911 Tarp is an emergency roofing service that deploys crews to cover storm-damaged or compromised roofs within hours of contact, preventing interior water damage while permanent repairs are arranged. The company operates as a rapid-response outfit distinct from full-service roofers, positioning itself between the initial damage and the multi-week timeline typical of roof replacement or major repair jobs in the Chattanooga market.
The core service is temporary roof tarping: securing heavy-duty tarps over holes, missing shingles, or sections damaged by wind, hail, or falling trees. The goal is containment, not restoration. A tarp typically stays in place for 2 to 8 weeks while homeowners coordinate insurance claims, obtain permits, and schedule permanent repairs with a licensed roofing contractor. 911 Tarp also offers temporary gutter patching and board-up services for broken skylights or compromised flashing. The company does not perform permanent roof installations or replacements.
911 Tarp charges a dispatch fee starting at $150 to $200 (verify current rates; these fluctuate with fuel and material costs), plus material and labor costs that depend on roof size, pitch, and damage extent. A typical residential tarp job—covering 200 to 400 square feet—ranges from $300 to $800 total. Emergency or after-hours calls (evenings, weekends, holidays) incur a surcharge of $100 to $150. The company aims to dispatch crews within 4 hours of contact during business hours and within 8 hours for off-hours emergencies. Response times depend on crew availability and weather conditions; calls during heavy rain or active storms may be delayed until conditions allow safe roof access.
Payment is generally due upon job completion. Most customers pay via invoice submitted to insurance, since tarping costs are typically covered under homeowners' policies as part of emergency mitigation.
Full-service roofing contractors like those advertising in Chattanooga can handle both tarping and permanent repair, but their primary business is replacement and major work. Scheduling emergency tarping through a general roofer often means a longer wait, since the crew may be booked on a multi-day installation. 911 Tarp's narrow focus means faster dispatch, but you will need a separate roofer for the permanent fix.
Some general contractors offer tarping as a secondary service, bundled into a full repair estimate. This can be convenient if you plan to use that same company for replacement, but tarping alone typically costs more per hour through a general roofer than through a dedicated emergency outfit.
Insurance companies and restoration firms (water damage cleanup specialists) often refer customers to emergency tarping services rather than roofing contractors, reflecting the market division: tarping is a damage-mitigation triage step, not a permanent solution.
911 Tarp is essential if a storm has opened your roof and rain is actively entering your home, or if you expect heavy rain within 24 hours and your roofer cannot arrive immediately. The service also makes sense if your insurance adjuster has flagged the damage and you need temporary protection while the claim is processed. Homeowners with deductibles of $500 or higher often find that emergency tarping ($300–$800) is cheaper than the out-of-pocket cost of interior water damage ($2,000–$10,000+), even after factoring in the tarping fee.
911 Tarp is not the right choice if your roof damage is minor (a few missing shingles, minor flashing leak) and rain is not imminent, or if you are ready to schedule permanent repair immediately. A general roofer can address both the tarp and the replacement in one engagement, avoiding a second crew and potential scheduling conflicts.
Contact 911 Tarp by phone with a description of the damage and your address. The dispatcher will ask about roof access, nearby power lines, and whether the damage is currently leaking. If conditions are safe for a crew to access your roof, they will provide a time window (usually same-day or next-morning). A two-person crew arrives with a truck carrying tarps, plywood, fasteners, and a ladder. The job typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on roof size and damage. The crew photographs the damage before and after tarping for your insurance documentation. You sign an invoice at completion.
911 Tarp operates 24/7 for emergency dispatch, though response times are fastest during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Weekend and evening calls are answered but may experience longer waits. Crews do not operate during active lightning storms or on icy roofs.
There is no storefront or office parking; all service is on-site at your address. Confirm current pricing and availability by phone before assuming rates or response times, as severe weather events can temporarily overload the system.
Emergency tarping in Chattanooga's hail and wind-prone climate is a practical interim step that bridges the gap between disaster and repair, making 911 Tarp's rapid deployment a cost-effective safeguard for homeowners caught between immediate need and contractor availability.
