How Do I Board up a Home After Tornado Damage?
Last updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
Prioritize Safety Before You Begin
Before you approach your home, assess the surroundings for hazards. Look for downed power lines, unstable debris piles, or gas leaks. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave immediately and call the utility company from a safe distance. Only enter the structure if you are certain it is not at risk of further collapse.
Wear proper protective gear when you start work. Heavy gloves, sturdy boots, long pants, and a hard hat are essential. Eye protection guards against flying debris, and a dust mask helps if there is a lot of particulate matter in the air. Your safety is paramount, so do not take shortcuts with protective equipment.
Gather the Right Materials and Tools
You will need specific supplies to properly board up openings. Thick, exterior-grade plywood, at least half an inch thick, is the standard material. You also need a sufficient quantity of long exterior wood screws, a drill with screw bits, a tape measure, and a saw for cutting the plywood to size. Having a helper makes handling large sheets much easier.
Measure each opening carefully before cutting your plywood. Add several inches of overlap on all sides for a secure fit. Pre-drill holes in the plywood to make installation faster and to prevent the wood from splitting. Cut all your boards to size in a safe, clear area before attempting to install them on the damaged structure.
Securing Windows and Doors
Cover all broken windows and damaged doors completely. Remove any loose glass shards from the frame first. Position the plywood so it overlaps the window frame by at least two inches on each side. Drive screws through the plywood directly into the home's wooden framing around the window, not just into the trim, for a strong hold.
For doors, you may need to board over the entire frame. A missing or broken exterior door leaves your home extremely vulnerable. Use the same overlapping technique, securing the board into the door's frame studs. If the door frame itself is damaged, you may need to anchor the plywood into the adjacent wall studs for proper security.
Addressing Roof and Wall Openings
Large holes in walls or the roof require immediate attention to prevent interior water damage. For a damaged roof section, covering it from the inside with a tarp is often a safer first step than climbing onto a compromised structure. From the ground, you can then secure plywood over any accessible wall breaches to keep out rain and animals.
This work can be dangerous and physically demanding. If the damage is extensive or located high up, it is wise to contact local water damage pros. They have the equipment and experience to secure the structure safely. Preventing rain from entering is a critical priority to stop further damage.
Next Steps After Boarding Up
Boarding up is a temporary emergency repair. Your next move is to contact your insurance company to start the claim process. Take detailed photos of all the damage, both before and after you board it up, for your records. Keep all receipts for materials you purchased, as these costs may be reimbursable under your policy.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A permanent repair requires a professional assessment. For water that entered the home, a water damage inspection is necessary to find hidden moisture. For major structural repairs, you will need qualified contractors to restore your home to a safe and sound condition.
- Document everything with photos and videos.
- Contact your insurance provider to report the loss.
- Save all receipts for materials and temporary repairs.
- Schedule a professional inspection for hidden water damage.
- Arrange for permanent repairs with qualified contractors.
- Keep the boarded-up areas secure until work begins.
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Call Now (253) 785-9361Frequently asked questions
What thickness of plywood should I use for boarding up?
Use exterior-grade plywood that is at least half an inch thick. Thinner boards may not withstand wind or provide enough security. The plywood should be sturdy enough to resist impact and seal the opening completely against the weather.
Can I use nails instead of screws to secure the boards?
Screws are strongly recommended over nails. Screws hold much better under stress and are less likely to pull out in high winds. Long exterior wood screws driven into the home's framing provide a more secure and reliable temporary seal.
Does homeowners insurance cover the cost of boarding up?
Often, yes. Many policies cover the reasonable cost of emergency measures taken to prevent further damage. However, you must keep your receipts. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your policy details.