What Is Operation Blue Roof And What If You Don’t Qualify?

What Is Operation Blue Roof And What If You Don’t Qualify

When disaster strikes, protecting your home becomes a top priority. Hurricanes and severe storms can leave roofs battered, exposing your property to additional damage from rain and debris. To help homeowners in disaster-affected areas, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with FEMA, manages a critical program called Operation Blue Roof. This initiative provides free, temporary roof coverings to eligible residents, giving them time to arrange for permanent repairs.

However, not every home qualifies for Operation Blue Roof, leaving some property owners wondering what their options are. At MBC Capital General Contractors, we’re here to provide solutions, including reliable blue tarp services to secure your property when you don’t meet the program’s criteria.

What is Operation Blue Roof?

Operation Blue Roof is a government initiative designed to help homeowners in areas declared disaster zones. The program provides a temporary fix for damaged roofs by installing fiber-reinforced sheeting, often referred to as “blue tarps.” These covers protect homes from further damage, allowing residents to remain in their homes while arranging for permanent repairs.

The program is free of charge to eligible homeowners and aims to reduce temporary housing costs by keeping people in their homes. The process starts with signing a Right of Entry (ROE) form, which grants USACE contractors’ permission to access the property, assess damage, and install the temporary roof covering.

Eligibility Criteria for Operation Blue Roof

To qualify for Operation Blue Roof, specific requirements must be met:

  • Primary Residence: The property must be the applicant’s main residence, not a vacation home or rental property used exclusively by tenants.
  • Roof Damage: No more than 50% of the roof framing can be damaged. The structure must be able to support the sheeting and provide safe shelter once the tarp is installed.
  • Roof Type: Standard shingle roofs are eligible, as are some metal and mobile home roofs on a case-by-case basis. Materials like slate, asbestos, and clay tiles are not covered due to their fragility.
  • Occupancy Certification: Applicants must certify they are the homeowner or have permission from the homeowner to remain in the property during repairs.
  • Pet Safety: Pets must be secured to allow workers to safely access the roof during installation.

If your property doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t qualify for Operation Blue Roof. This is where companies like MBC Capital General Contractors step in to provide the assistance you need.

What to Do If You Don’t Qualify for Operation Blue Roof

While Operation Blue Roof is a vital resource, it’s not the only option available for securing your property after a storm. At MBC Capital General Contractors, we offer professional blue tarp installation services to protect your home from further damage. Our services are designed to meet your needs quickly and effectively, ensuring your property is safe while you plan for permanent repairs.

Why You Might Not Qualify

There are several reasons why a homeowner may not qualify for Operation Blue Roof:

  1. The roof is made of non-qualifying materials like slate or clay tiles.
  2. The damage to the roof exceeds 50% of the framing.
  3. The property is not the primary residence of the applicant.
  4. The roof’s structure cannot safely support the tarp installation.

If you fall into any of these categories, you still have options to secure your home and prevent additional damage.

How MBC Capital General Contractors Can Help

At MBC Capital General Contractors, we understand the urgency of securing a damaged roof. We offer high-quality blue tarp installation services to provide temporary protection for your home, regardless of whether you qualify for Operation Blue Roof.

Our services include:

  • Fast Response: We understand the importance of acting quickly to prevent further damage to your property.
  • Durable Materials: Our blue tarps are made of high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements.
  • Professional Installation: Our team ensures the tarp is securely installed to provide maximum protection.

When you need reliable solutions after a storm, you can count on MBC to deliver.

Key Benefits of Temporary Roof Coverings

Whether installed through Operation Blue Roof or by a professional contractor like MBC, temporary roof coverings provide essential benefits:

  • Prevent Water Damage: A secure tarp prevents rain from entering your home, protecting your belongings and reducing the risk of mold growth.
  • Maintain Livability: By keeping your home dry and safe, temporary coverings allow you to remain in your residence while planning for repairs.
  • Reduce Repair Costs: Preventing further damage minimizes the scope and cost of permanent repairs.

Common Questions About Operation Blue Roof

Yes, Operation Blue Roof is a free service provided by the government. If someone tries to charge you for participation, it’s likely a scam. Report such incidents to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

Once your Right of Entry form is submitted, USACE contractors will assess your roof to determine if it qualifies for the program. If approved, they will install the fiber-reinforced sheeting.

Renters may apply if they have permission from the property owner and plan to remain in the home while repairs are made.

Roofs made of slate, asbestos, or clay tile generally don’t qualify for Operation Blue Roof due to the difficulty of securing the tarp without causing further damage.

How to Prepare for Temporary Roof Installation

Whether you’re participating in Operation Blue Roof or hiring MBC Capital General Contractors, preparation is key to ensuring the process goes smoothly.

Steps to prepare your property:

  • Clear the Roof: Remove any debris that could obstruct tarp installation.
  • Secure Pets: Make sure pets are kept indoors or restrained away from the work area to ensure the safety of both animals and contractors.
  • Document Damage: Take photos of your roof damage for insurance purposes and to provide to contractors or FEMA representatives if needed.

Contact MBC Capital General Contractors for Blue Tarp Installation

If you don’t qualify for Operation Blue Roof, MBC Capital General Contractors is here to help. Our professional team provides high-quality blue tarp installations to protect your property during the critical post-storm period. Located in Tampa, Florida, we specialize in fast, reliable solutions tailored to your needs.

Visit our website at MBC Capital General Contractors to learn more about our services, or call us today to schedule your blue tarp installation. Let us help you secure your property and start the path to recovery with confidence.