Winter snow loads and ice dams hit Minneapolis roofs hard every year. Older homes in Northeast and Camden often have weak spots where flashing meets the chimney or where two roof planes meet. We cut and overlap 10-mil reinforced polyethylene tarps, then batten them down with 1x4 pine so wind off the Mississippi Riverfront does not rip them loose. Cheap blue tarps from the big box store fail fast here because they stretch and tear once the temperature swings from below zero to the 30s.
Summer thunderstorms dump heavy rain fast. When hail or wind rips shingles near Lake Harriet or in Powderhorn, water finds its way under the remaining layers within hours. We walk the roof first to mark every soft spot, then run the tarp past the damage by at least four feet on all sides. Hennepin County does not require a permit for temporary tarping, but we still pull one if the job will stay up longer than ten days so inspectors do not flag it later.
Many low-bid crews staple tarps straight to the deck without furring strips. That lets water sneak under the edge during the next warm humid spell. We always add vertical sleepers and seal the top edge with roofing tape rated for 200 mph wind. The same method works on flat commercial roofs over shops in the North Loop when a tenant needs quick protection before opening the next morning.
Access matters on tight lots in Longfellow or Cedar-Riverside. We carry 28-foot extension ladders and roof jacks so we do not have to park equipment in the street. Once the tarp is set we check inside the attic for new wet spots and leave a dated photo report for your insurance adjuster.
Emergency Roof Tarping Services We Offer
✓Storm Damage Roof Tarping
Same-day coverage after wind or hail tears shingles in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
✓Urgent Leak Tarping
Fast response when water is already inside; we tarp the active leak area within hours.
✓Commercial Roof Tarping
Large reinforced tarps for flat roofs on retail buildings in the North Loop or University area.
✓Ice Dam Emergency Tarping
Winter tarping to stop meltwater from backing up under shingles on older Minneapolis homes.
✓Post-Wind Event Tarping
Secure coverage after straight-line winds hit Uptown or Southwest Minneapolis.
Emergency Roof Tarping Cost in Minneapolis, MN
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Tarping a single slope after storm | $650–$1,400 | Size of damaged area and roof pitch drive the cost. |
| Tarping two-story home with steep pitch | $1,200–$2,100 | Ladder setup and extra safety lines add time. |
| Commercial flat roof section | $1,800–$3,200 | Larger surface and membrane edge details. |
| Ice dam tarp in winter | $800–$1,600 | Cold weather slows install and adds safety gear. |
| Free estimate and photos | Free | Call Mon-Sat 7am-7pm or 24/7 for emergencies. |
Ranges are typical for Minneapolis, MN and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Take the call and dispatch
24/7 line answers, we confirm address and send the nearest truck from 3433 NE Broadway St.
- 2
Roof assessment
One tech climbs and marks every damaged section, checks attic for active leaks.
- 3
Install the tarp
Cut and overlap heavy reinforced tarp, batten with pine strips and seal top edge.
- 4
Final check and photos
Walk inside and out, take dated photos for insurance, leave contact card.
Pricing
Most emergency tarps in Minneapolis run $650 to $2,800.