If you’ve ever passed by a house with plywood placed over windows after a storm or a fire, you’ve probably seen the results of emergency board-up services. These services are just about what they say. They’re boards placed over holes in a building to protect it. The roof might also be covered by a tarp.
How You Know If Your Home Needs an Emergency Board-Up
You might think that a couple of cracked windows caused by that ferocious storm that blew in the other day don’t require board-up service. Maybe they don’t, but there are situations where you definitely need to call. Indeed, what may require you to get emergency board-up is simply this:
- Damage that lets in the weather. That means windows whose panes have been blown out and whose frames have been ripped off, doors torn off their hinges, and holes in the roof, the siding, and the walls. By the way, this damage not only lets in the weather, but it can let in vandals, burglars, and other types of trash. Also, openings in your home caused by a disaster can lead to even more damage if they’re not seen to.
How Professionals Assess Damage to Your Home
After a calamity, professionals will come to your home and inspect the damage and places that are vulnerable to damage. They’ll write down what they see, take photos for your insurance company, and itemize costs. Before they actually board up your home, they’ll remove hazards such as broken electrical wires, shards of glass, and anything that’s unstable, and simply clean up the area as much as possible. Only then will they safeguard your home with panels cut to precisely fit the opening.
To make sure the boards are weatherproof, the pros will also apply caulk around the edges. If the roof has been damaged, they’ll also put a tarp over it. The professionals will bolster the panels from the inside just in case someone has an idea to take them off from the outside. They’ll keep the tarp steady with outdoor fasteners. They’ll also reinforce any locks on your doors and ensure your basement or crawlspace is as inaccessible to intruders as they can. The pros will then check their work and reinforce any weak areas.
About Insurance
Besides keeping your home safe from further damage, emergency board-up service may also be a requirement of your home insurer. At any rate, board-up service gives you time to gather together all the documentation you need for your insurance company and to find building contractors who can restore your home.
Hopefully, you’ll never need emergency board-up services. If you do, it’s good to know what it entails. When you need storm damage services in Long Island, NY, contact United Water Restoration Group of Long Island.
