Emergency Roof Repair Philadelphia: $150 to $3,300 for Tarps

Tarp and surcharge rows are national; Angi's Philadelphia page says to expect extra for emergency service but gives no figure.

Do this now: roof damage in a Philadelphia storm

1. Fire, smoke or sparks: leave and call 911.
2. A wire down on the roof, porch or street: stay away, call 911 and PECO at 1-800-841-4141. PECO says to assume its equipment is energized.
3. Stay off the roof and off ladders in wind, rain or ice. Angi says roof repair is not a safe DIY job.
4. Water coming through a ceiling near a light or outlet: Angi calls a leak near wiring a safety hazard; shut power to that area at the breaker from a dry spot.
5. Put buckets down, move belongings, and photograph everything for your records.

Is it an emergency? What counts on a Philadelphia roof

It is an emergency when water is in the house or attic, a tree or limb is on the roof, or you can see daylight through roof boards, Angi says; superficial damage can wait. Philadelphia averages 10.9 days a year with an inch or more of rain and 23.1 inches of snow, NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals show, and Angi's Philadelphia guide names snow, ice, heavy rain and high winds as the local causes. Angi's national guide also says winter repairs can cost up to 100% more. Water already in the walls is a restoration job too: see water damage restoration in Philadelphia.

Emergency roof tarping: cost and how long it lasts

A professional emergency tarp costs about $450 on average, with most jobs $150 to $3,300, Angi's 2026 data shows, and emergency or small jobs run $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot. Angi says a tarp lasts safely about 90 days, so book the permanent repair while it is up. Insurance may cover a tarp when the damage itself is covered, Angi says; call your insurer first if you plan to claim.

Free emergency roof repair for eligible Philadelphia owners

The City's Basic Systems Repair Program, listed on phila.gov under "Get emergency home repairs," makes free roofing repairs for eligible owner-occupied homes, along with electrical, plumbing, heating and structural repairs. Household income limits apply. Call the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation at (215) 448-2160 to ask about eligibility and timing; it is not a same-night service, so a tarp may still be needed.

Permits and contracts after storm damage

Replacing the roof covering can go through a City EZ permit, issued immediately to a contractor with a current license, insurance and City tax account. Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors doing $5,000 or more a year to register with the Attorney General, and contracts must be written with a 3-day cancellation notice. The federal Cooling-Off Rule does not cover repairs you asked a company to come do in an emergency, the FTC says, so read before you sign. See emergency roof repair for what to ask a storm roofer.

Emergency contacts, programs and climate for Philadelphia, from the official city, utility, state, Census and NOAA pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask before an emergency roofer comes out

1. Can you tarp tonight, and what does the tarp cost on its own?
2. Is the tarp credited if I hire you for the permanent repair?
3. What is your Pennsylvania home improvement registration number?
4. Will I get a written contract with the 3-day cancellation notice?
5. Can I see proof of insurance before work starts?

More Philadelphia guides

Permanent repairs and replacement: roof repair in Philadelphia. Wet wiring: electrician in Philadelphia. Burst pipes in the same storm: emergency plumber in Philadelphia. Other cities: roof repair in Columbus and roof repair in Atlanta. Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).