Emergency board-up and roof tarping

What emergency board-up is

After a fire, storm, break-in or accident, a building can be left with openings that cannot be closed by hand: shattered glass, a door off its frame, scorched wall sections or a roof hole. Emergency board-up and tarping is the temporary fix that closes those openings so more damage does not follow.

Why it should not wait

An open building keeps getting damaged. Rain soaks insulation and ceilings, wind pushes debris inside, animals move in, and vacant damaged properties can attract theft. Insurance policies commonly expect owners to protect the property after a loss, so securing it is both practical and part of the claim.

Situations where we are called

• Windows or doors broken by a fire or storm.
• Roof damage from fallen trees, wind or hail.
• Vehicle impact into a wall or storefront.
• Break-ins that left a door or window unusable.
• Walls opened by firefighters or damaged by flames.

Before we arrive

• Make sure it is safe to be near the damage. Stay clear of broken glass, hanging debris and anything that looks structurally unsound.
• Keep away from downed power lines.
• Take photos or video of every damaged area before it is covered.
• Move valuables out of the way if you can do so safely.
• If you suspect a crime, contact the police and ask whether they need to see the scene first.
• Keep notes on what happened and when.

What we do on site

We look over the damage and decide how to secure each opening. Windows and doors are covered with panels fastened to the structure, sized to fit. Roof breaks are covered with tarps secured to keep wind from lifting them.

Board-up is usually the first stage of a longer project. If water got in, we continue with drying and cleanup as laid out in our restoration process. If there was a fire, board-up pairs with fire and smoke restoration. After a storm, it often goes together with storm damage restoration. When it is time for permanent fixes, our reconstruction work picks up from there.

Tarps, panels and what each is for

Different openings call for different materials. Plywood or similar panels suit windows, doors and wall openings, because they are rigid and hard to pry off. Heavy-duty tarps suit roofs, where the goal is to shed water and where a rigid panel is impractical. Both are meant to hold through weather for a limited time, not to replace permanent repair.

Do not wait too long to schedule permanent repairs. Tarps can loosen in strong wind and panels do not provide insulation or natural light. If you are living in the building, ask us what to watch for, such as a tarp lifting, a panel loosening or water coming through a seam.

After the property is secured

Once openings are closed, the next steps depend on what caused the loss. The building may need interior drying, smoke cleanup or repair planning. Talk to your insurance company about the permanent work and keep the board-up invoice with your claim paperwork. When the permanent window, door or roof work is complete, we or the contractor can remove the temporary covers.

Vacant and damaged buildings

A damaged building that sits empty is a target for theft and vandalism. If you are staying elsewhere while repairs are arranged, let a neighbor know, check on the property when you can and ask your insurance company whether any security steps are required under your policy.

Insurance

The cost of temporary protection is commonly part of a claim, though it depends on your policy. Keep every receipt and all photos. We work with your insurance company and can bill the insurer directly. See the insurance page.

Service area

Board-up service is available around St. Charles County and St. Louis County, including St. Charles, St. Peters and Weldon Spring. The full service area list is available too.

If your building is open to the elements, call us. Our line is open 24/7 for emergencies.