Need a Board Up?

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business incurs storm or fire damage resulting in an opening in your building you may be in need of emergency board up services. Any openings in the structure need to be properly boarded up to protect the building from the weather and illegal entry. Your insurance policy also requires you to be proactive in protecting your home or business after any type of damage has occurred, otherwise, the insurance company could account any further/secondary damage to the structure as negligence.

Not every situation requires the most extensive board up that the U.S Fire Administration have in their board up procedure manual, such as after a fire where the entire home is destroyed and is considered a complete loss. While each emergency board up is different, let’s take a look at how to properly board up a structure after the damage has caused an opening in the building.

Determining How Much Protection Is Needed

1. Openings in the basement, first floor doors, windows, and any point of entry accessible from a porch, fire escape, or other potential climbing point require additional security measures. These openings should be barricaded with plywood, 2x4s, bolts, and nails.
2. Openings that are at least 10′ from ground level which is not accessible from a porch, fire escape, roof, or another climbing point can be secured with nails in each brace, and every 12″ around the perimeter. For these openings the plywood should be fitted so that it rests snugly against the exterior frame, butting up to the siding on wood frame buildings and up to the brickwork on brick buildings. It may be necessary to remove the staff bead so this fit can be flush and tight.

Need Emergency Board Up Services? Contact SERVPRO of North East Long Beach / Lakewood today to schedule an appointment. (562)-591-1788