# Board-Up and Roof Tarping After a Fire > Securing a Charlotte home after a fire: boarding windows and doors, tarping a vented roof, protecting against rain and entry, and what to ask a contractor. URL: https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/services/board-up-and-tarping/ Section: Home > Services > Board-Up and Tarping Last updated: 2026-10-31 Disclosure: Fire Damage Restoration Charlotte is a call-in referral service. Your call is connected to an independent, licensed local contractor who speaks with you on that call; we do not perform the work ourselves. When the fire is out, the house is often left open: windows broken for ventilation, doors forced, a hole cut in the roof. Securing those openings protects the home from rain, animals and intruders, and it is usually one of the first things an insurer expects you to arrange. This page explains how board-up and tarping work and what to ask before the work starts. ## Key facts - Homeowners policies generally require you to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage after a loss, and securing openings is part of that [1]. - Firefighters often break windows and cut roof openings to vent heat and smoke, which leaves the structure exposed to weather [2]. - A properly secured tarp extends over the ridge and is fastened with battens so wind cannot get underneath it. - The U.S. Fire Administration notes that a fire-damaged home should be secured against entry before it is left unattended [2]. ## Why a fire-damaged house needs to be closed up Firefighting often leaves a house wide open. Crews break windows to let heat and smoke escape, force doors to get inside quickly and sometimes cut a hole in the roof to vent the attic. Flames themselves may have burned through siding, roof decking or a garage door. Those openings were necessary to stop the fire, but once the trucks leave, they expose everything inside to the next storm [2]. An open house also invites trouble. Vacant, damaged homes attract trespassers and thieves looking for copper, tools or anything left behind. Raccoons, squirrels, birds and insects move in quickly through roof openings. Children may be drawn to explore an obviously damaged building. Each of those risks can add new damage and new liability to a situation that is already difficult. Insurance is the third reason. Most homeowners policies include a duty to protect the property from further damage after a loss [1]. If rain pours through an untarped roof for a week, the insurer may question whether the extra water damage should be covered. Arranging board-up and tarping promptly, and keeping the receipts, protects both the home and the claim. ## The openings a fire usually leaves behind - **Broken windows:** Glass broken for ventilation or by heat is boarded from outside with plywood fastened into the frame or wall. - **Forced or burned doors:** Entry doors that were forced are secured with plywood and a lockable access point so you and contractors can still get in. - **Roof vent holes:** Holes cut by firefighters are covered with plywood and tarp, sealed to shed rain. - **Burned roof sections:** Larger areas of damaged decking or shingles are tarped across the ridge and battened down. - **Damaged siding and wall openings:** Holes where flames burned through exterior walls are sheathed to block weather and animals. - **Garage doors:** A damaged overhead door may be braced or covered so the garage cannot be entered. ## Battens along the edges keep wind from lifting a temporary roof tarp Battens along the edges keep wind from lifting a temporary roof tarp. ## How board-up and tarping are carried out 1. **Walk the exterior:** The crew identifies every opening, checks the roof from the ground and from a ladder where safe, and photographs each one for the record. 2. **Check structural safety:** Before anyone climbs on a fire-damaged roof, they check whether the decking and rafters can bear weight. Burned areas may be worked from a ladder or lift instead. 3. **Measure and cut:** Plywood is cut to fit each window and door opening, generally fastened to the frame or framing so it cannot be pried away easily. 4. **Secure an access door:** One door is fitted with a lockable plywood cover or a hasp and padlock so the owner, [adjuster](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/guides/working-with-your-insurance-adjuster/) and contractors can enter. 5. **Tarp the roof:** Tarps large enough to extend over the ridge are laid out, then fastened with wood battens screwed through the tarp into the roof deck along the edges. 6. **Seal and check drainage:** Edges are lapped so water runs off rather than under the tarp, and the crew checks that gutters and downspouts still carry water away. 7. **Document:** Photos of the completed work, with dates, go to the homeowner for the insurance file. ## Board-up and tarping materials compared | Material or method | Typical use | Advantages | Limits | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Plywood sheathing | Windows, doors, wall holes | Strong, blocks entry, widely available | Must be fastened well; blocks light | | Oriented strand board (OSB) | Larger wall openings | Strong for temporary cover | Swells if left wet for long | | Polyethylene tarp | Roof openings and damaged shingles | Quick to install, sheds water | Degrades in sun over weeks; needs battens | | Reinforced roof wrap or shrink film | Larger roof areas over longer periods | More durable than standard tarps | Requires specialized installation | | Polycarbonate panels | Windows where light is wanted | Lets light in, resists breaking | Less common; may not suit every opening | | Temporary fencing | Badly damaged homes on busy streets | Keeps people away from the site | Does not protect from weather | ## Charlotte storms and temporary roof protection Charlotte gets rain in every season, with summer thunderstorms that can drop a lot of water in a short time and occasional remnants of tropical systems moving inland from the coast [5]. Strong gusts from those storms can lift a poorly fastened tarp, turning it into a sail that tears free and leaves the attic open at the worst possible moment. That is why tarp technique matters more than tarp color or thickness. A tarp that drapes over the ridge, so water cannot run under its top edge, and that is fastened with continuous battens along its edges, will stay in place far longer than one held down with a few nails or sandbags. Check the tarp after any storm, and call the contractor back if it has loosened or pooled water. Summer sun also wears down standard tarps. If permanent roof repairs are going to take months while the claim is settled, ask whether a more durable temporary covering makes sense. ## Your duty to protect the property Most homeowners policies include a clause that requires you to take reasonable steps to protect the property after a loss. In practical terms that means preventing obvious further damage, such as rain coming through a hole in the roof or a broken window letting in water. The North Carolina Department of Insurance offers consumer information about homeowners claims and how to file a complaint if you have trouble with an insurer [1]. Board-up and tarping are typically treated as part of the fire loss. Keep every receipt and photo, and give copies to your adjuster. If the insurer's adjuster wants to see the damage before it is covered, ask whether temporary protection can be installed in a way that still lets them inspect. Many contractors photograph each opening before covering it for exactly this reason. If you rent your home, contact the landlord immediately. Securing the structure is normally the owner's responsibility, while your belongings are covered by renters insurance if you carry it. ## What you can safely do before the crew arrives - Do not climb on a fire-damaged roof; burned decking can give way. - Remove valuables, medications, documents and firearms from the house if it is safe to enter. - Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the property and call the police if they see anyone inside. - Shut off and lock the main water valve if pipes may be damaged, if you know where it is and it is safe to reach. - Let the police non-emergency line know the home is vacant and damaged if it will be empty overnight. - Take photos of all openings from outside, including the roof as seen from the ground or a neighbor's yard. - Place a temporary sign on the door with a contact number for your insurer or contractor if appropriate. ## Securing different kinds of Charlotte homes The job looks different across Charlotte. Older houses in neighborhoods such as Dilworth, Myers Park and [Plaza Midwood](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/areas/plaza-midwood/) often have original wood windows, decorative trim and steep roofs with complex lines. Boarding these homes carefully, with fasteners placed to minimize damage to historic trim, makes later restoration easier. Some of these neighborhoods fall within historic districts, where permanent exterior changes may need review, so temporary protection should avoid unnecessary damage to original features. Two-story homes in suburban areas such as [Ballantyne](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/areas/ballantyne/) and Highland Creek have tall gable walls and high second-floor windows that need ladders or lifts to reach safely. Large roof areas with multiple valleys may need several tarps lapped carefully at the joints. Townhomes and condos in areas such as [University City](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/areas/university-city/) and SouthPark share roofs and walls with neighbors. Tarping one unit's roof may involve the owners association, which may already have a preferred contractor for building envelope repairs. Coordination at the start avoids confusion about who is responsible for which openings. ## Keeping a vacant fire-damaged house secure A board-up does more than keep rain out. A home with plywood over every ground-floor opening and a locked access door is much harder to enter than one with broken glass and a hanging door. Some contractors use carriage bolts through the plywood and a backing strip inside the frame, which is far more difficult to remove from outside than screws alone. For longer vacancies, consider adding motion lights powered by battery or solar, asking for periodic drive-bys from a neighbor, and removing anything of value that can be moved. If the house will sit for months while the claim and permits are worked out, check the board-up regularly and repair any panel that has been tampered with. Make sure firefighters, police and your insurer know how to reach you, and keep the access key or padlock combination with you rather than on site. ## What follows the board-up Temporary protection buys time for the rest of the recovery. Once the house is secured, the inside work can begin: drying the water used to fight the fire, removing soot and smoke residue, and treating odor. Structural repairs, including roof framing, wall framing and new windows, usually require permits from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, which serves Charlotte [4]. The contractor who handles the board-up may also handle these later phases, or you may choose different companies for each. For a complete picture of the early decisions after a fire, see our guide on [what to do after a house fire](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/guides/what-to-do-after-a-house-fire/). For the drying side, see [water damage from firefighting](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/services/water-damage-from-firefighting/), and for interior residue, [smoke damage cleanup](https://firedamagerestorationcharlotte.com/services/smoke-damage-cleanup/). ## Questions to ask before board-up work - How will you fasten the plywood so it is secure but limits damage to the frame and trim? - Will one door be lockable so I and my adjuster can get in? - Is it safe to walk on the roof, or will you tarp from a ladder or lift? - How will the tarp be fastened, and will it extend over the ridge? - Will you photograph each opening before and after covering it? - How often should the tarp and boards be checked, and who will do it? ## Keeping animals and insects out Roof holes and open soffits are an invitation to wildlife. Raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds and snakes all use openings in damaged homes, and once inside they can tear insulation, chew wiring and leave droppings that add a health hazard to the cleanup. Insects, including wasps and termites, are drawn to damp, damaged wood. Covering every opening, including small gaps at the eaves and around damaged vents, reduces those risks. If an animal is already inside, do not seal it in; a wildlife control service can remove it humanely before the final board-up. Droppings found during cleanup should be handled with gloves and a respirator, and larger accumulations left to professionals. ## Gas, power and water at a boarded-up house Before a damaged house is closed up and left, it helps to know the state of its utilities. The fire department may have shut off gas or power during the fire. Do not turn either back on yourself. The gas utility and a licensed electrician need to inspect damaged systems before service is restored [3]. If the house will be vacant and the weather turns cold, consider whether pipes are at risk of freezing. Shutting off the main water valve and draining lines can prevent a second water loss in an unheated house, but ask the contractor or a plumber for help if you are not sure how. A boarded house with no power will also have no sump pump, security system or smoke detection, so plan regular check visits. ## Protecting the inside while the house is closed up Board-up and tarping deal with the outside of the house, but a few interior steps help too. Water that came through the roof before it was tarped may still be dripping from ceiling cavities; buckets and plastic sheeting under those spots limit new staining. Furniture near broken windows can be moved to the center of the room and covered. Doors between damaged and undamaged rooms should stay closed, and gaps under them can be blocked with plastic or towels to slow the spread of soot and odor into clean areas. If the power is off, open the refrigerator and freezer only to empty them; spoiled food quickly adds a strong odor to an already difficult situation. Some contractors also set up temporary lighting and a few air scrubbers at this stage, so that when the interior work starts, residue has not settled further. ## Board-up and the fire investigation After some fires, the fire marshal or an insurance investigator needs to examine the scene to determine the cause. Until they release it, the area of origin may need to stay undisturbed. Board-up and tarping can usually proceed because they protect the scene rather than change it, but the crew should avoid moving debris near the origin. If you are not sure whether the investigation is finished, ask the fire department or your insurer before any debris removal begins. The contractor you're connected with can work around an active scene by covering openings and leaving the interior alone until it is released. ## A simple post-fire security checklist | Item | Why it matters | | --- | --- | | All ground-floor windows covered | Blocks entry and weather | | Every exterior door secured, one lockable | Allows controlled access for you and contractors | | Roof openings tarped over the ridge | Prevents rain from entering the attic and ceilings | | Valuables and documents removed | Reduces theft risk and protects irreplaceable items | | Utilities status known | Avoids unsafe restarts and frozen pipes | | Insurer and neighbors have your contact number | Lets them reach you if something changes | | Photos of completed board-up saved | Supports the claim and shows the duty to protect was met | ## Chimneys, vents and skylights after a fire Roof penetrations deserve a separate look. A chimney that was exposed to intense heat may have cracked flue liners or loose masonry at the crown, and a fire that started in a fireplace or wood stove can damage the chimney itself. Skylights may have cracked glazing or failed seals, and plumbing and bath fan vents can be melted where they pass through the attic. Each of these openings needs to be covered or sealed as part of the tarping plan. A tarp laid around a chimney without proper flashing tends to channel water straight down the masonry into the attic. Crews often build a small cricket or wrap the tarp up the chimney sides before fastening it. Skylights can be covered with plywood and tarp together. A chimney professional should inspect the chimney before any fireplace or stove is used again. ## Board-up and tarping questions ### Do I have to board up my house after a fire? Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and an open house is exposed to rain, animals and intruders. Boarding up and tarping are the usual way to meet that duty. ### Does insurance cover board-up after a fire? Temporary protection is commonly treated as part of a covered fire loss, but check your policy and keep every receipt and photo for your adjuster. ### How long can a roof tarp stay on? A well-fastened tarp can protect a roof for weeks, but sun and wind wear it down. Check it after storms. For longer delays, ask about a more durable temporary covering. ### Can I put a tarp on my roof myself? Climbing on a fire-damaged roof is dangerous because decking may be weakened. If you are not experienced and the roof has not been checked, leave it to a crew with the right equipment. ### Will boarding up damage my windows? Some fastener holes are unavoidable, but careful crews fasten to the frame or wall in ways that limit damage. In historic homes, ask how they will protect original trim. ### How do I get into my house after it is boarded up? Ask the crew to secure one door with a lockable cover or padlock. Keep the key or combination with you, not on site. ### Do I need a permit to board up a house in Charlotte? Temporary protection is generally treated as emergency work. Permanent repairs, such as new roof framing or windows, usually need permits from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. ### What if my tarp blows off in a storm? Call the contractor who installed it as soon as it is safe, photograph any new water damage, and tell your insurer. Move belongings away from the leak if you can do so safely. ### How soon after a fire should the house be boarded up? As soon as the fire department releases the property. Rain, animals and trespassers can all cause new damage the same night, and insurers expect reasonable steps to protect the home. ### Should I stay in the house once it is boarded up? Only if the fire department, the utilities and a contractor agree it is safe. Boarded windows mean little daylight or fresh air, and smoke residue may still be present. Most families stay elsewhere until cleaning and repairs are underway. ## Get a Charlotte home secured after a fire Call to be connected with an independent local contractor. Tell them which windows, doors and roof areas are open, and whether anyone has checked the roof, and they can explain how they would secure the house on that call. ## Sources 1. [North Carolina Department of Insurance](https://www.ncdoi.gov/) 2. [U.S. Fire Administration: Home fire prevention and safety](https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/) 3. [American Red Cross: Home fires](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html) 4. [Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement](https://code.mecknc.gov/) 5. [National Weather Service: Climate of Charlotte (GSP office)](https://www.weather.gov/gsp/) ## Talk to someone Call (704) 386-9209 (+17043869209). Your call connects to an independent local contractor who speaks with you on that call.