Key Takeaways
- Accelerate Claims: Professional shrink wrap eliminates “re-tarping” delays, allowing adjusters to move claims to settlement faster.
- Reduce Liability: Subcontracting roof work transfers fall risk and installation liability to certified specialists like StormWrappers.
- Stop Secondary Loss: A heat-sealed barrier is the only temporary solution that guarantees 100% water prevention, aligning with IICRC moisture control standards.
- Preserve Margins: Free your internal crews to focus on high-margin interior restoration while we handle the complex exterior containment.
Shrink wrap services for restoration companies are specialized subcontracting solutions where a third-party expert installs heavy-duty, heat-sealed polyethylene membranes on damaged structures. For restoration professionals, this service acts as a strategic “pause button” on water damage, effectively sealing the building envelope to facilitate interior drying, satisfy insurance requirements for “reasonable repairs,” and accelerate the overall claim closure process.
In the high-stakes environment of 2026, where storm severity is increasing and insurance adjusters are scrutinizing every mitigation line item, the old “blue tarp” method is becoming a liability. Restoration companies that leverage professional shrink wrap partnerships are closing claims faster and securing larger commercial projects.
Why Restoration Companies Need a Shrink Wrap Partner
For General Contractors (GCs) and Restoration professionals, time is the enemy. Every hour a roof remains compromised is an hour that secondary damages—like mold growth and structural rot—escalate. This escalation complicates the claim, triggers complex IICRC S500 water damage protocols, and delays payment.
Partnering with a dedicated shrink wrap subcontractor transforms this dynamic. Instead of pulling your drying technicians off high-margin interior work to struggle with tarps on a dangerous roof, you deploy a specialist team. This division of labor ensures that the building envelope is secured with a drum-tight, 12-mil barrier that can withstand hurricane-force winds, while your team focuses on the interior scope.
The “One-Touch” Mitigation Strategy
Insurance adjusters prefer “one-touch” solutions. A blue tarp often requires 3-4 site visits to re-secure after subsequent storms. Each visit re-opens the file, adds labor costs that carriers may dispute, and frustrates the property owner. Shrink wrap is a “one-touch” install that lasts up to 12 months. This reliability allows the adjuster to check the “mitigation” box with confidence and move immediately to the permanent repair scope.
Data Comparison: Shrink Wrap vs. Blue Tarps
When presenting options to a commercial property manager or an insurance carrier, the data supports shrink wrap as the superior risk management tool. Use this table to justify the upgrade in your scope of work.
| Feature | Blue Tarp (Traditional) | Professional Shrink Wrap (StormWrappers) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 30–90 days (prone to tearing) | 6–12 months (UV & Wind Resistant) |
| Waterproof Rating | Water-shedding (leaks common) | 100% Seamless/Heat-Sealed |
| Wind Resistance | Fails at ~40 mph | Resists up to 90+ mph winds |
| Claim Impact | High risk of secondary damage disputes | Stops secondary damage immediately |
| Insurance Acceptance | Standard temporary repair | Preferred for “Large Loss” & Commercial |
| Maintenance | Requires frequent re-tightening | Zero maintenance required |
The Subcontracting Workflow: How It Works
Integrating StormWrappers into your response plan is seamless. We operate as a “white label” or strategic partner, ensuring your brand reputation is enhanced by the quality of the install.
- Assessment & Dispatch: When you land a loss—whether it’s a residential complex or a commercial warehouse—you contact us. We deploy immediately.
- Safety & Stabilization: Our teams handle all roof safety protocols. We frame out the structure if necessary (e.g., if the roof decking is compromised).
- Encapsulation: We install the shrink wrap, heat-sealing all seams and perimeter attachments. This creates a monolithic barrier.
- Hand-Off: We provide you with photos and documentation for your Xactimate sketch. You can now place drying equipment inside with the guarantee that no new moisture will enter.
For a real-world example of this partnership in action, read our case study: StormWrappers X Servpro: The Pulaski School Bus Garage Project.
Strategic Advantages for Large Loss Projects
In large commercial losses, the stakes are exponentially higher. A leaky tarp on a manufacturing plant can halt production lines, costing millions in business interruption (BI) claims. Insurance carriers are highly motivated to minimize BI costs.
By proposing shrink wrap, you demonstrate to the adjuster that you are prioritizing Business Continuity. The Insurance Information Institute notes that reducing business interruption is often a primary goal in commercial claims. A shrink-wrapped roof allows operations to continue inside safely, which can save the carrier hundreds of thousands of dollars—making your invoice for the wrap easy to approve.
Compliance with IICRC Standards
Effective restoration relies on controlling the environment. Insurance-approved roof wraps are the first line of defense in achieving the “closed drying system” recommended by industry standards. Without a sealed roof, your dehumidifiers are trying to dry the ocean. Shrink wrap creates the necessary containment to dry the structure efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is shrink wrap reimbursable by insurance?
Yes. Most commercial and homeowner policies cover “reasonable repairs” required to protect the property from further damage. Shrink wrap is widely accepted by adjusters as a necessary mitigation step, especially when blue tarps are insufficient for the duration of the repair.
How quickly can you deploy for a partner project?
We specialize in emergency response. For our restoration partners, we prioritize dispatch to ensure you can stabilize the site within 24-48 hours of the loss. Learn more about our large loss capabilities here.
Do you handle the billing or do we?
We are flexible. We can work as a subcontractor where you bill the carrier (adding your O&P), or we can bill the client directly if you prefer to keep the liability separate. Most partners prefer to include our services in their master scope to control the entire project narrative.
Ready to upgrade your mitigation strategy? Don’t let a failed tarp ruin your restoration project. Contact StormWrappers today to establish a partnership plan before the next storm hits.
