Temporary Roof Repairs After a Storm: What Works, What Doesn’t
The storm ends. You step outside. Maybe it was wind. Maybe hail. Maybe both. Either way, something’s off. The shingles are scattered. Your gutters are leaning. Water’s dripping in places it definitely shouldn’t be.
You need a fix—but you’re not ready for a full replacement. Maybe the insurance adjuster hasn’t shown up. Maybe your roofer can’t start for a week. Maybe you just need to stop the bleeding.
That’s where temporary repairs come in. But here’s the thing no one tells you: most temporary fixes don’t actually fix anything. And done wrong, they cause more damage than they prevent.
We’ve been called in to clean up the mess too many times. Tarps that failed. Patches that leaked. Homeowners who thought they were buying time—but actually made the problem worse.
If you’re in Oklahoma and dealing with roof damage, here’s what works, what doesn’t, and how Tier-One Roofing handles temporary repairs the right way—without cutting corners or putting your home at risk.
Why Temporary Roof Repairs Are Necessary—But Risky
After a storm, most roofing companies (ours included) are slammed. You’re on a list. Crews are booked out. Materials are delayed. Insurance takes time.
In the meantime, your roof is exposed—and even one small leak can lead to:
Mold in the attic
Damaged drywall
Ruined insulation
Electrical issues
Soaring repair costs
That’s why emergency or temporary roof repairs matter. The goal is to stabilize the situation. Prevent further damage. Buy time for the real solution.
But too many “quick fixes” become permanent ones, and they’re rarely done right. That’s the danger.
A tarp slapped over missing shingles feels like progress. But if it’s not secured correctly, it could blow off in the next wind gust and leave you worse off.
Your roof doesn’t need a patch—it needs a plan. And that’s what we bring to every emergency call.
What Actually Works: Real Temporary Fixes That Hold
Let’s start with what does work—when it’s done correctly.
1. Professional-Grade Roof Tarping
A real tarp job involves more than tossing plastic on your roof and nailing it down.
Done right, it includes:
A thick, UV-resistant tarp
Proper anchoring (no sandbags or duct tape)
Overlap over the ridge line
No loose edges flapping in the wind
Securing the tarp without damaging more of the roof or decking underneath
Tier-One Roofing carries commercial-grade tarps and installs them with safety and structure in mind. We don’t leave you with something that’s going to shred in 24 hours.
2. Emergency Flashing
If storm damage has affected flashing (the metal where your roof meets walls, chimneys, or valleys), we can apply temporary flashing and sealant to prevent water intrusion. It’s not a long-term solution, but it is a reliable short-term one.
3. Temporary Shingle Seals
In specific cases, especially after high winds, a few shingles might lift but not tear. In those cases, we can use roofing cement or other temporary adhesives to reseal them until full repair is scheduled.
This is never the final answer—but it keeps moisture out and maintains integrity.
4. Attic Moisture Checks
It’s not glamorous, but one of the most important “temporary” things we do is inspect the attic. If water’s already gotten in, we use moisture meters and ventilation strategies to begin drying things out before mold sets in.
Emergency repairs aren’t just on top of the roof—they’re inside your home too.
What Doesn’t Work (And Can Make Things Worse)
There’s a reason Tier-One Roofing doesn’t just say yes to everything. Some “repairs” do more harm than good.
Here’s what we strongly recommend avoiding:
1. Thin Hardware Store Tarps
Those blue plastic tarps? They’re meant for camping, not protecting your home. They shred, they flap, and they don’t hold up to Oklahoma’s wind gusts. They give a false sense of security.
2. DIY Nail-Through-Shingle Fixes
We’ve seen well-meaning homeowners try to reattach loose shingles by nailing directly through the face. That causes more leaks, damages the waterproof layer, and voids your future warranty.
3. Sealant in the Wrong Places
Caulking over cracked shingles or pouring sealant around vent pipes won’t keep the water out—it’ll trap it in. Most DIY “repairs” just push the water sideways, into areas that weren’t damaged before.
4. Ignoring Underlayment Damage
If the waterproof membrane beneath your shingles is torn, slapping more shingles on top won’t fix it. Water will continue to get in under the new layer, and you won’t see it until your ceiling stains or collapses.
5. Covering Without Inspecting
If you (or someone you hired) throws up a tarp without checking for interior leaks or structural damage, you’re covering a wound without knowing how deep it goes.
Tier-One Roofing always inspects first. Even in emergencies. Because you deserve a real solution—not a gamble.
What to Expect When Tier-One Handles Your Emergency Repair
When you call Tier-One Roofing after a storm, we don’t just show up with a ladder and a tarp. We bring process. Structure. Clarity.
Here’s what happens:
Step 1: Rapid Response
We prioritize storm damage cases and often respond same-day or within 24 hours.
Step 2: Full Roof Assessment
We document every damaged area with photos, check your attic, and inspect decking, flashing, and gutters.
Step 3: Temporary Protection
We secure your home with the right materials—commercial-grade tarps, strategic sealing, or emergency flashing.
Step 4: Insurance Support
We provide the photos, documentation, and guidance you need to file your claim accurately. If we need to meet your adjuster, we do.
Step 5: Permanent Plan
Before we leave, we’ll walk you through the next steps—what needs to be done, when it can be scheduled, and what your options are. You’ll have answers, not just patches.
The Insurance Angle: Don’t Let a Quick Fix Ruin Your Claim
Here’s something most people don’t realize:
If a quick fix hides the damage or alters the roof before your adjuster sees it, your claim can be denied or underpaid.
Tier-One Roofing documents everything before we make temporary repairs. That means your insurer sees the damage clearly. No ambiguity. No excuses. No red tape.
We’ve worked with every major insurer in Oklahoma. We know how to speak their language—and how to make sure your claim reflects the full extent of the damage.
Let us handle the emergency and the paperwork, so you don’t get caught between chaos and claims.
The Real Cost of “Saving Money” on Emergency Repairs
We get it—no one wants to spend money twice. So when a guy offers to tarp your roof for $300 cash or seal a crack for a flat fee, it’s tempting.
But we’ve seen the fallout. Those shortcuts lead to:
Water damage inside the walls
Black mold
Deck rot
Insulation replacement
Entire sections needing rebuild
You thought you saved $500. Now you’re out $8,000.
Tier-One Roofing doesn’t offer “cheap.” We offer smart. We tell you what’s necessary, what’s optional, and what can wait. No pressure. Just straight talk from a team that’s done this hundreds of times.
What Homeowners Can Do While Waiting for Help
Even if you’re waiting on a crew, there are safe steps you can take:
Move furniture away from the leak
Use buckets or towels to catch water
Avoid walking on the roof
Turn off electricity to any wet area
Document everything with photos and video
Save receipts if you buy anything to protect your home
And call Tier-One Roofing right away. The sooner we get there, the faster we can contain the issue and help you recover.
Why Oklahoma Homes Need Fast and Correct Response
In states with milder climates, you might have more time. Not here.
Oklahoma’s weather doesn’t wait. Wind, rain, hail, and temperature swings all attack your roof before you’ve even had time to think.
That’s why our team is trained to move fast—but never sloppy.
We’re veteran-owned, which means urgency is second nature. But we’re mission-first, which means results matter more than speed. Every tarp we secure and every emergency fix we make is done with care, precision, and a full plan behind it.
You Don’t Need Panic—You Need a Partner
Storm damage is overwhelming. But you’re not alone—and you don’t need to panic. You just need the right partner.
Tier-One Roofing will walk you through the process from that first frantic phone call to the final shingle. We’ll protect your home like it’s our own. We’ll answer every question. We’ll clean up after ourselves. We’ll stand behind the work.
And most importantly—we won’t disappear.
Call us now if you’ve had storm damage. Even if you’re not sure how bad it is. We’ll get you answers, protect what matters, and build a path forward you can trust.