Emergency Roof Repair Dallas: $350 to $1,500 + $450 Tarp

National emergency and repair figures, plus Angi's Dallas replacement range.

Do this now: storm damage to a Dallas roof

1. Get people out from under any ceiling that is sagging or soaked.
2. Downed power line? Oncor says leave the area immediately and call 911, and never approach or touch it.
3. Stay off the roof. Let the crew climb it.
4. Shut off power to rooms where water is near lights or outlets, from a dry spot at the breaker.
5. Photograph everything, then call your insurer if you plan a claim, before you sign any contract.

Is it an emergency? Storm damage that needs a tarp tonight

Open decking, a hole from a limb, or water running into the house is an emergency: tarp it before the next rain. A few missing shingles with no leak can usually wait for a daytime inspection, which avoids the $100 to $300 rush charge Fixr lists. If water is already in the walls, see Dallas plumbing and water damage for drying steps.

Dallas storms that tore roofs open: the 2019 tornado

The October 20, 2019 tornado shows how fast Dallas roofs can fail. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth rated it EF3 with estimated peak winds of 140 mph; it tracked 15.76 miles from near Irving through North Dallas to Richardson between 8:58 and 9:30 p.m., up to 1,300 yards wide. Hail is the other threat: the May 5, 1995 Mayfest storm caused an estimated $2 billion in damage across Tarrant and Dallas counties.

Permits after storm damage in Dallas

A tarp or small patch can go on right away: the City of Dallas says "minor repairs to roofing or roof vents does not require a permit." Replacing large areas or the whole roof needs a re-roof permit, and structural damage needs a building permit. A permit for shingle and deck damage can be obtained over the counter at the district offices, the Oak Cliff Municipal offices or online, and the homeowner can act as the general contractor (214-948-4480).

Emergency repair grants in Dallas

The city's Emergency Home Rehabilitation program offers a grant up to $10,000 when an emergency that happened within the past 4 days poses an immediate life, health or safety concern, for owners at or below 80% of area median income; applications are taken year-round and funded if money is available. For longer repairs, the Major Systems Repair Program covers roofing with a forgivable loan up to $24,000.

Insurance after a Dallas storm

Call your insurer before you sign a roofing contract if you plan a claim. TDI says Texas law bars contractors from waiving or rebating your deductible, roofers may not act as public adjusters on their own jobs, and contracts of $1,000 or more paid by insurance must include a deductible notice. Report violations to the Texas Attorney General.

Local rules, programs and contacts for Dallas, from the official and published pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask an emergency roofer in Dallas

1. How soon can you tarp it, and what does the tarp cost on its own?
2. Will you photograph the damage before and after?
3. Is the tarp price separate from any later repair, with no contract required for the repair?
4. Can I see proof of insurance before you go up?

After the tarp: roof repair in Dallas and roof repair in Fort Worth. National guides: emergency roof repair, roof leak repair and storm damage contractor laws by state. Other cities: roof repair in Houston. Every trade: home repair costs.