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Tarping & Board-Up: Houston's Best Defense After a Storm

Writer: Shantell MoyaShantell Moya


You're probably feeling pretty overwhelmed after a big storm hits and leaves your home damaged. But having your roof tarped and windows boarded up can go a long way in protecting your property from even more damage.


A damaged roof or shattered windows during a hurricane or extreme weather means you need a quick answer. Protect your home from rain, wind, and flying debris.


That's where emergency tarping and board-up services in Houston come in. They give you immediate protection so you can stop things from getting worse.


There are three worthwhile reasons to get professional help with emergency tarping. First off, it prevents water from coming in and causing more damage inside your house. Second, it makes sure that your property is covered and intruders are kept out. And third, insurance companies want you to take these steps to protect your home after a storm.


Managing the tarping and board-up on your own might seem like a good idea. But it's actually pretty risky. Professional crews use stronger materials and know the techniques to get the job done right. Taking the DIY path with weaker supplies can cause more damage and lead to bigger repair bills down the road. I see my neighbors manage the aftermath of recent storms and I understand how stressful property damage can be.


Quick action to protect your home with our emergency tarping and board-up services matters. It can literally save you thousands of dollars in extra repairs, which in turn can give you some much-needed security during the recovery process.


Purpose Of Roof Tarping And Board-Up


You don't want to leave your home vulnerable after a big storm hits Houston. Having broken windows, damaged doors or holes in your roof leaves your property basically a sitting duck for more damage.


That's where tarping and board-up services come in - they're like an emergency shield that can protect your place. They keep things safe until you can get everything fixed up for good. Board-up services are pretty easy, and they'll cover any busted windows or messed up doors with tough plywood. This stops rain from coming in and soaking all your things inside. It also stops wind from causing more damage to your home's structure and makes it harder for people or thieves to just walk in.


Roof tarping is when they put waterproof covers over the damaged parts of your roof. If it's done right, the tarp will make sure water gets redirected away from holes or missing shingles.



It's just a temporary fix. But it can save you from water damage to your ceilings, walls, and belongings while you wait to get the real repairs done. People in Houston don't even know that their insurance policies say they have to take quick action after their property gets damaged. Basically, you're supposed to get everything secured as soon as you can after a storm. If you don't tarp up a messed up roof or board up any broken windows fast enough, your insurance company might try to deny parts of your claim.


The first few hours after the storm matters a lot. Every minute your home is still exposed, the chance of more problems gets bigger. If water starts seeping into your drywall, it can create a setup for nasty mold to grow. If you leave openings unsecured, you might end up with neighborhood critters making themselves at home in your living room.


Just think back to Hurricane Harvey. The neighbors who secured their homes avoided extra problems, while those who waited ended up with water damage and long restoration projects. Some even had break-ins while their homes were vulnerable. Remember that you probably have family photos, meaningful papers, and heirlooms you could never replace, and they deserve protection from more damage.


The Benefits For Storm Recovery


You have to take action fast when a big storm hits Houston if you want to save your home from damage. Getting some tarps and boarding up your windows and doors is your best bet for protecting your place after some nasty weather. This stops more water from coming in through busted roofs or broken windows. It keeps your home standing strong until you can get permanent fixes done.


Getting pros to board up your windows and doors means they use tough materials like 5/8-inch plywood. It makes a barrier that blocks the rain, wind and any bad guys who might try to break in. People in Houston have dodged some expensive damage bills by setting up this kind of protection ASAP.


Water intrusion is one of the biggest problems you can have after your roof gets messed up. A tarp that's put on correctly makes a waterproof seal that keeps the rain out. Without this, even a little drizzle might hurt your house. Mold can start growing in just a day or two because of the humidity in Houston.



Most insurance businesses say you have to take steps to avoid things getting worse after a storm. If you don't protect your home, they might not pay your claims or might give you less money. Most policies say you must do what you can to stop losses from piling up. Having tarps and boards put up is proof you did your part.


Keep your place protected while you're recovering from a storm. Damaged homes are easy targets for thieves and vandals. Board-up services make it harder for anyone to get in when your home is vulnerable. That protection means you can bounce back instead of worrying about your belongings being taken. Getting pros to install these emergency protections means they'll work right.


Tarps that aren't put on correctly can just blow away in strong winds. A sloppy board-up job might not hold up against another storm. Restoration businesses that have been around the block know how to install these things. It usually only takes them a few hours. It can keep your home protected for weeks or even months.


Professional Installation Vs. DIY Hazards


When a big storm hits Houston, the first thing you need to worry about is protecting your property. You have to make sure that any damaged areas are covered up with tarps and boards so things don't get worse. People sometimes think about trying these emergency repairs on their own. They're stressed out, and in a hurry, so they just grab a ladder and start nailing things up without thinking about what they're doing.


The thing is, local experts know quite a bit about the crazy weather we get here in Houston and the building codes that go along with that. They understand how our Gulf Coast storms work and the best ways to protect against them. Plus professional installers have tools that are made just for these kinds of emergency situations. Just take the Martinez family.


After Hurricane Harvey, they tried to save a few dollars by tarping their own roof. Let's just say it didn't go well. Mr. Martinez took a tumble off the ladder and ended up with a broken arm. That tarp they put up wasn't secured right, so it blew off in the next rainstorm. That mistake caused thousands of dollars in water damage.



Hiring professional installers is a lot safer than trying it yourself because they have the right insurance to cover you if anything goes wrong. If something happens while they're working, it won't come out of your pocket. They also know how to document the damage for insurance claims. That kind of proof helps when you try to get money back from your insurance company.


The pros also use better materials than what you can pick up at your local hardware store. They have heavy-duty tarps and boards that can stand as much as some nasty weather. They know the tricks to make sure everything stays put, even in high winds and heavy rain. After they're done, their work usually lasts through storms without any problems.


Fixing things up after a storm yourself is dangerous because you risk falling or getting hurt on damaged structures. Power tools are harder to control on a shaky surface or when it's wet, and even experienced people can end up in over their heads. If you don't secure things correctly, you can face bigger problems later, and water can sneak through gaps in tarps and cause mold or rot. Loose boards can get ripped off in high winds and become flying hazards, and saving money this way can cost you a lot more later.


Quick Response Importance


You're probably thinking that you need to get your home secured ASAP after a storm hits Houston! You're right. Every single minute counts when protecting your place from more damage. Tons of people in Houston found this out the hard way after Hurricane Harvey hit. You're also making your place an easy target for looters who are just waiting to benefit from the situation to break in and steal your things.


This actually happened in a few neighborhoods around Houston after some of the more recent storms rolled through. Your insurance company expects you to take steps to stop the damage from getting worse. If you wait too long to get everything secured, they might turn around and deny your claim altogether. Most policies mention your "duty to mitigate damages" after something bad happens. That means it's on you to protect your place from more harm.


Mold is another big concern that can pop up very fast in this kind of situation. It can start growing in as little as 24-48 hours when it's damp. That's the usual situation in Houston. So what started out as just some storm damage can quickly turn into a full-blown health hazard. It can affect you and your family if you're not careful.



The cost of getting rid of mold can end up being very expensive. It might be cheaper to have had some tarping done in the first place. The longer you wait for something, the more expensive the damage is going to be at the end of the day. A small problem can turn into a giant one in no time when it's left exposed to more rain and humidity. Delaying means something that might have been a cheap fix in the beginning can turn into a total replacement job.


This happens if you don't act fast. There are a lot of families in Houston who have seen their repair bills double or even triple because they didn't take immediate action. Luckily there are professional board-up and tarping services out there that can come out and get everything protected for you right after a storm hits. They'll cover up any broken windows and put heavy-duty tarps over damaged roofs. This keeps water from getting in and making things worse while you're waiting for the permanent repairs to begin.


Just knowing that everything is taken care of can give you some serious security during an already stressful time. In a place like Houston, where it's always humid, acting quickly matters even more. Every hour counts when protecting your home and belongings from more harm!


A Secure Home Starts with a Solid Roof


Isn't it great how the people in Houston came together to help each other out with disasters like Hurricane Harvey? Compare how people jump in to tarp roofs, board up windows, and share supplies during these tough times. That's what community is all about, and it's one of the things that makes our area what it is. The people in Houston show their true character when they have your back.


Still, you can't always rely on that alone - you also need professional help ready for when you need it most. Compare the relief of having someone to call if a storm damages your roof and you need emergency repairs. Think about the worry you feel without that help. Having that makes a big difference.



Compare the feeling of safety from taking a few easy steps before the next big hurricane hits to the worry of doing nothing. You can't put a price tag on that. Compare having help ready in a crisis that lets you rest easy at night to the stress of uncertainty. Seems like a no-brainer to me.


That's where we come in - at Roof Republic, your roof is our bread and butter. We have just the help for your roofing needs, and we're based right here in Texas, mainly serving the Greater Houston Area. Our experts can manage your roof repairs and protect your biggest investment. Give us a call, and we'll come out to get started at no charge. We'll make sure your roof gets the work it needs with the professionalism it deserves.


Your best bet is always to talk to a roofing expert that you can trust. We're here to give you the expert advice and good repair and installation services you need, so don't wait - get in touch with us!

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