Can You DIY Board-Up or Should You Call a Pro?
Last updated October 23, 2026
The short answer
When a Temporary DIY Board-Up Makes Sense
A temporary DIY board-up can work for small, manageable openings. This might include a single broken windowpane or a minor hole in a wall. The goal is to quickly keep rain and pests out while you arrange for permanent repairs. Use plywood, nails, and a tarp if needed, focusing on immediate coverage rather than a perfect seal.
Ensure you have the right safety gear, like gloves and safety glasses, before starting. Measure the opening and cut your plywood to overlap the edges by a few inches. Secure it from the outside using long screws or nails driven into the wall studs or window frame. This is a stopgap measure, not a permanent solution, to buy you a short amount of time.
Risks of a DIY Approach for Major Openings
For larger openings, such as a damaged door frame, a hole in the roof, or a compromised wall section, DIY efforts often fall short. An improper seal can allow more water inside, leading to extensive hidden damage. The structural integrity around the opening may be weakened, making it unsafe to work on without proper assessment and tools.
Attempting to secure a large area yourself can also pose serious safety risks. You might be working at height or near unstable materials. Without the correct bracing techniques, a temporary patch could fail under wind pressure or further shifting. This could cause injury or allow the damage to worsen significantly before professional work begins.
- Failing to properly support a compromised roof or wall section.
- Creating an inadequate seal that lets in rain and humidity.
- Missing hidden structural damage that requires professional assessment.
- Using incorrect materials that do not provide sufficient strength.
- Working unsafely at heights or around unstable debris.
- Voiding insurance coverage if DIY repairs cause more damage.
How Professional Board-Up Protects Your Property
Local water damage pros secure openings with the correct materials and methods. They use heavy-duty plywood, industrial fasteners, and proper bracing to withstand weather. Their work creates a tight, secure barrier that prevents further water, wind, and pest entry. This professional containment is the first critical step in stabilizing the property for the full restoration process.
This service also includes a safety inspection of the surrounding area. The pros can identify hidden risks like sagging ceilings, electrical hazards, or mold growth that started from the initial leak. By addressing these issues early, they help prevent secondary damage and create a safer environment for the subsequent drying and repair work your home will need.
The Role of Board-Up in Water Damage Mitigation
Board-up is not just about covering a hole; it is a core part of water damage mitigation. Stopping additional water entry is essential to control the scale of the damage. Every hour that rain or humid air gets inside, the drying process becomes longer, more complex, and more expensive. Effective board-up protects the interior from ruin.
In a humid subtropical climate with hot rainy summers and an Atlantic hurricane season, a fast, proper seal is even more critical. Lingering moisture quickly promotes mold growth and wood rot. Professional board-up helps local water damage pros establish a controlled environment. This allows their drying equipment to work efficiently on the original spill or flood, not a continuing leak.
Making the Decision for Your Home
Consider the size, cause, and location of the opening. A small, accessible window you can safely reach may be a DIY candidate. For anything involving the roof, load-bearing walls, or large sections of siding, the risk is too high. If the damage resulted from a storm, fire, or impact, the underlying structure is likely compromised and needs expert attention.
Your safety and preventing further loss should guide your choice. If you have any doubt about the stability of the area or your ability to create a weatherproof seal, calling for help is the prudent step. The cost of professional board-up is often minor compared to the expense of repairing escalated water damage or structural failure that a failed temporary patch can cause.
- Assess the opening's size: is it larger than a standard window?
- Identify the cause: was it wind, impact, or structural failure?
- Check the location: is it on the roof or a high wall?
- Evaluate safety: can you work there without risk of injury?
- Consider time: can you finish the work before more weather moves in?
- Think long-term: will your fix hold for days or weeks?
Water damage does not wait
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Call Now (504) 608-0810Frequently asked questions
What materials do I need for a DIY board-up?
You need exterior-grade plywood, long screws or nails, a drill or hammer, a tape measure, and a saw. Also have a heavy-duty tarp, nails for it, and safety gear like gloves and glasses. The plywood should be at least half an inch thick to withstand wind.
Will my insurance cover professional board-up services?
Many homeowners policies cover board-up as part of emergency mitigation services following a covered peril, like storm damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Document the damage with photos and keep receipts for any work done for your claim.
What happens after the opening is boarded up?
After securing the property, the focus shifts to water damage restoration. This includes water extraction, drying out affected materials, and checking for mold. The board-up remains until permanent repairs, like window or wall replacement, can be scheduled and completed by the appropriate trades.