Our Tarping Methods
Not every roof requires the same approach. We use two proven methods — selected based on the type of damage, roof material, slope, and carrier requirements — to ensure effective protection without unnecessary invasiveness.
Non-Invasive Method (Sandbag)
Our non-invasive method secures commercial-grade tarps using weighted sandbags positioned along the tarp perimeter and at critical stress points. This approach is ideal for situations where the roof decking is still largely intact and additional fastener penetrations are undesirable. It avoids creating new holes in the roof surface, which means no additional leak points and a cleaner claim for the carrier. Non-invasive tarps are frequently used on tile roofs, metal roofs, and properties where the homeowner or carrier prefers minimal intervention.
Invasive Method (Naildown)
When wind speeds are expected to remain high, when the damage area is extensive, or when the roof slope makes sandbag placement unsafe or ineffective, we use our invasive naildown method. This involves securing the tarp edges with furring strips and roofing nails driven into the decking, creating a wind-resistant seal that can withstand sustained gusts. Naildown installations are the standard for steep-slope roofs and large commercial structures where tarp failure would result in significant additional interior loss.
Why ADS Tarping Is Different
Many disaster response contractors treat tarping as a volume game — get on as many roofs as possible, bill the maximum square footage, and move on. That approach creates problems downstream: over-tarped properties generate inflated claims, poorly installed tarps fail within days requiring costly re-tarps, and carriers lose trust in the entire mitigation process.
American Disaster Solutions takes a carrier-conscious approach. We tarp only what needs to be tarped. Our field supervisors are trained to assess damage accurately and scope the tarping area to match the actual exposure — not to maximize the invoice. This disciplined scope control means carriers receive clean, defensible line items, and property owners get honest service that reflects the real condition of their roof.
We use only commercial-grade, UV-resistant tarp materials rated for extended exposure. Every tarp we install carries a 72-hour guarantee against failure under normal weather conditions. If a tarp we installed needs to be re-secured within that window, we return at no additional charge. This commitment to material quality and installation integrity significantly reduces re-tarp rates and keeps overall claim costs lower.
Aerial Image & Measurement Support
Accurate documentation is essential for clean claims processing. Our crews capture detailed before-and-after photography of every tarping job, including aerial imagery where conditions permit. These images provide adjusters with clear evidence of the damage extent, the tarp coverage area, and the installation method used — eliminating ambiguity and reducing supplement requests.
We also provide measurement data that corresponds to the tarp dimensions installed, giving carriers the square footage verification they need without requiring a separate inspection visit. This level of documentation is standard on every ADS tarping job, not an add-on service. It is part of how we operate: transparent, thorough, and built to make the claims process easier for everyone involved.
Our Process
From the moment you call to the moment we leave your property secured, our process is designed for speed, accuracy, and accountability.
1. Dispatch & Staging
You call our 24/7 dispatch line. We confirm the property location, damage description, and any carrier requirements. Our nearest staged crew is assigned and en route.
2. On-Site Assessment
Our crew arrives, conducts a safety check, and assesses the damage. We determine the appropriate tarping method, measure the affected area, and document existing conditions with photography.
3. Tarp Installation
We install the tarp using the selected method — non-invasive or invasive — covering the damaged area with proper overlap and securing all edges against wind uplift. Only the necessary area is tarped.
4. Documentation & Handoff
We capture final photos, record measurements, and compile the documentation package. The property owner receives confirmation and the carrier or adjuster receives the completed report for claims processing.