What's the Purpose of Emergency Board-Up Service?

The short answer

Why Board-Up Matters

After a severe storm, fire, or accidental impact, your home may have shattered windows, a damaged door, or a hole in the roof. These openings leave the interior exposed to rain, wind, dust, and debris. Boarding up these areas quickly helps stop additional water from entering and causing more harm to floors, walls, and belongings.

Board-up also keeps out animals and unauthorized people. A broken window or door is an easy entry point for intruders or wildlife seeking shelter. Covering the opening with sturdy material deters these risks, giving you peace of mind while you arrange for permanent repairs.

Protects against rain and wind
Prevents animal entry
Deters break-ins
Reduces further water damage
Helps stabilize the structure
Buys time for repair planning

When You Need It

You may need emergency board-up after a storm, a fire, a fallen tree, or a break-in. Any event that creates a gap in your home's outer shell calls for a temporary cover. Acting quickly is key, as even a few hours of exposure can worsen the damage.

If you live in Mesa, the hot, dry climate with sudden high winds and hail can cause unexpected damage. After such an event, check your windows, doors, and roof for any breaches. If you find one, consider board-up service right away.

What the Pros Do

When you call for board-up, the pros assess the damaged areas and measure openings. They use materials like plywood to cover broken windows, doors, or roof sections. The cover is secured with screws or nails to hold it firmly in place, even in strong winds.

The work usually involves removing loose glass or debris, fitting the board, and sealing edges where possible. This is a temporary fix, not a permanent repair. The pros focus on making the opening secure enough to last until you can schedule proper window, door, or roof replacement.

Safety and Insurance

Your safety comes first. If the damage is extensive or the structure looks unstable, keep yourself and your family away. See a doctor if you feel unwell from smoke, fumes, or injuries. Do not attempt to board up a severely damaged roof on your own; that is dangerous work for the pros.

Board-up costs can vary. The price often depends on the size of the openings, the type of material needed, and the accessibility of the damaged areas. Check your homeowner's policy to see if emergency board-up is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Next Steps After Board-Up

Once the board-up is in place, the immediate danger is reduced, but the work is not done. You still need to arrange for permanent repairs, such as replacing glass, fixing frames, or repairing the roof. Water damage may have already occurred inside, so inspect your home for dampness or mold.

If water got in, you may need additional services like emergency water damage restoration or flood cleanup. Make a list of damaged items for your insurance claim. Keep receipts for any emergency work you pay for, as they may be useful. Act quickly to prevent mold from developing.

Related services on this site that can help include emergency water damage restoration, emergency flood cleanup, and drywall water damage repair. Each addresses a different part of the recovery process, from drying out the structure to repairing the materials.

Frequently asked questions

How long does board-up last?

Board-up is temporary, usually lasting a few days to a few weeks. The exact duration depends on the material used and weather conditions. The pros will secure it well enough to hold until you arrange permanent repairs.

Can I board up my own windows?

You can attempt a simple window if you have the tools and materials. But for large holes, high windows, or roof damage, it's safer to let the pros handle it. They have the right equipment and experience to do the job securely.

Will my insurance pay for board-up?

Coverage varies by policy and the cause of damage. Many policies include emergency measures like board-up as part of a covered claim. Check your policy documents or talk to your insurer. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.