Home Damage types Fire damage
Fire and smoke damage

After a fire, your roof is wide open. Protecting it is the next step.

Fire damage leaves a roof critically vulnerable. Once the fire is out and the scene is cleared, the opening left behind exposes your home to rain, weather, and further deterioration. A professional tarp is the essential bridge between the fire and restoration.

Schedule a Free Quote 24-48 hour response, coast-to-coast
Free on-site quote from a vetted, insured Seeker
Full documentation to support your fire insurance claim
No upsell, no restoration sales pitch. We tarp only.
After the fire is out
1
Do not re-enter until cleared
Wait for the fire marshal or building inspector to confirm the structure is safe to enter. Fire-damaged structures can be unstable.
2
Contact your insurance company
File your claim immediately. Most policies require prompt notification. Ask about advance funds for emergency protective measures.
3
Document everything thoroughly
Photograph all fire, smoke, and water damage from firefighting efforts. Do this before any restoration or cleaning begins.
4
Secure the property
Board windows and doors if possible to prevent unauthorized entry. Fire-damaged properties are a target for theft and vandalism.
5
Schedule professional roof tarping
Once the scene is cleared and safe to access, a tarp protects the structure from weather while restoration is arranged.
Why tarping is critical after a fire

The fire is out. The damage is not done.

When a fire damages or destroys a section of roof, it leaves the structure beneath completely exposed. Unlike storm damage where shingles are the primary barrier lost, fire damage often compromises the roof deck, framing, and insulation simultaneously, creating a large and structurally complex opening.

Without a tarp, rain enters freely. Firefighting water has already saturated much of the structure. Additional rain compounding that moisture dramatically accelerates deterioration, mold growth, and the destruction of salvageable materials and belongings inside.

A professional tarp over the fire-damaged area is not a cosmetic measure. It is the single most important step in preserving whatever remains of the structure while restoration is coordinated. Every day without a tarp is another day of preventable additional loss.

Rain water on top of fire damage
Fire weakens materials and removes their protective layers. Rain entering the opening saturates already-compromised wood, drywall, and contents faster than it would on an undamaged structure.
Accelerated mold growth
Firefighting water combined with an open roof and warm temperatures creates near-ideal mold conditions. Mold can become visible within 48 hours in these circumstances.
Salvageable materials and contents
Items not destroyed by the fire itself can still be recovered if they are not further damaged by water. A tarp protects rooms and contents that survived the fire from being lost to rain.
Smoke and soot reactivation
Rain mixing with ash and soot residue creates acidic runoff that stains and damages surfaces well beyond the burn zone. Sealing the opening limits the spread of this secondary damage.
Unauthorized access and theft
A visible roof opening signals an unsecured structure. A tarp reduces the visual signal of an open building and provides a physical barrier against entry through the roof.
Important considerations

Fire jobs require a different approach than storm damage.

Our Seekers are experienced with fire-damaged structures. Here is what makes fire tarping distinct from other damage types.

Structural safety first

Your Seeker will not access a roof that is structurally unsafe. Fire-weakened decking, compromised trusses, or unstable areas will be noted and we will work around them. Safety is non-negotiable on every job.

Larger tarp area typically needed

Fire damage tends to affect a broader area than storm damage. The burn zone, firefighter access points, and compromised surrounding material all need to be covered. Our quoting accounts for the full area that requires protection.

Documentation supports fire claims

Fire insurance claims are among the most complex and scrutinized. Our before-and-after documentation of the roof condition and tarp installation gives your adjuster and restoration team a clear record of the protective measures taken and when.

We work alongside your restoration team

We tarp the roof. You work with a fire restoration company for the rest of the process. We have no relationship with any restoration contractor and no financial interest in who you choose. We do our job and step aside.

Scene clearance required. We can only access the property once it has been cleared by the fire marshal or appropriate authority and deemed safe for entry. If you are unsure of clearance status, confirm with your local fire department before scheduling. Once cleared, contact us and we will get a Seeker scheduled promptly.
Why timing still matters

After a fire, every day without a tarp compounds the loss.

The fire itself was devastating. What happens next to an unprotected structure should not be.

48 hrs
Mold growth can begin
Firefighting water combined with an open roof and warm interior temperatures creates mold-friendly conditions within 48 hours. Mold remediation on top of fire restoration dramatically increases total recovery cost.
Every rain event
More salvageable materials are lost
Contents, flooring, and structural materials that survived the fire can still be saved if kept dry. Each rainfall without a tarp damages more of what could have been recovered.
As soon as cleared
The right time to tarp
The moment the scene is cleared and safe to access, getting a tarp installed is the highest-value action you can take. It protects the structure, supports the claim, and limits total restoration cost.
Insurance coverage

Fire damage is covered. Professional tarping documentation makes your claim stronger.

Fire damage is one of the most comprehensively covered perils in standard homeowner's insurance policies. Both the structural damage and reasonable emergency protective measures, including roof tarping, are typically covered under your dwelling protection.

For fire claims, documentation is especially important. Fire insurance claims involve large dollar amounts, multiple parties, and extended timelines. Having a clear, professional record of the emergency measures taken immediately after the fire, including roof tarping, establishes your good-faith effort to mitigate further loss and strengthens your position throughout the claims process.

Our documentation package is built to the standard that insurance adjusters and restoration companies already use from SeekNow. After 13+ years working with insurance companies, we know what a complete, credible record looks like for a fire claim.

Pre-tarp photos of roof damage and full fire-affected area
Post-installation photos confirming tarp coverage and secure installation
Written damage assessment with affected area measurements
Itemized cost record formatted for fire claim submission
What we deliver on every fire damage job
Pre-tarp photos of the full fire-damaged roof area
Post-installation photos confirming complete coverage
Written scope of damage and tarp coverage area
Itemized cost record for fire claim documentation
All records delivered to you to use with your insurer and restoration team
Note on additional living expenses: If you have been displaced by the fire, your policy may include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. Ask your adjuster specifically about this, as it covers temporary housing and related costs during restoration. Tarping documentation supports the overall claim that makes ALE coverage accessible.
What to expect

How Get a Tarp handles fire damage jobs

Once the scene is cleared, four steps to a protected and documented roof.

1
Submit your request
Fill out the short form with your property address and details of the fire damage. Note that the scene has been cleared and is safe to access.
2
Seeker is routed to you
A vetted, background-checked, and insured Seeker experienced with fire-damaged structures is confirmed for your location.
3
On-site assessment and quote
Your Seeker evaluates the fire damage, determines the full area requiring tarp coverage, and provides a transparent on-site quote. No obligation to proceed.
4
Tarp installed and documented
You approve, we install. Your complete insurance documentation package is delivered. The roof is sealed and your claim record is established.
Fire damage FAQ

Questions about roof tarping after a fire

Yes. Fire is one of the most broadly covered perils in standard homeowner's insurance. Emergency roof tarping performed after a fire to prevent further damage is generally covered as a reasonable mitigation expense under your dwelling protection. Your insurer actually wants you to tarp, because it reduces the total claim cost by protecting what remains of the structure.
As soon as the fire marshal or appropriate authority has cleared the scene and confirmed it is safe to access. Do not attempt to access or allow anyone onto a fire-damaged roof before clearance is given. Once cleared, contact us immediately. The sooner the tarp is installed, the better protection you have against additional weather damage and mold.
No. You have a duty to mitigate under most policies, meaning you are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Waiting for an adjuster while rain enters an open fire-damaged roof is not considered reasonable mitigation. Notify your insurer promptly, document the damage thoroughly, and proceed with tarping. The documentation we provide gives your adjuster everything they need to review the situation.
Not when installed professionally. Our Seekers assess the structural condition of the roof before accessing it and adapt their installation approach to fire-damaged surfaces. We will not attempt to tarp an area that is structurally unsafe to access, and we use installation methods appropriate for compromised surfaces to avoid adding to the damage.
Large fire damage areas require larger tarps and more extensive coverage. Our quoting accounts for the full area that needs protection, not just the most visible burn zone. For very large or complex fire damage situations, describe the scope in detail when submitting your request and our scheduling team will ensure the right resources are deployed. The on-site quote will reflect the actual area that needs to be covered.
We do not have any financial relationship with fire restoration contractors and we do not make referrals. We install the tarp, deliver your documentation, and step aside completely. You choose your own restoration company independently of us. This is intentional. We are in the tarping business only, and that means you never have to wonder whether our involvement is motivated by anything other than protecting your roof.

Scene cleared. Time to protect what remains.

A professional tarp is the most important step you can take right now. It protects your structure from further loss, supports your fire insurance claim, and gives your restoration team a better starting point.

Free quote, no commitment, no upsell, documentation included