Should you tarp your East Tennessee roof after a storm?

What your policy expects

Tennessee homeowners policies require reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage after a loss. Temporary repairs such as tarping are usually reimbursed as part of a covered claim, so keep receipts and photos.

Tarping on steep and metal roofs

• Steep cabin roofs and metal panels are slippery even when dry. Leave them to roofers with fall protection.
• On shingles, run the tarp over the ridge and fasten it with boards screwed into the deck along every edge.
• On metal roofs, roofers may fasten through existing screw lines or use other methods to avoid new leaks; ask how they'll do it.
• Cover holes with plywood before tarping.

After ice or mountain-wave wind

Wait until ice has melted and wind has dropped before anyone goes up. Mountain-wave winds can gust for hours, and damaged limbs keep falling after ice storms. Inside, catch water, move belongings and dry wet areas.

Contracts and Tennessee's roofing law

Ask for emergency tarping on its own itemized invoice. You don't need to sign a full replacement contract to get a tarp. If you do sign one, Tennessee's roofing law requires the roofer to tell you in writing that you can cancel within three business days after your insurer denies all or part of the claim, and payments are refunded except for emergency repairs already performed.

Price gouging

Tennessee's Price-Gouging Act bars grossly excessive prices for repair and construction services and building materials while a governor's declaration of abnormal economic disruption is in effect, and the Consumer Protection Act bars unreasonable price increases in direct response to a natural disaster. Report suspected gouging to the Tennessee Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs.

How long can a tarp stay?

Not long. Check it after every storm, and keep pushing the claim so the permanent repair isn't delayed past your policy deadlines.