Pittsburgh row homes from the early 1900s often leak at the valleys where two roof planes meet. Cold winters drive ice dams that push water under old slate or asphalt. We cut 10-mil reinforced tarps to fit and fasten them with furring strips so wind off the rivers does not rip them loose. Cheap crews skip the strips and the tarp flaps by the next storm.
Allegheny County requires a permit for any roof work that stays longer than 30 days. We file the temporary tarp permit the same morning so you stay legal. Warm summer days soften old shingles and make them split along the seams. A quick tarp buys time until we can schedule the permanent fix without rushing in the heat.
Three-tab shingles on many Lawrenceville and Bloomfield homes fail first at the nail line when wind-driven rain hits at an angle. We overlap tarp edges by 18 inches and seal them with butyl tape rated for 200 mph gusts. This keeps the attic dry until the owner decides on full replacement.
How long does a tarp last through a Pittsburgh winter? Most hold three to six months if the fasteners sit above the snow line. We check the anchors after any heavy snow and tighten them before the next freeze-thaw cycle hits.
Emergency Roof Tarping Services We Offer
✓Storm Damage Roof Tarping
Same-day tarp install after wind or hail rips shingles in Mount Washington or Point Breeze.
✓Urgent Leak Tarping Same Day
Fast response when water pours through ceilings in Squirrel Hill or Regent Square homes.
✓Commercial Roof Tarping
Large reinforced tarps for flat roofs on Strip District warehouses that need quick weather protection.
✓Ice Dam Emergency Tarping
Winter calls in Greenfield where dams force water under eaves; we tarp and add heat tape runs.
✓Second Story Roof Tarping
Ladder and boom work for two-story homes in East Liberty where ground access is tight.
Emergency Roof Tarping Cost in Pittsburgh, PA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency roof tarping single story home | $450–$750 | Lower cost when access is flat and damage stays under 200 sq ft. |
| Emergency roof tarping two story home | $700–$1,100 | Higher price for boom or extra ladder time on steeper pitches. |
| Commercial flat roof tarping section | $900–$1,600 | Depends on square footage and need for multiple layers. |
| Ice dam tarp add on | $250–$400 | Extra cost for heat tape runs and snow removal before tarp. |
| Free estimate for emergency roof tarping | Free | We come out 24/7 to measure and give the number on site. |
Ranges are typical for Pittsburgh, PA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Call and describe the leak
We note the neighborhood and roof type, then head out with the right size tarp and fasteners.
- 2
Site walk and safety set up
We check attic for active drips and lay ground protection before climbing.
- 3
Cut and fasten the tarp
We overlap seams 18 inches, nail furring strips, and seal edges with butyl tape.
- 4
Final check and permit note
We walk the roof, confirm no new drips, and tell you if a county permit is needed.
Pricing
Prices vary by roof pitch, stories, and how much area needs cover. Call for a direct number.