor breaches or dislodge loosely secured components. Understanding how strong winds compromise commercial roofs is key to understanding why emergency protection needs to be followed up with proper commercial roofing repair services. High winds can lift edges, tear seams, and shift materials, leaving insulation and decking exposed. If temporary protection is too long, these vulnerabilities can become harder to contain.

To protect your investment and ensure safety, schedule follow-up repairs promptly. At WaterTight Roofing, we don't just provide stop-gap solutions—we develop a comprehensive action plan that transitions you from temporary fixes to permanent protection.

Need Emergency Roof Protection? Call WaterTight Roofing Today

If your roof has been damaged and you're waiting for repairs, don't leave your property exposed to the elements. At WaterTight Roofing, we provide fast, professional temporary repairs for commercial roofs after storm damage—designed to safeguard your building, inventory, and operations until full restoration can begin.

Whether you need emergency tarping, membrane sealing, or storm-related water diversion, our expert team quickly secures your property and minimizes further damage.

Call us today at 888-809-9976 for an emergency inspection or immediate storm tarp service. Your roof may be compromised, but your business doesn't have to be. Let WaterTight Roofing help you take control, protect what matters most, and move forward with confidence.