Fire & smoke damage
Emergency board-up and roof tarping
Emergency board-up covers broken windows and doors with plywood, and roof tarping covers holes or damaged roofing, to keep out weather and intruders after a fire, monsoon storm or break-in. Most insurers expect the property to be secured promptly.
- Typical time
- Usually a few hours.
- Repair or replace
- Temporary protection until permanent roof and window repairs.
Securing the property is part of mitigation. After a fire, firefighters often vent the roof and break windows; after a monsoon storm, wind can lift roofing and send debris through glass.
Board-up and tarping protect the home until permanent repairs, and they're one of the first things an insurer will ask about.
Emergency Board-Up & Roof Tarping at a glance
- What it is
- Emergency board-up covers broken windows and doors with plywood, and roof tarping covers holes or damaged roofing, to keep out weather and intruders after a fire, monsoon storm or break-in.
- Service category
- Fire & smoke damage
Signs you need exposed opening help
- Broken windows or doors
- Holes in the roof after a fire or storm
- Missing or lifted roofing
- Property unoccupied after damage
- Rain forecast with an open roof
Quick answers
Emergency Board-Up & Roof Tarping: the short version
How long emergency board-up & roof tarping takes
Usually a few hours.
When exposed opening can wait, and when it can't
Immediate — insurers expect the property secured against weather and entry.
Fix or replace exposed opening?
Temporary protection until permanent roof and window repairs.
The visit
How emergency board-up & roof tarping is done
- 1
Assess openings
Windows, doors and roof areas needing protection identified.
- 2
Board up
Plywood secured over openings.
- 3
Tarp the roof
Reinforced tarps secured over damaged roofing.
- 4
Document
Photos recorded for the insurance claim.
What moves the price of emergency board-up & roof tarping
- Number and size of openings
- Roof pitch and access
- Tarp area
- After-hours response
Emergency Board-Up & Roof Tarping: common questions
Does insurance pay for emergency board-up?
Board-up and tarping are usually part of a covered claim because policies expect you to prevent further damage. Keep the invoice and photos.
How long can a roof tarp stay on?
A properly installed tarp is a temporary measure — typically weeks, not months. Permanent roof repair should be scheduled promptly, especially before monsoon storms.
Service area
Emergency Board-Up & Roof Tarping in Tucson & Pinal County
Related
Services often paired with emergency board-up & roof tarping
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
Fire damage restoration covers securing the property, removing soot and smoke residue, eliminating odor, cleaning or replacing damaged contents, and drying the water used to put the fire out.
Learn more
Monsoon & Roof Leak Water Damage
Monsoon storms can drop an inch of rain in minutes, overwhelming flat roofs, parapet walls and scuppers.
Learn more
Storm Flooding & Flood Cleanup
Floodwater that enters a home from outside is treated as contaminated (Category 3) water.
Learn more
Get help with an exposed opening
Immediate — insurers expect the property secured against weather and entry.