The short answer
What Determines the Speed of Boarding Up
The time it takes to secure your home depends on several key factors. The number of openings needing protection, like windows and doors, directly impacts the project duration. Larger damaged areas or multiple points of entry will require more materials and labor. Accessibility around the property and the complexity of the installation also play major roles in the timeline. For example, a second-story window may take longer than a ground-floor one due to the need for ladders or scaffolding.
The Board-Up Process for Water Damage
Boarding up after water damage is a temporary measure to prevent further harm. The pros first assess the openings and measure them for proper plywood or boarding material. They then secure the boards firmly over the damaged openings to seal out rain, debris, and unauthorized entry. This step helps stabilize the environment so drying and repairs can proceed safely inside. Proper installation involves using strong fasteners and sometimes sealing the edges to create a more weather-tight barrier against the elements.
When Immediate Boarding Up Is Critical
Some situations require urgent action to secure a home. If a storm, fallen tree, or accident has left a large hole in your roof or wall, boarding up is a top priority. This prevents additional water from entering and causing extensive secondary damage to the structure and your belongings. It also helps secure the property against potential theft or animal intrusion. In such cases, the goal is to act as quickly as possible to mitigate the ongoing damage from weather exposure.
Cost Factors for Emergency Boarding Services
The cost to board up a home varies based on the scope of work. It often depends on the size and number of openings, the time of day, and material costs. A single window might cost a few hundred dollars, while securing an entire damaged wall could be more. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered for such emergency services.
- Size and number of windows, doors, or wall openings.
- Height and accessibility of the damaged area.
- Type and thickness of boarding materials required.
- Whether the work is done during regular hours or after hours.
- Any necessary site preparation, like clearing debris.
- Local permit requirements, if applicable.
Next Steps After Your Home Is Secured
Once the home is boarded up, the focus shifts to the interior water damage. The boarding allows for controlled drying conditions inside by keeping out new moisture. The next steps typically involve water extraction, moisture mapping, and structural drying to prevent mold. You can then plan for permanent repairs, such as drywall water damage repair or water-damaged flooring removal, with the appropriate trades. This sequence ensures the home is stable before interior restoration work begins in earnest.
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Is boarding up covered by homeowners insurance?
Many policies cover emergency board-up costs if the damage is from a covered peril, like a storm. You should document the damage with photos and keep receipts. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Contact your insurance company promptly to start a claim.
Can I board up my home myself?
You can attempt a temporary fix, but a professional job is safer and more secure. Improper boarding can fail under wind or allow water seepage. The pros use the right materials and fastening techniques to ensure a tight seal and protect your property until permanent repairs are made.
What happens to the boards after repairs?
The temporary boards are removed once the permanent repair is scheduled. For example, after a new window is installed or the damaged wall section is rebuilt, the boarding comes down. The pros who handle the final restoration will typically remove the boards as part of their repair process.