If a fire, storm or break-in left windows, doors or the roof open, keep people away from damaged areas and call your insurer. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area to board up and tarp the property.
What is emergency board-up and tarping?
It is temporary work that closes a damaged building against weather, animals and intruders. Crews cover broken windows and doors with plywood and cover roof damage with heavy tarps.
It doesn’t fix the damage. It holds things in place until the inspection, the claim and the permanent repairs.
Why does it matter?
- It prevents more damage. Texas Department of Insurance claim tips list covering damage with a tarp or making temporary repairs as a step to take (TDI).
- It protects an empty home. After a fire, the U.S. Fire Administration suggests telling the police the home will be empty and boarding up if needed (USFA).
- It keeps rain out of what can still be saved. Water entering after the event can turn a contained loss into a much larger one.
What happens during a board-up?
| Step | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Safety check | Look for structural hazards, live wiring and gas before working. | On arrival |
| Photograph | Document openings and damage before they are covered. | Before covering |
| Board openings | Fit plywood over windows and doors, with a lockable entry if needed. | Usually the same visit |
| Tarp the roof | Secure tarps over roof damage, anchored so wind can’t lift them. | Same visit when safe to climb |
| Hand over | Receive photos and an invoice for your insurer. | End of the visit |
What should I do while I wait?
- Stay out of rooms with ceiling or floor damage.
- Move valuables and papers away from openings if it is safe.
- Photograph damage from outside.
- Write down your insurance claim number.
- If you smell gas, leave right away. From a safe place, call 911 and Atmos Energy at 866-322-8667 (Atmos Energy).
What is safe to do yourself?
- Covering a broken window from inside with plastic and tape, if you can reach it safely.
- Placing buckets under small drips.
- Leave roof work to professionals, especially on wet or damaged roofs.
- Don’t enter a fire-damaged building until the fire department says it is safe.
What drives the cost?
- The number and size of openings.
- Roof pitch, height and the size of the damaged area.
- Time of day and weather when the crew comes out.
- Materials, such as plywood thickness and tarp size.
- Whether a lockable door or security fencing is needed.
Keep the invoice and photos. TDI advises keeping receipts for all claim-related expenses.
How does homeowners insurance handle emergency repairs in Texas?
Your policy and your adjuster decide what is covered. The restoration company’s job is to document the damage and write an estimate the adjuster can review.
- Report the claim early. Texas insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it once they have what they need. They can extend that by 45 days if they explain why (Texas Department of Insurance).
- Photograph and film everything before it is moved or cleaned, and keep every receipt (TDI claim tips).
- Stop the damage from getting worse, for example with a tarp or a temporary repair. TDI lists this as a step for policyholders.
- Your deductible is yours to pay. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it (TDI: know the law).
- A contractor can’t act as your public adjuster. A company that does the repair work can’t negotiate your claim for you or advertise that it will.
- If you can’t live at home after covered damage, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel, meals and laundry. Keep the receipts (TDI on living expenses).
Stuck on a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance consumer help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint online.
How getting help works
When you call or send the form, we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. They inspect, document the damage and give you a written scope — you decide whether to hire them.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- Which IICRC certifications does the lead technician hold (for example WRT, FSRT, OCT or AMRT)?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Will I get a written scope of work before anything starts?
- Who will talk with my insurance adjuster, and what will you send them?
- If mold is involved: what is your TDLR mold remediation license number, and who did the independent mold assessment?
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your policy and whether the damage is covered. The Texas Department of Insurance lists temporary repairs as a step to prevent further damage. Keep the invoice and photos for your adjuster.
No. Photograph the damage, then protect the property. Waiting can let rain or intruders cause more damage.
A tarp is temporary. It should stay secured until permanent repairs, and the company should check it after strong wind or rain.
You can cover small openings from the ground or inside. Roof tarping and large openings are safer for a professional crew.
Find help in your area
Elsewhere in Texas? See all the areas we cover.
Get connected with a local restoration company
Free. No obligation. Prefer to talk? Call (855) 727-0147.