How Much Does It Cost to Tarp a Roof? Pricing Guide

When hurricane winds or hail punch a hole in your Orlando roof, getting it tarped ASAP becomes your first line of defense against water damage and mold growth. The thing is, storm damage doesn’t wait for you to get your budget sorted, and knowing how much professional roof tarping costs can mean the difference between getting your home secure without breaking the bank.

The Short Answer: Orlando homeowners are usually looking at a bill of around $300 to $600 to get a standard 400 square foot damaged area tarped professionally. And if you need emergency after-hours service, that’s going to be $400 to $840 for the same area. Your final bill will depend on the size of your roof, how accessible it is, the quality of the materials you choose, and when you need it done.

Need Tarping Right Away? Rhino Roofing Orlando is here for you 24/7 with emergency service and free estimates.

Orlando Roof Tarping Prices – What to Expect in 2026

2026 Orlando average price range:

• For standard service: $175 to $700 total\
• For the average job: $300 to $600 (200 to 500 sq ft)\
• For emergency hurricane response: Add 20-40% onto your total\
• Cost per square foot: $0.70 to $2.80

Most Orlando roofing contractors are going to charge between $350 and $500 for a straight-forward tarping job on a single-story home with an asphalt shingle roof. That price includes labor, a decent polyethylene tarp, anchor boards, and basic debris removal. The investment is a good way to protect your home from water damage that could easily run you $10,000 or more in interior repairs.

The combination of being in a hurricane-prone climate, high humidity that requires special UV-resistant materials, and the prevalence of tile and metal roofs that need special anchoring techniques all drive costs up in Florida. Central Florida, for example, is going to see tarping costs that are 15-20% higher than national averages. And multi-story Mediterranean-style homes that are so common in Orlando are going to require additional safety equipment, which increases labor costs accordingly.

Roof Tarp Cost Per Square Foot: $0.70–$2.80 Breakdown

Understand what you’re getting charged per square foot and you’ll be able to budget more accurately and get a better sense of fair quotes from contractors. The table below shows what Orlando homeowners are looking at for the size of the damaged area:

Roof Size	Standard Cost	Emergency Cost
100 sq ft	$70–$200	$100–$280
200 sq ft	$140–$400	$200–$560
300 sq ft	$210–$600	$300–$840
400 sq ft	$280–$800	$400–$1,120
500 sq ft	$350–$1,000	$500–$1,400

The rate tiers break down like this:

• Economy rates of $0.70 to $1.00 per square foot apply to the simplest scenarios: single-story homes with easy roof access, minimal damage areas, standard business hours scheduling, and asphalt shingle roofs. These are the baseline prices you’ll encounter for routine tarping needs.\
• Standard rates between $1.00 and $1.50 per square foot cover two-story homes with moderate roof pitches, basic anchoring requirements, weekend service, and minor debris clearing. This middle tier represents what most Orlando homeowners pay after typical storm damage.\
• Premium rates of $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot apply when your roof presents additional challenges. Steep roof pitches above 7:12, tile or metal roofing materials, extensive damage coverage, multi-level homes, and situations requiring safety harnesses all push costs into this range.\
• Emergency rates reaching $2.00 to $2.80 per square foot kick in during active storm conditions, after-hours or holiday service, hurricane urgency response, complex roof geometry, and commercial properties. Tile roofs in particular cost 25-35% more than shingle roofs due to the fragility of tiles and special attachment methods needed to avoid cracking.

Average Roof Tarping Prices: $175–$700 Total

In reality, project costs in Orlando break down into four categories based on damage extent. Small damage areas between 100 and 200 square feet typically cost $175 to $400 and usually require a 2-3 hour job with a two-person crew.

Medium damage areas spanning 300-500 square feet run $400 to $700 and can take 3-5 hours with a two-person crew and equipment. Large damage areas from 500 to 1,000 square feet cost $700 to $1,500 and can be full-day service projects requiring specialized equipment.Whole-roof emergency tarps – we’re talking a thousand square feet or more here – can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 plus.

And when you’re looking at catastrophic damage from a hurricane or a commercial building, those tarps are just the beginning. You’re probably going to need a multi-day project with scaffolding or a crane to get the job done.

Now, if you’re just an average homeowner in Orlando, you’re probably looking at a pretty reasonable bill for emergency tarping after a typical summer storm.

We’re talking around $450 for 350 square feet of roofing, which usually includes a pre-tarp roof inspection, heavy duty tarps, secure anchoring – that’s lumber or sandbags – and a bit of debris removal. We even take photos afterwards so you can use ’em for your insurance claim and we stand behind our work with a warranty.

Things That Can Send Your Roof Tarping Bill Skyhigh in Florida

Your final bill is all going to depend on a few key factors that your contractor is going to be looking at when they come take a gander at your roof. Things like your roof’s pitch and complexity are a big deal in terms of pricing. If you’ve got a steep roof – we’re talking 8:12 or steeper – you’re looking at an extra $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot tacked on to your bill. And if you’ve got a multi plane roof, with valleys and all that jazz, you can expect to add 15 to 25 percent to the total. And then there are hip roofs – those are a whole different story, requiring 10 to 15 percent more materials than a simple gable roof.

Asphalt shingles are the standard when it comes to roofing material, but if you’ve got tile or metal, things get a little more complicated – and expensive. Tile roofs add 25 to 35 percent to the bill because of the special anchoring required to keep ’em from cracking. And don’t even get started on metal roofs – those add 15 to 20 percent for the right fasteners. And if you’re dealing with flat or low-slope roofs, you’re probably going to end up with a ballasted tarp system, which can add 10 to 20 percent to the total.

Now, anchoring your tarp is a big deal too. You’re looking at anywhere from free sandbag anchoring to $150 for a wood board attachment, or even $200 for hurricane straps or cables.

Another thing that can really drive up the cost is accessibility. If you’ve got a two-story house, that’s going to add 20 to 30 percent to your bill. And if you’ve got a three-story or higher home, you can expect to add 40 to 60 percent to the base price.

And then there’s the debris – any debris that’s just lying around is usually covered, but if you’ve got a lot of heavy stuff to get rid of, that’s going to be an extra $150 to $300. If you need a full roof cleaning before we even tarp it, that’s another $200 to $400.

Timing is also a big factor here – if we’ve got to come out after hours, that’s an extra 25 to 40 percent. If we’re working late at night, that’s 50 to 75 percent more. And if we’re dealing with a hurricane, you can expect to pay 50 to 100 percent more than the standard rate.

Emergency vs. Standard Roof Tarp Pricing

Understanding the cost difference between scheduled and emergency service helps you make informed decisions during crisis situations. Standard service pricing ranges from $0.70–$2.00 per square foot with typical timelines of 24–48 hours from your initial request. These jobs happen during business hours with weekday preference and cost 25–50% less than emergency rates.

Emergency service pricing spans $1.00–$2.80 per square foot with rapid 2–4 hour response times. This premium service offers 24/7/365 availability but carries a 30–80% cost premium over standard rates.

For a typical 400 square foot damaged section on an Orlando two-story home, you’ll pay approximately $500 for standard weekday service, $625 for weekend service (adding 25%), $700 for after-hours service (adding 40%), and $800 for hurricane emergency response (adding 60%).

Emergency costs run higher because contractors must mobilize from off-hours, pay crew overtime wages at 1.5–2x standard rates, work in dangerous conditions including rain, wind, and darkness, compete for limited materials during high-demand periods, pay equipment rental premiums for immediate needs, and carry higher liability insurance for hazardous conditions.

The emergency premium proves worthwhile when you consider that every hour of exposure causes additional water damage potentially costing $500–$2,000 per day. Insurance often requires immediate mitigation to maintain coverage, and mold growth begins within 24–48 hours of water intrusion. Paying an extra $300 for emergency tarping prevents $5,000–$15,000 in secondary water damage, compromised insulation, drywall replacement, and mold remediation.

Tarp Material Costs: $4–$250 by Size and Thickness

Material selection dramatically impacts both immediate costs and long-term protection effectiveness. Economy tarps costing $4–$30 use 5–8 mil polyethylene and last only 30–60 days in Florida sun, making them suitable for very short-term coverage of 1–2 weeks maximum. Standard tarps at $30–$80 feature 10–12 mil reinforced poly with UV inhibitors, lasting 3–6 months with proper installation—ideal for typical post-storm temporary protection until repairs begin.

Heavy-duty tarps priced at $80–$150 use 14–20 mil reinforced poly or vinyl-coated polyester that survives 6–12 months in Florida conditions. These work best for extended coverage, multiple roof planes, and severe damage. Professional-grade tarps costing $150–$250 and up feature 20-plus mil commercial poly or specialized roof membranes lasting 12–18 months or more with maintenance.

Beyond the tarp itself, you’ll need anchor boards at $3–$6 each (requiring 6–12 boards), sandbags at $2–$4 each (needing 10–20 bags), fasteners at $10–$25 per box, and hurricane straps at $15–$30 per set. Total DIY material costs range from $50–$300 depending on damage size and quality selected.

Florida’s UV intensity runs 30% higher than northern states, causing cheap tarps to fail within weeks. Salt air corrosion affects even inland properties 30 miles from the coast, requiring rust-proof grommets. Hurricane wind loads demand reinforced edges and proper mil thickness, with 12-mil being the minimum recommended for Central Florida applications.

DIY Roof Tarping Costs vs. Professional Service Fees

Tempted to save money with DIY tarping? Understanding the true cost difference and hidden risks helps you make the right choice. DIY costs include $50–$300 for materials, 4–8 hours of time investment, and potentially $0–$100 for safety equipment rental if you don’t own proper gear. Your total DIY cost reaches $50–$400 plus significant physical effort and risk exposure.

Professional costs range from $300–$700 and include materials, expert labor, liability insurance, workmanship guarantees, and insurance documentation. Projects complete in just 1.5–3 hours with a trained two-person crew, giving you $300–$700 in total costs with zero personal risk.

The hidden DIY risks create substantial financial exposure. Fall injuries send people to emergency rooms for $1,500–$5,000 or more, while hospitalization costs reach $15,000 and up. Improper installation can void your homeowner’s insurance claim entirely. DIY damage you accidentally cause during installation isn’t covered by insurance, creating $1,000–$10,000 in potential liability. Failed tarps lead to secondary damage costing $3,000–$8,000 in water intrusion repairs.

Florida presents unique DIY challenges that make professional service even more valuable. Orlando’s tile roofs crack easily under untrained foot traffic at $150–$300 per tile. Afternoon thunderstorms create dangerous working conditions with little warning. High temperatures above 90°F cause heat exhaustion risk during extended roof work. Hurricane-season urgency leaves little room for trial-and-error learning.

For a typical 400 square foot damage area, DIY costs $150 in materials plus injury risk and potential insurance denial, creating $150–$15,000 in total exposure. Professional service costs $500 with guaranteed, insured, documented results—providing true cost certainty.

Roof Tarp Cost Calculator for Orlando Homes

Estimate your tarping costs using this practical calculation framework. The basic formula is: Total Tarping Cost = (Square Footage × Rate Per Sq Ft) + Additional Factors.

You can use our Roof Tarp Calculator to know the exact cost

For quick estimates on standard Orlando homes, expect small damage of 100–200 square feet to cost $175–$500, medium damage of 300–500 square feet to run $400–$900, and large damage of 500–1,000 square feet to reach $700–$2,000.

Here’s an example calculation for a typical scenario. Start with 400 square feet at $1.25 per square foot for a base cost of $500. Add $120 for steep pitch, $125 for tile roof (adding 25%), and $200 for after-hours service (adding 40%). Your estimated total reaches $945 for this moderately complex emergency tarping job.

The calculation method works for any size project. First, measure your damaged area by multiplying length times width to get square footage, then add 10–20% for overlap and securement needs. Second, select your base rate from the pricing tiers discussed earlier based on your home’s characteristics. Third, calculate base cost by multiplying square footage by your selected rate. Fourth, add complexity factors for steep pitch, roofing material, timing, debris removal, and accessibility. Fifth, sum everything for your total estimate.

Long-Term Tarping Costs: When Cheap Tarps Backfire

Short-term savings on inferior tarps create expensive long-term problems, especially in Florida’s harsh climate. While you might save $50–$100 initially on economy materials, hidden long-term costs reach $500–$3,000 or more in replacements, damage, and complications.

Florida’s climate accelerates tarp degradation dramatically. Orlando receives 237 sunny days annually compared to 205 nationally, with UV radiation 30% higher than northern states. Economy tarps last only 30–45 days before brittleness and tearing, while standard tarps with UV inhibitors survive 90–120 days. Heavy-duty tarps properly maintained last 180–365 days. Average humidity of 74% creates mold under poor-quality tarps, and daily temperature swings from 70°F mornings to 92°F afternoons cause expansion and contraction that weakens seams and grommets.

A six-month cost comparison reveals the true expense of cheap materials. An economy tarp approach costs $75 for the initial tarp plus $300 labor ($375 total) in month one. By month three, significant deterioration forces emergency replacement at $75 for materials plus $350 for rush labor ($425). Month six requires a third replacement at another $425, bringing total costs to $1,225 for three tarps and three installations.

In contrast, a heavy-duty tarp costs $150 plus $300 labor ($450 total) in month one, then maintains integrity through month six with only periodic inspections. Total cost stays at $450—a savings of $775 over the six-month period.

Failed tarps trigger devastating secondary damage. Water intrusion causes insulation damage costing $800–$2,500 to replace, drywall and ceiling damage requiring $1,500–$4,000 in repairs, and mold remediation running $2,000–$6,000 for affected areas. A single tarp failure episode creates $4,000–$20,000 in secondary damage costs that far exceed any initial material savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does roof tarping last in Orlando? Professional tarps installed with heavy-duty materials last 6–12 months with proper maintenance, while economy tarps fail in just 30–60 days due to Florida’s intense UV exposure and high humidity conditions.

Will insurance cover emergency tarping? Yes, most homeowners’ policies cover 100% of emergency tarping costs when you act promptly within 24–48 hours and use licensed professionals who provide proper documentation for your claim.

Can I tarp my own roof? While possible for small areas on accessible single-story homes, DIY tarping carries serious risks including falls requiring emergency care, potential insurance claim denial, and improper installation that causes $5,000–$20,000 in additional water damage.

What’s the difference between $1/sq ft and $2.80/sq ft rates? Base rates around $1 per square foot cover straightforward daytime jobs on simple roofs, while premium rates reaching $2.80 apply to emergency after-hours service on steep tile roofs requiring heavy debris removal and specialized equipment.

Get Professional Roof Tarping in Orlando Today

Don’t let storm damage escalate into catastrophic interior repairs. Every hour your roof remains exposed risks water intrusion, mold growth beginning within 24–48 hours, and structural deterioration that multiplies repair costs exponentially.

Rhino Roofing Orlando provides true 24/7 emergency response with licensed and insured professionals, free estimates and on-site inspections, direct insurance billing to simplify your claims process, premium materials included in every quote, and transparent pricing with absolutely no hidden fees.

Damaged roof in Orlando? Get tarped fast—contact Rhino Roofing today for immediate service and complete peace of mind.