Professional Emergency Board-Up & Tarping
Emergency board-up and tarping prevents secondary damage after fire, storm, or break-in compromises your building envelope. Exposed openings allow rain, animals, and intruders access—often causing more damage than the initial incident.
Professional board-up uses structural-grade plywood securely fastened to framing, not simply covering openings. Our tarping meets insurance requirements with proper overlap, reinforced edges, and secure fastening to prevent wind displacement. We arrive within 60 minutes of emergency calls.
Our Emergency Board-Up & Tarping Process
- Safety assessment of structural stability
- Measure all openings requiring coverage
- Cut 5/8" or 3/4" CDX plywood to size on-site
- Secure plywood with 3" deck screws into structural framing (not trim)
- Apply weatherproof sealant at plywood edges
- Install tarps over roof damage with 6" minimum overlap
- Secure tarps with 2x4 battens and screws (not sandbags)
- Document all secured openings with photos
- Provide board-up receipt for insurance claim
Equipment & Technology
- 5/8" or 3/4" CDX plywood (exterior-grade, structural)
- 3" galvanized deck screws (penetrate 1.5" into framing)
- Heavy-duty tarps (minimum 6-mil, preferably 10-mil UV-resistant)
- 2x4 lumber for tarp battens
- Weatherproof sealant/caulk
- Scaffolding and safety equipment for roof work
- Portable generators and lighting for night emergencies
Pricing
Board-up runs $150-$300 per standard window, $300-$500 per door, $75-$150 per small opening. Emergency roof tarping averages $500-$1,500 for residential roofs depending on damage extent. After-hours emergency rates 1.5x standard. Insurance covers as emergency mitigation.
Timeline
Arrive within 60 minutes of emergency call. Board-up of typical fire-damaged home: 2-4 hours. Roof tarping: 2-6 hours depending on damage extent.
When You Need Emergency Board-Up & Tarping
- Immediately after any fire with broken windows or roof damage
- Storm damage with broken windows or compromised roof
- Vehicle impact damaging exterior walls
- Break-ins with damaged doors or windows
- Any incident leaving building envelope compromised
- Before insurance adjuster visit to demonstrate proper mitigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I board up my own home?
DIY board-up often fails to meet insurance requirements—improperly secured plywood or inadequate tarping can result in denied secondary damage claims. Professional board-up documents proper mitigation.
How long do board-ups stay in place?
Until reconstruction replaces permanent windows and roofing. Typically 2-8 weeks. Our board-up is weatherproof and secure for extended periods.
What if it rains before you arrive?
Minimize water entry by placing tarps, towels, or plastic over openings. Document water intrusion with photos. We handle water extraction if secondary damage occurs.
Need Emergency Board-Up & Tarping?
Available 24/7 for emergencies. Call now for a free assessment.
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