When a commercial or residential roof is damaged by a storm, wind, falling debris, or another covered event, temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent additional damage. Examples include installing a temporary roof tarp, covering exposed areas, removing dangerous debris, sealing an opening, or making other emergency measures that protect the building until permanent repairs can be completed.
For insurance reimbursement, the most important principle is simple: document the original damage, document the temporary repair, and document every expense associated with the work.
1. Photograph the Damage Before Repairs
Whenever it is reasonably safe to do so, take clear photographs and videos before anyone performs temporary repairs. Capture wide-angle images showing the affected roof area and closer photographs showing punctures, lifted materials, missing shingles or membrane, exposed decking, water intrusion, or other visible damage.
Florida’s consumer guidance specifically recommends photographing damage before and after emergency repairs and keeping receipts for materials and labor.
For commercial properties, it is useful to organize photographs by building, roof section, elevation, and date. If possible, preserve the original digital files rather than relying only on screenshots or compressed images.
2. Record Why the Temporary Repair Was Necessary
Create a written record explaining what happened and why immediate action was required. For example:
“Storm damage created an opening in the roof membrane, allowing rainwater to enter the building. A temporary tarp was installed to prevent additional interior and roof-system damage pending permanent repairs.”
This helps establish that the work was performed to mitigate further damage, rather than as an unnecessary upgrade or permanent improvement.
Florida guidance states that policyholders have a responsibility to protect property from further damage and make reasonable temporary repairs after a loss.
3. Keep Detailed Invoices and Receipts
Every temporary repair should have supporting documentation. Keep invoices, receipts, purchase orders, credit-card receipts, canceled checks, and other proof of payment.
The documentation should identify:
-
Date of service
-
Property address
-
Description of the emergency work
-
Materials used
-
Labor hours or labor charges
-
Equipment or disposal charges
-
Contractor or vendor information
-
Total amount paid
A vague invoice saying “roof repair — $2,000” provides much less support than an itemized invoice describing the emergency tarp installation, fasteners, labor, equipment, and other materials.
4. Document the Repair After Completion
Take another set of photographs after the temporary repair is completed. Show exactly what was installed and where. For example, photograph the installed tarp from several angles and capture the surrounding roof area so an adjuster can connect the temporary repair to the original damage.
Florida’s Department of Financial Services recommends keeping receipts and documenting emergency repairs with photographs, video, and written records.
5. Notify the Insurance Company Promptly
Report the loss to the insurance company or agent as soon as practical and follow the policy’s claim procedures. Tell the insurer that temporary repairs are necessary to prevent further damage and ask how it wants emergency invoices submitted.
If possible, allow the insurer’s adjuster to inspect the damage before permanent repairs begin. Temporary emergency work should not be confused with permanent restoration.
Florida law also establishes claim-communication and investigation requirements, although specific policy terms and exceptions can affect the process.
6. Maintain a Complete Claim File
Keep one organized file containing photographs, videos, invoices, receipts, estimates, contractor communications, insurance correspondence, claim numbers, inspection reports, and notes from conversations with the adjuster.
Do not discard damaged materials when preservation is reasonably possible until the insurer has had an opportunity to inspect them. Florida consumer guidance specifically recommends preserving damaged property when feasible.
Bottom Line
Temporary repairs should be treated as a documented mitigation effort, not simply as an emergency expense. Photograph the damage before and after the work, explain why the repair was necessary, keep itemized invoices and proof of payment, notify the insurer promptly, and maintain a complete claim record.
For Florida property owners, following these practices can make it much easier for an adjuster to determine what emergency work was performed and evaluate whether the expense is reimbursable under the applicable policy. Coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and reimbursement requirements vary by policy, so property owners should review their policy and coordinate with their insurance carrier before undertaking anything beyond necessary emergency protection.
For commercial buildings with significant roof damage, a qualified commercial roofing contractor can also help document the roof condition, emergency measures, materials used, and scope of permanent repairs for the insurance claim.
Related Questions
- Can I start repairs before the insurance adjuster visits?
- How should leak incidents be documented for liability protection?
- Are temporary repairs advisable, or should permanent fixes always be sought?
- What types of commercial roofs can be temporarily tarped?
- What should be photographed and documented before a storm?
Commercial Skylights & Roof Access
