Is insurance usually required for these types of services?

Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding both type and severity levels associated thereof service needs, insurance might not always be essential.

How can I tell if a weather related claim is covered under my insurance policy?

It depends on the specifics of your policy and what type of coverage you have. Generally, most policies cover damage that results from very specific types of events like hail or windstorms. If in doubt it’s best to contact your insurer directly for more information about potential coverage.

How often should I check my policy details?

You should review your insurance documentation each time a change is made or at least annually in order to ensure that it meets all applicable state laws and regulations. Additionally, if there are changes within your company’s operations or area of operation (such as acquiring new property) then those matters need immediate attention so that any necessary adjustments can be made quickly an efficiently without delay.

Specialty Restoration Services

Need Emergency Tarping or Board-Up in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids homeowners know how fast Iowa weather can find a weak spot. Derecho-strength winds have torn through the city before, ripping away roofing and siding, shattering windows, and bringing down thousands of trees across entire neighborhoods. That storm reshaped the city's tree canopy, and the mature oaks and maples still standing in older neighborhoods like Wellington Heights, Kenwood Park, and the Northwest side can drop heavy limbs onto roofs when high winds return. Each spring and summer, severe thunderstorms roll across Linn County with hail, straight-line winds, and tornado warnings that can crack shingles and break glass in minutes. Winter brings its own stress, as heavy snow piles onto rooflines and freeze-thaw cycles form ice dams that lift shingles and open seams. A house fire or break-in can also leave doors and windows broken and exposed. If weather or another emergency opens up part of your home, ServiceMaster by Rice - Cedar Rapids provides tarping and board-up, roof tarping, and emergency board-up services. We cover vulnerable areas and keep the damage contained while you sort through everything else. We're proud to help Cedar Rapids families protect their homes when it matters most.

Did Damage Leave A Hole In Your Cedar Rapids Home? Let’s Cover It And Protect What’s Inside. Call Now.

Call 866.867.3123

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Storm Roof Tarping

Finding shingles in the yard or seeing daylight where your roof should be makes the next rain cloud a little too close for comfort. Across Cedar Rapids, spring and summer storms can bring hail and straight-line winds strong enough to strip shingles, tear flashing from chimneys, and puncture roof decking. Falling limbs can crack rafters and leave gaping holes. Once the roof is open, every passing storm sends more water into the attic, soaking insulation and staining ceilings below. In winter, snow and ice can pile into the opening and melt through the house. We secure tarps over damaged sections to keep weather out until permanent repairs are made.

Emergency Opening Board-Up

A broken window or damaged door changes how secure your home feels, especially when repairs can't happen right away. Severe storms can send branches and debris through glass, and hail can shatter windows and skylights. After a house fire, firefighters often have to break windows or force doors open to reach the flames. An open window or broken door lets rain, snow, and freezing Iowa air pour inside. It can also attract animals looking for shelter and people looking for an easy way in. Until every opening is secured, a damaged home stays vulnerable to further loss.

servicemaster restore technician talking with a homeowner about roof damage

servicemaster restore technician performing content cleaning after fire damage

Hoarding Property Cleanup

Facing a home filled with years of belongings can make it hard to know where to begin. In long-held family homes across Cedar Rapids, items can build up until hallways narrow, rooms close off, and exits become hard to reach. Clutter can hide leaks, pests, and mold, especially in basements that already struggle with dampness. Stacks of paper and fabric near furnaces, space heaters, or outlets create serious fire risks during long Iowa winters. Families often feel overwhelmed, especially when a loved one is deeply attached to what's inside. These situations call for patience, discretion, and respect, not judgment.

Why Cedar Rapids Homeowners Trust Us With the Unexpected

Fast Home Protection

Heavy-duty tarping and board-up puts a temporary barrier over damaged roofing, keeping incoming rain away from exposed areas while you sort through repairs and figure out the next steps for your home.

Belongings Stay Covered

Broken windows and damaged doors are securely boarded to close off easy entry into your home, giving furniture, keepsakes, and other belongings better protection while permanent repairs are being arranged.

Privacy Comes First

We handle hoarding cleanup respectfully and discreetly, keeping your household part of the conversation throughout the process. Personal belongings, important decisions, and family privacy are treated with care from beginning to end.

Claims Feel Simpler

Photos and detailed notes capture the condition of your property after storm, fire, or forced-entry damage, giving you useful records to share with your insurance company as the claim moves ahead.

Secure It Sooner

When damage leaves your home exposed, every hour matters in keeping the original problem contained.

In the first few hours, your home is exposed. Rain and wind have a direct path through damaged roofing or broken windows, while unsecured openings make it easier for someone to enter. Covering those areas early on puts an important barrier back in place.

Over the next day or two, new damage adds up. Moisture begins soaking into insulation, drywall, flooring, and other materials protected before the loss. Open windows and doors also put furniture, keepsakes, and other belongings at greater risk.

After several days, repairs grow. Continued exposure to changing weather strains structural materials and expands the areas that need repair. A problem that was once contained to one opening could turn into a larger reconstruction project

Take It One Step at a Time

1

Step 1

Put People First

Watch for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, unstable materials, or other hazards around the property. Give family members and pets plenty of distance until emergency crews have cleared the area.
2

Step 2

Wait Before Going Inside

A familiar home may look different after a fire or severe storm. Stay outside until firefighters, emergency personnel, or a structural professional confirms it's safe to enter the property.
3

Step 3

Capture What Happened

When conditions permit, photograph and video visible damage throughout the exterior and interior. A thorough record gives your insurance company useful details as the claim and recovery process move ahead.
4

Step 4

Bring In ServiceMaster by Rice - Cedar Rapids

Once everyone is out of harm’s way and you have documentation, call ServiceMaster by Rice - Cedar Rapids. Our 24/7 team secures exposed areas to prevent further weather intrusion.