After the fire department leaves, a fire-damaged property is vulnerable to weather, vandalism, animals, and additional structural damage. Board-up and tarping - the process of securing all openings and covering damaged roof areas - is the critical first step in protecting the property and preserving the insurance claim.
Why Board-Up and Tarping Is Urgent
Preventing Secondary Damage
A fire-damaged structure often has broken windows, compromised doors, and holes in the roof. Without securing these openings, rain can cause significant water damage, wind can further destabilize weakened structures, and temperature exposure can damage remaining contents and building systems.
Liability Protection
An unsecured fire-damaged property is an "attractive nuisance" under property law. If someone enters and is injured by collapsing structure, exposed hazards, or electrical dangers, the property owner may bear liability. Proper board-up demonstrates reasonable care.
Insurance Requirement
Most property insurance policies include a "duty to mitigate" clause requiring the policyholder to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Failure to secure the property promptly can result in the carrier denying coverage for secondary damage. The Insurance Information Institute outlines these standard policy requirements.
Preserving the Claim
Everything inside the property at the time of the fire is part of the claim. If the property is left unsecured and contents are stolen, weathered, or further damaged, those items may not be fully covered. Proper documentation before and after board-up protects the claim value.
What Professional Board-Up Involves
Structural Assessment
Before board-up begins, technicians assess the structural integrity of the building. Load-bearing walls, floors, and roof trusses are evaluated to ensure it's safe to work in and around the structure.
Window and Door Boarding
All broken or missing windows and doors are covered with plywood panels secured to the frame. Panels are cut to fit each opening and anchored to prevent removal by wind or unauthorized entry.
Roof Tarping
Damaged roof sections are covered with heavy-duty polyethylene tarps. Tarps are secured with furring strips (wood battens screwed through the tarp into the roof deck) to withstand wind. Proper tarping creates a waterproof barrier over the damaged area, typically extending 3-4 feet beyond the damage on all sides.
Entry Point Creation
A secured entry point is created (typically a locked plywood door) to allow authorized access for adjusters, investigators, and restoration professionals while keeping the property secure.
Timeline and Availability
Board-up and tarping should happen within hours of the fire being extinguished - ideally the same day. Professional restoration companies with 24/7 emergency response capability can have a crew on-site within 60-90 minutes.
The physical board-up work typically takes 2-6 hours depending on the size of the property and extent of damage. Larger commercial properties or multi-story structures may require specialized equipment and take longer.
Insurance Coverage
Board-up and tarping is a covered emergency mitigation expense under virtually all property insurance policies. Key points:
- Pre-approval from the insurance carrier is NOT required for emergency board-up
- The cost is included in the overall fire damage claim, not applied to the deductible separately
- Professional documentation of the board-up work (photos, materials list, scope) supports the claim
- Multiple board-up visits may be needed if the property remains unrepaired for an extended period
For Property Managers
Multi-unit properties require coordinated board-up that considers common areas, adjacent unit exposure, and building-wide systems. Secure the entire affected area, not just the fire unit. Smoke and water damage to adjacent units also requires attention - see our smoke damage restoration guide.
Get Immediate Help
Every hour an unsecured property sits exposed increases the risk of secondary damage and complications to the insurance claim. Submit a referral for emergency board-up and tarping - we'll have a certified team on-site within 60 minutes, 24/7.