Fire Damage· Urgent service
Emergency Board-Up
Secure the openings so the damage does not get worse overnight.
Fire crews often break windows, force doors and vent the roof to fight a fire. Board-up closes those openings so rain, animals and intruders stay out until repairs begin.
What emergency board-up does
Board-up is a temporary measure. Plywood is fastened over broken windows and doors, and openings in the roof are covered with tarps or sheathing. The goal is to protect what is left of the home and its contents, not to make a permanent repair.
Many insurance policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss. Securing the property quickly is usually one of those steps. Check your own policy for the specifics.
When to call for board-up
If any of these apply, the property should be secured as soon as possible.
You cannot lock the house
An unsecured home is at risk of theft and vandalism, especially when it is clearly unoccupied.
Rain or snow can get in
Water entering through broken windows or roof openings adds water damage to the fire damage.
Glass is broken at ground level
Broken glass is a safety hazard for family members, neighbors and passersby.
Animals can get inside
Birds, raccoons and rodents move into damaged homes quickly.
How board-up is done
Board-up should only start after the fire department has released the property.
Confirm the house is safe to work on
The crew checks with you that the fire department has cleared the property and looks for obvious structural hazards.
Photograph the openings
Damage is photographed before it is covered so you have a record for your insurer.
Board windows and doors
Plywood is cut to fit and fastened over openings. One entry is usually left secured with a lock so you and the crews can get in.
Cover roof openings
Vent holes and burned sections of roof are covered with tarps or sheathing to keep water out.
Plan the next steps
With the house secured, smoke and soot cleanup, odor removal and reconstruction can be scheduled.
Every property is different. The exact scope is set after an on-site assessment.
One call, every trade, start to finish
After a fire, the cleanup, the water left behind and the rebuild usually involve several different trades. We keep them working from one plan.
One point of contact
You work with one coordinator instead of tracking down separate contractors for each part of the job.
Every trade the job needs
Restoration rarely stops at one trade. Follow-on work like drywall, flooring, electrical or roofing can run through the same request.
Local professionals
We connect homeowners with service professionals in our network across Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana.
Records you can share
Photos and written scopes from the job can be shared with your insurer at your discretion. We are not affiliated with any insurance company and do not make coverage decisions.
Emergency Board-Up FAQs
Related services
Smoke Cleanup
Cleaning smoke residue from walls, ceilings, contents and HVAC after a fire.
Soot Cleanup
Removing heavy black soot deposits from surfaces, framing and ductwork.
Reconstruction Services
Rebuilding fire-damaged rooms, from framing and drywall to finishes.
Need the house secured?
If the property is open to weather or entry, call us. You can also send the details through the form below.
Call +1 (618) 925-0085Filling out the form
Under Services, choose Fire damage, then select Emergency boardup. If this is happening now, mark the emergency status as Yes.
Not a homeowner?