Why Boarding Up Quickly Matters
In California, between wildfire seasons, strong winter storms, high coastal winds, and the occasional earthquake put houses at risk. One consistent pattern we see is this: broken windows and doors usually lead to more extensive secondary damage than the initial event itself. A single broken window can:- Let rain or debris inside the walls and flooring
- Create a security risk for thieves
- Allow smoke or embers to enter
- Compromise structural integrity
1. Safety Comes First
Before you even touch a piece of emergency plywood, slow down. This step is important. Broken glass can scatter far and wide, and ladders are dangerous if rushed. Here’s what we always tell homeowners:- Thick gloves are non-negotiable.
- Safety glasses protect against tiny shards that fly while cleaning up.
- Closed-toe shoes and long sleeves reduce cuts and scrapes.
- Never lean sideways on ladders; reposition instead.
2. Pick the Right Plywood
Not all plywood is created equal. One common mistake is grabbing a thin sheet from the garage and hoping it will hold. Our advice:- Use exterior-grade plywood.
- Minimum thickness should be ½ inch for windows, ⅝–¾ inch for larger openings.
- Measure openings carefully. Boards should extend at least 4 inches beyond the frame to allow proper anchoring.
3. Proper Anchoring Determines Effectiveness
For storm preparation, a board is only as good as how it’s attached. For wood-framed homes:- Use exterior-grade screws, 2½–3 inches long.
- Space screws about 12 inches apart.
- Screw into wall studs, not just trim.
- Pre-drill to prevent cracking
- Use concrete or masonry screws anchored into framing behind the stucco
4. Don’t Forget Doors and Large Openings
Windows are just the start. Sliding doors, entry doors, and even garage doors need attention.- Remove loose glass first
- Cover the full frame for securing windows
- Add extra screws for wider openings
5. Reduce Wildfire Risk
Wildfire season is riskier. Embers can travel miles and ignite homes before flames reach them. Before boarding during fire season:- Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris away from windows
- Move patio furniture and flammable items away
- Close all windows completely
- Seal gaps to block embers
6. Prep Before Disaster Strikes
One of the best board up tips? Don’t wait. Measure windows and doors, pre-cut boards, and store screwdriver tools together.- Label plywood for each window
- Keep drill batteries charged
- Check ladder safety before storm season
7. Document Everything
Before you start boarding up, take a few minutes to capture the damage properly. This step helps protect your insurance claim and financial recovery. Here’s how we usually guide homeowners during our board up tips:- Take wide-angle photos to show the full wall, window, or door area.
- Snap close-ups of broken glass, cracked frames, or bent siding. Details matter to insurance adjusters.
- Record a short video walking around the damage if you can.
- Keep all receipts for materials used, like plywood, screws, anchors, or even tools bought for the job.
- Write down notes about what you did, when you did it, and anything unusual you noticed about the structure.
8. Know When to Call Professionals
You can fix small openings by yourself, but if you notice:- Large or irregular openings
- Roof damage along with wall damage
- Unstable structure
- Exposed electrical wiring
Bottom Line
Emergency board-up is temporary, but it protects your home from water intrusion, vandalism, fire exposure, and structural damage until permanent repairs can be completed. Board up tips include working methodically, following your preparation notes, and taking breaks when needed. These simple practices help reduce mistakes and keep everyone safe. And if you ever feel unsure, that’s okay. That is exactly why Green Planet Restoration is here to secure your home fast, safely, and correctly. Call us today for fast and secure board-up services in Los Angeles, so you can have peace of mind and focus on what matters most. “Written by our IICRC-certified restoration team at Green Planet Restoration, trained in professional emergency response, property protection, and damage restoration services.”Property damage right now?
We find the damage, dry or clean the structure and repair it. On site in about 45 minutes, 24/7.
Written by the Green Planet Restoration team
Our articles are written and reviewed by the crews who handle water, fire and mold damage every day across Southern California, Seattle, Miami-Dade and Las Vegas. About us
