Will insurance pay for emergency board-up?

Often yes. Policies make you guard the home from worse harm, and fair board-up costs are often paid back. Shoot photos first, keep the line-by-line bill, and send it with your claim.

Can I use a tarp and not plywood?

A tarp blocks rain for a bit but gives no guard and shreds in wind. For broke windows and doors, plywood screwed to the frame is right. Tarps are for roofs, not holes.

How long can boards stay up?

Boards are temp cover, not a fix. Plan final window and door swaps as soon as firms are free. Some towns cap how long boarded homes can sit with no work in motion.

Emergency Board-Up in New Orleans: What to Know

Do It Tonight, Not Tomorrow

Each hour a broke window sits open, rain gets in and safety goes out. Board-up is the top-value quick fix you can do. It is fast and cheap, and your insurer wants it done. Skipping it can even hurt your claim, since policies make you stop worse harm.

DIY Board-Up Basics

Use 5/8-inch outdoor plywood. Thin sheets bend and fail in wind.
Cut boards to pass the frame by inches on each side.
Drive screws into the frame, not just trim. Trim rips off. For brick, use brick anchors.
Mark each board by window so they go back fast if more storms come.
Do not seal the home airtight. Leave air flow so damp can get out.

When to Call a Board-Up Firm

Harm is on the upper floor.
Many holes or a big storefront.
You cannot reach the site.
The frame round the hole is hurt.

Pro crews work round the clock after big storms. Many bill your insurer direct — lock down billing first, and get a line-by-line bill.

After Board-Up

Boards are temp cover, not a fix. Next: shoot the sealed holes for your claim file. Book glass and frame swaps. Check the site often until final fixes are done. If the home sits empty, tell your insurer — empty home rules may kick in.

Watch for Scams

Board-up draws storm chasers since it is quick and urgent. Check licensing at lslbc.gov. Get the price in writing first. Never pay cash up front. See how to avoid scams.