Board-Up
The temporary closure of broken windows, doors, and other openings after a fire, storm, or impact loss to secure the property against weather, pests, and intrusion. A standard mitigation activity typically covered under the insurance policy.
Board-up is the temporary closure of broken or compromised openings in a structure after a loss, using plywood, OSB, polyethylene sheeting, or specialty boards. It is a baseline mitigation service that secures the property until permanent repairs are completed.
When Board-Up Is Used
Fires leave windows and doors broken or destroyed. Storms knock out window panes and damage siding. Vehicle impacts and forced entry break structural openings. In all of these situations, the structure is exposed to weather, pests, and intrusion until the openings are secured. Board-up closes the gap.
What Professional Board-Up Includes
A professional board-up uses appropriate materials — typically plywood or OSB for solid openings, polyethylene sheeting for larger compromised areas, and specialty boards for situations requiring specific performance. The boards are secured to the structure with fasteners appropriate for the substrate. Door board-ups often include a lockable entry so the policyholder or contractors can still access the property.
Documentation and Coverage
Board-up costs are typically covered under the insurance policy's mitigation provisions. Invoices should document the scope (number of openings, size, materials), the labor, and any premiums for after-hours response or difficult access. Photographs before and after board-up support the claim. Like other mitigation work, board-up is often billed and paid on its own timeline, separate from the permanent repair scope.
Frequently asked questions
Any time an opening in the structure cannot be secured by normal means. Broken windows or doors after a storm, damaged walls after a vehicle impact, compromised openings after a fire — all qualify. The purpose is to prevent further damage from weather, pests, or intrusion while permanent repairs are pending.
As soon as possible after the damage is identified. Every hour an opening is unsecured creates exposure to rain, theft, or animals entering the structure. Professional mitigation crews typically respond within hours. Policyholders who need immediate board-up should call a 24-hour mitigation contractor.
Typically per linear foot or per square foot of coverage, with premiums for height, difficult access, and specialty materials. Emergency after-hours response may carry its own premium. Xactimate includes standard board-up line items under mitigation categories.
No credit card required