⚡ Emergency 24/7 — Call: 01249 247 076
Home › Guides › Emergency Roof
Emergency Guide

Emergency Roof Tarpaulin — Wiltshire

When emergency roof tarpaulins are appropriate, how they should be correctly fixed, and why calling a roofer is faster than struggling with a tarpaulin yourself.

By Chippenham Roofing Experts · Updated 2026 · 5 min read

When a Tarpaulin Is and Isn't Appropriate

A tarpaulin is appropriate when a structural element has failed leaving the roof covering without weatherproofing — a large hole, multiple displaced tiles in a cluster, or a flat roof membrane that has split completely. It buys time for permanent repair to be scheduled and completed.

A tarpaulin is not appropriate (and unnecessary) for individual displaced tiles where the felt beneath is intact, minor ridge tile movement, or chimney flashing failures. In these cases, the tarp creates wind resistance and an additional hazard without addressing the problem.

The Correct Way to Fix an Emergency Tarpaulin

The two most common errors with emergency tarps are not extending it far enough beyond the damaged area, and fixing it in a way that wind can get underneath. A correctly fixed tarp: covers at least 1 metre beyond the visible damage on all sides; goes over the ridge so the lower edge faces away from the prevailing wind; is weighted down with battens nailed to the tarp perimeter rather than just pegged; and is checked after the first significant wind event for any movement.

We provide emergency make-safe services across Chippenham and Wiltshire 24 hours a day. Where permanent repair is possible in the same visit, we complete it without a tarp. Where scaffold is needed for safe working, we apply an emergency tarp correctly while scaffold is arranged. Call 01249 247 076 any time.

Why 'Do It Yourself' Tarps Often Make Things Worse

An unsecured or incorrectly fixed tarpaulin in wind becomes a sail. It can tear tiles off adjacent areas, pull gutters away from fascia, and in severe cases detach entirely and create a hazard. We attend more call-outs each year to fix damage caused by DIY tarps than we would prefer.

For emergency roof situations, calling a professional roofer is the correct first action — not attempting to fix a tarp on a wet or windy roof without proper access equipment. We aim for attendance within 2 hours across Chippenham for genuine roof emergencies.

The Cost of Waiting After Storm Damage

Every day of unaddressed water ingress adds to the eventual repair bill. Water tracking along roof timbers reaches ceiling plasterwork within 24–48 hours. Saturated insulation loses its thermal value. Timber joists exposed to repeated wetting begin the cycle of moisture damage that leads to structural softening over weeks and months. A displaced ridge tile costing £150–£300 to replace can progress to a ceiling repair, insulation replacement and structural assessment within a single winter if left unaddressed.

This is the practical case for emergency make-safe even when permanent repair must wait. A correctly fixed tarpaulin prevents the secondary damage that multiplies the total cost. We attend emergency calls across Chippenham and north Wiltshire 24 hours a day — no call-out fee during business hours. The cost of attending is the repair cost only.

Make-Safe vs Permanent Repair — The Clear Distinction

An emergency make-safe is a temporary intervention to stop water ingress until a permanent repair can be properly scheduled — tarpaulin, temporary tile replacement, emergency flashing seal. A permanent repair addresses the root cause correctly: new lead to the correct code, new tiles correctly fixed, ridge mortar replaced with flexible compound. We distinguish between these clearly in every emergency visit quote — the make-safe cost is stated separately from the permanent repair cost. You choose which to proceed with and when.

FAQ

Common Questions

When active water ingress is occurring through a hole or displaced section and permanent repair cannot be completed immediately. Not for minor tile displacement without ingress — a tarpaulin is a weather hazard in wind if not correctly fixed.

Weighted battens across the tarp surface, not just pegs. Fixed over the ridge so wind cannot get under it from the eaves side. Extended at least 1 metre beyond the damaged area on all sides. Incorrectly fixed tarps in wind cause additional damage and become hazards.

No — it is a temporary make-safe measure pending permanent repair. Tarps degrade in UV within weeks and provide a false sense of security once they begin to fail.

Not unless you have the correct access equipment and training. Working at height without scaffolding or a tower is dangerous. Call a roofer — emergency attendance is faster than DIY.

Until permanent repair can be completed — typically days to weeks, not months. For scaffold-required work, the tarp protects during the scaffold erection window.

Usually yes, as part of emergency mitigation costs under a storm damage claim. Document the damage before any tarp is applied and retain the invoice for the tarp and its installation.

Call 24/7 emergency numbers — we respond to Chippenham and Wiltshire roof emergencies at any hour. Place containers to collect ingress, move possessions away from the damp area, and call your insurer to notify them as soon as practicable.

Get In Touch

Free Roof Survey

No commitment. Written quote. Covering all of Wiltshire.

01249 247 076 ✉ Email Us

© Chippenham Roofing Experts · SN15 · 01249 247 076

NFRC Registered · Fully Insured · 10-Year Guarantee

📞 Call Now — Free Quote
📞 Call