What We Secure
Our board-up crews are trained to identify and secure every vulnerable point on a damaged structure. We do not just cover the obvious openings — we perform a full walk-through to find every compromised access point.
Windows
Broken or missing windows are the most common entry point for water, wind, and intruders. We measure each opening and install custom-cut plywood or polycarbonate panels secured with lag screws into the framing — not just tacked into the trim. This ensures the boards hold even in sustained wind.
Doors
Damaged or missing exterior doors are fully boarded and reinforced. For properties that need continued access during restoration, we install temporary lockable door assemblies that provide security while allowing authorized entry.
Structural Openings
When storms create holes in walls, rooflines, or soffits, these openings need to be sealed to prevent continued water intrusion and pest entry. We use reinforced plywood and weather-resistant barriers to close structural breaches until permanent framing and sheathing repairs can be completed.
Garage Doors & Skylights
Garage doors are particularly vulnerable to wind damage and are frequently blown in or off their tracks. We secure these large openings with braced plywood systems. Skylights that have been shattered or displaced receive board-up coverage or temporary waterproofing, depending on the situation and roof access.
Materials & Methods
The quality of a board-up job depends entirely on the materials used and how they are installed. Thin plywood tacked into trim with finishing nails will not survive a second weather event. American Disaster Solutions uses construction-grade materials and professional fastening methods that provide genuine structural protection.
Our standard material is 5/8-inch CDX plywood, which provides the strength-to-weight ratio needed for effective wind resistance. For properties requiring higher security or longer-term protection, we offer polycarbonate panel options that allow natural light transmission while providing impact resistance comparable to plywood. All panels are secured with lag screws driven into structural framing, not surface-mounted trim or siding.
Temporary Fencing
For larger properties, commercial sites, and multi-family buildings, board-up alone may not be sufficient to secure the entire perimeter. Fallen fencing, destroyed walls, and wide-open lot access create opportunities for unauthorized vehicle entry, illegal dumping, and liability exposure.
American Disaster Solutions provides temporary chain-link fencing with locked gates to establish a secure perimeter around damaged properties. This is particularly important for commercial properties with expensive equipment or inventory, multi-family complexes where tenant safety is a concern, and any property that will remain unoccupied during the restoration period. Our fencing installations include posted signage and can be adapted as the restoration progresses and site access requirements change.
Insurance Documentation
Board-up is a covered emergency mitigation service under most property insurance policies, but proper documentation is essential for smooth claims processing. Our crews photograph every opening before and after board-up, record the dimensions and materials used, and compile the information into a report formatted for insurance submission.
This documentation serves multiple purposes: it verifies that the board-up was necessary and proportionate to the damage, it provides adjusters with the measurements they need to validate the scope, and it creates a clear record that the property owner took reasonable steps to mitigate further loss — a requirement under most insurance policies. We deliver this documentation digitally, typically within 24 hours of job completion, so it is available when the adjuster needs it.
Our Process
Our board-up process is designed to secure a property completely in a single visit, minimizing the window of exposure.
1. Dispatch
You call our 24/7 line with the property address and a description of the damage. Our dispatch team assigns the nearest available crew, which arrives with a full inventory of pre-cut materials and fastening hardware.
2. Property Walk-Through
The crew lead conducts a complete exterior and interior walk-through to identify every compromised opening. We document existing damage conditions with photography before any work begins.
3. Board-Up Installation
Each opening is measured, panels are cut to fit, and boards are secured with lag screws into structural framing. Temporary door assemblies are installed where continued access is needed. Perimeter fencing is erected if required.
4. Final Inspection & Documentation
The crew lead inspects every secured opening, captures final photography, and compiles the documentation package. The property owner receives confirmation that the property is secured, and the insurance-ready report is delivered within 24 hours.